Help with my first Scuba gear

[Searcaigh]

Which side should I choose, to be best, for the only one first stage

Whatever is easier to route your hoses for your wing inflation etc.

 

[happy-diver]

I think I favour the right post from a valve knob perspective
plug and cover on the left from a head gouging perspective

 

[Gandalf-the-Diver]

Later discovered my weights fell out the right BCD pockets.

Aqua Lung or Oceanic BCDs? Scubapro weight pockets, do not drop out. Since you are looking at top end equipment, the Scubapro Hydros Pro is an amazing back inflate bcd, with ditchable pockets that will not drop out. Atomic masks are excellent, and I love mine. SP MK25Evo with G260 is my reg choice, and I went with a Shearwater Peregrine for a computer. 315 dives with it, and, would I like Ai, yes, but it is not really needed.
Sounds like, your chosen dive shop, looks at you as a bank machine.

 

[Gandalf-the-Diver]

Honestly, this is why I like doing my research before making purchases like this. I love options and listening to everyone ideas/suggestions. You know, before I purchased anything, all I would here is "Support your own dive shop." At the same time, I actually had one person tell me that after they spend so much on equipment, they felt like they bought an expensive car and didnt have enough to put gas in it hehe.

Im learning now that a lot of brands stand behind their products and 99.9% of the time, they will last you a long time if you take good care of it.

I spent on gear, roughly the same as what you have budgeted, maybe a little bit more; but I split my gear between new and used. Most of the used, from my chiosen dive shop. I dropped about 9K Cdn on my gear, before my OW even started. (I had tried scuba as a teenager, and 25 yrs ago, I knew I would love it already) Sp Hydros Pro BCD (used), MK25Evo g260 new, Hollis DCX and LX200/LX150 octo used, Catalina 13cu pony with Sherwood Stage 1,used, 2 Faber HP100 tanks used, Custom ordered Bare TriLam Tech Dry new, Hollis Bat Fins, ATOMIC mask, SW Peregrine new, Zoop Novo in console with used Hollis regs as backup.
You can get a lot of usable equipment for the dollar value your chosen dive shop wants to gouge you for.
Am now over 300 dives, and about the only thing I have changed in my gear in the last 2 years; I upgraded my pony to a 30cu Catalina, again used.

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

The reality is most people are happy with their gear because most gear works.

Or it's what their instructor wore.

Because the shop they worked for sold/serviced that line. And made them wear it.

But yeah. Most gear works well.

I'm pretty much brand agnostic. But I'm centralizing on a couple of regulators (SP MK11/MK17/H50-D) and an APEKS XL4 second because it reduces my need to stock many redundant service kits.

A couple SP 260s and my original Atomics along for the ride and a couple of HOG regs (did I mention I picked up a few new D2s really cheap at a shop recently that was clearing them out (they bought DIN and their public safety dive org wanted yokel regs, so my win...)

OMMOHY

 

[lexvil]

Im new to Scuba Diving and just got my open water. As most of you know Scuba gear could be super expensive as Ive already spent a lot on mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuite, and boots

Although I may have taken a few shortcuts on a few items (e.g., SMB, Finger reels, Bolt snaps, Mesh backpack for gear, Equipment bags, etc..),
there are some areas that I dont mind spending a little extra.
Was hoping you pros could tell me your honest opinion on what you think as my first major items on my purchase list and if you would do anything different:


Items are in order on how plan to purchase them (Order might change if I find good deals on them) especially around the holidays).
If anyone has any items they are interested in selling, feel free to shoot me a DM. Doesnt hurt to ask


Dive Computer:
-Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti ($1400+) (Like the idea of being able to replace my own battery unlike the Teric model)
-Shearwater Swift AI Transmitter ($400)
+With the Teric you don’t need to change the battery, if it needs to be changed they will do it for you+

Regulator:
-Atomic T3 Regulator ($2,000)
-Atomic Ocotopus Z2 -or- Ti2 ($250 - $400)
-Oceanic Proplus 4.0 (Non-wireless Backup SPG, just incase dive computer ever fails) ($750)
-Atomic AI Inflator Titanium ($300, might purchase open box to save some)
+T is a nice regulator, not worth the $$$$ in my opinion. There are many other options that will leave you with $$ left in you pocket+

BCD:
This is a tough one since Im small and hard to find the perfect fit.
Both have a price of about $1600
-Atomic BC1 (seems a little bulky so leaning more towards the BC2)
-Atomic BCq.
+Untold number of better options, hydros for one but you can buy a ready to dive bp/w from some, like Zeagle for 1/2 the cost+
Other:
-Eventually would like to purchase spring straps for fins. Those are currently priced at about $75
-Cutting tools and gloves as I plan to start a group doing ocean cleanups. +buy fins with bungee or springs+

 

[Michalski23]

I did my own research then I went to my local dive shop and I told them what I wanted. The owner was impressed with my selection and the entire process was super easy and I didn’t feel like I was taken advantage of.
There is a lot of information available online, do your own research and ask questions at your local dive shop.

I would recommend looking into Apeks (xtx50), zeagle bcd etc. There are a lot of good options.

 

[lexvil]

This is one of the best deals out there

the F8 regulator will keep up with anything out there and exceed most in performance, Zeagle Recon fins are excellent.

google that name in the blue band, they have everything you need.

 

[Jake 10]

Stop, don't rush and buy gear. I rented for my first 46 dives and try out all kinds of gear. Try different gear at several shops. When diving with a shop you can request them to let you try one BCD vs another if that shop has several types or brands. You are fortunate enough to live in Florida where there are shops everywhere. Look online for reviews and customer experience, but remember to wipe off those complaining about color or how many D rings the BCD have. Take your time to evaluate what you really need/want and keep in mind the repair kits availability. For example all my regulators are Scubapro MK17 EVO. I can get repair kits for these, or buy the MK19 kits which are the same. You can always try and buy international (Italy, UK, Japan) and save some money now on purchase, but you will have to pay maintenance and repairs in US as warranty will not be honored.

If you were to buy now, I would recommend starting with a Scubapro MK11, C370, R195. Get a SPG used in great condition, and get a new computer that you can sell down the road before you go for the expensive one. The Mk11 First Stage Regulator is a good recreational regulator with a diaphragm first stage for use in temperate waters. Diaphragm-based first stages are environmentally sealed so that water cannot enter the inner mechanism.

Good luck in your trail,, and keep blowing bubbles.

 

[BoltSnap]

I did my own research then I went to my local dive shop and I told them what I wanted. The owner was impressed with my selection and the entire process was super easy and I didn’t feel like I was taken advantage of.
There is a lot of information available online, do your own research and ask questions at your local dive shop.

I would recommend looking into Apeks (xtx50), zeagle bcd etc. There are a lot of good options.

What did you get?