Help choosing the best brand

[luicci]

Hi,
This is my first post here, and I'm scheduled to have my PADI OW cert in the next couple of weeks. I live in SoCal and I know that most of you are going to say that I should wait to get my equipment, AND I am going to wait BTW. But I'm doing my research so when I'm ready to buy my BC I'll get the best available. Which brands are in your opinion the best BCs and regulators? I'm willing to spend around $1000-$1500.
Thanks

 

[mike_s]

There is no need to spend $1k to $1500 on a "recreational BC"


BC Fit and features you need/want are much more important that buying a particular "brand name" to keep up with all the other "Jones" on the dive boat.

Buy what works best for you, for the type diving you do.

 

[BDSC]

I dive mostly Scubapro stuff and love it. It has served me well for 18 or so years and have never had any problems at all with their equipment. I highly recommend them.

 

[rye_a]

Hi,
This is my first post here, and I'm scheduled to have my PADI OW cert in the next couple of weeks. I live in SoCal and I know that most of you are going to say that I should wait to get my equipment, AND I am going to wait BTW. But I'm doing my research so when I'm ready to buy my BC I'll get the best available. Which brands are in your opinion the best BCs and regulators? I'm willing to spend around $1000-$1500.
Thanks

You can buy my Zeagle Stiletto for $1,000 if you like (but I'd just turn around and buy another one ).

But seriously, I hope that you mean that you would be willing to spend ~$1,500 for your bc/regs/gauges. I got my set-up (AL Legend ACD, Apeks Egress octo, SPG, Zeagle Stiletto), at my LDS during a great sale for just over $1,000. For $1,500 you should be able to get a great set-up (including non AI computer) from your LDS or from Scuba Toys.

I couldn't be happier with my set-up, and in keeping with the topic of this forum I would highly recommend Zeagle BCs. I prefer the back-inflate style to vests, and Zeagle turns out high quality products and provides outstanding customer support.

 

[luicci]

Of course I meant $1000-$1500 for BC, Reg, octopus, gauges. I'm not that crazy!!! LOL

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

-BP/W ( & STA, 2 SP straps) +/- $350-750
-scubapro mk17/S600 +/- $400
-Suunto Vytec DS w/o transmiter +/- $500
-Dive Rite 1.5" pressure gauge $100

everything above for less than $1500

 

[Standingbear56]

Hi,
This is my first post here, and I'm scheduled to have my PADI OW cert in the next couple of weeks. I live in SoCal and I know that most of you are going to say that I should wait to get my equipment, AND I am going to wait BTW. But I'm doing my research so when I'm ready to buy my BC I'll get the best available. Which brands are in your opinion the best BCs and regulators? I'm willing to spend around $1000-$1500.
Thanks

Hello Luicci,
I highlighted your own best solution. You will find most of the posters here are vary passionate about the equipment that works best for them. However, please keep in mind that what is best for them may be in fact the worst for you. Your best bet is to try out as many systems as you can, at least in a pool, but under actual diving conditions if at all possible. If you are trying out a system you are not familiar with, seek the advice of someone who can teach you the ins and out of that system. For instance, a Backplate/Wings is the perferred system of many here on the board, and for many valid reasons. However, it may take some time to get a system set up correctly for YOU. If you aren't given the chance to "dial it in" you may get the wrong impressions. Also, just because the BP/W is perferred by the majority here, that doesn't mean that it is the ONLY way of doing things. All I'm saying is for you to take the time and do the research. Listen to the advice you will be getting, but try things out for yourself.
Take care,
George