hello all more advise needed

[philfoofighter]

first dive last sunday thanks to everyone for their advise about medical form anyway absolutley loved it never experienced anything like it before glad i gave it a go next dive this sunday.I have started getting a bit of kit but could anyone advise me on a good bcd and reguklator package or individual that doesnt cost the earth and is good for beginners appreciate the advise

 

[Thalassamania]

First of all, after getting a mask and fins that fit you right, get the best thermal protection that you can, if you freeze you will not like to dive; and the more diving you do the more you will notice the cold. BC's are as much a question of features as they are anything else, so I tend to favor the BC/w approach ... simple and to the point. Most all modern regulators work rather well, when you are starting out I don't see the need to spend a huge amount of money for the latest and best-est regulator.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Second Thal's advice. For a specific BC I'd take a long look at the Zeagle Express Tech. Not the delux but the basic one. If you plan to dive cold water and require more lead the larger wing option may be needed but I use my standard with a steel 95 and 3 mil or 5 mil with up to 10 lbs additional weight. Suggested retail is around $250 US. Add 4 drings and a steel buckle to replace the plastic one for another 30 bucks tops and you have a BC for well under $300 that will fit you and can be adjusted damn near instantly. As for the reg I'd look at a Sherwood. The new Bruts have a balanced 1st, dry bleed system, and the price has come down over last year! They are easy to service and have been around for a long time. If you bought this setup in the US you could keep the cost for BC and reg around 800 bucks with analog gauges. You'd pay that much for a scubapro jacket and AIR II alone with no reg.( why you would is beyond me but hey.)