If I had that to over again

[metridium]

Originally posted by TRUETEXAN
Okay Metridium, Mainly I ment regs and I am sure you knew that, however I don't think that it is neccessarly a bad idea for a new diver to have any and all of their equipment checked over every once in a while, and no, I'm not kidding!

No, I'm afraid I'm not psychic. I have to rely on what people have written to understand what they mean.

I agree it probably can't hurt to have a relative newbie's gear looked over, but it's beyond me why that should be a reason to pay a significant premium in a LDS. You can always send it back to the seller, or ask the LDS to look it over while they're servicing your regs (perhaps for a small fee, perhaps not).

 

[TexasMike]

I agree that annual service should be done on BC's. Since this is something my life depends on, it's worth the few dollars per year to ensure that all is in working order. Plus the extended warranty may require such service (depending on manufacturer).

ff: But if we want to debate this, let's take it to a new thread since this would be a new topic.

 

[TexasMike]

Swamper,

To try and steer this juggernaut back on topic, be sure to buy Calvin a few beers and get him to discuss gear with you. And while he is an LDS owner, he is one of the better ones out there and will give you some good advice.

If nothing else, I own a Zeagle Ranger and the OMS IQ system (complete with the Amazing Bungeed Wings of Death). You are more than welcome to meet me out at CSSP in Terrell and take a dive in both of them. And I'm sure we can get some other divers out there at the same time with their gear who would be happy to answer your questions.

 

[dc4bs]

OK, to get back "on thread"...

Originally posted by Swamper
"If there is something that you wished you could do over again what would it be"?
Randy

Hmm... Well, the only thing that immediatly comes to mind is the BC... I love diving my SeaQuest Pro QD "jacket style" BC, but it can no longer support the type of diving I'm getting into lately.

For summer/warm water diving to recreational depths it's wonderfull but if you think you will eventualy want to move on to deeper/wreck/cave diving, definately think about starting out with a back inflation BC or even a backplate and wing harness.

My BC will most likely go to my nephiew in another year or two when he's big enough for it (so it's by no means a loss) but If I had gone straight to the BP/wing style I could have saved money in the long run.

 

[metridium]

What I'd do differently:
- not buy a gimmicky mask (my first had angled panes at the bottom for easier gauge reading). I found it too distracting and abandoned it after a couple dives.
- get a backplate optimized for singles right away
- get a bare-bones snorkel. I rarely, if ever, use mine.

What I wouldn't change:
- Extensively researching my gear and thoroughly shopping around. I travel quite a bit, so I consulted with over a dozen shops in several states for the best package price on the gear my girlfriend and I wanted. Doubling up the purchases added even more leverage with the dive shops. We soon hit one manufacturer's mandatory minimum prices, but a couple shops got around that easily enough by offering free AOW classes, and miscellaneous gear.

It wasn't really my intention to shop around so extensively, but some disreputable shops early on gave me great incentive to continue.

 

[metridium]

Originally posted by TexasMike
To try and steer this juggernaut back on topic, be sure to buy Calvin a few beers and get him to discuss gear with you. And while he is an LDS owner...

Assuming Calvin is a participant in this thread, which one is he?

 

[TexasMike]

I don't think Calvin is on ScubaBoard.

Calvin is the owner of the LDS and scuba park where Swamper lives (Athens Scuba Park) and the person Swamper said he will be taking is o/w training with. He's also a really nice guy and can tell some great dive and treasure hunting stories.

 

[devjr]

Swamper, listen to "dee". Also, my two cents. Forget the drysuit. Given your size, buy a conventional 7mm wetsuit but do it through your local shop. Get a custom fit if necessary. Stay away from costly hype like "titanium" and what have you. Don't get add ons which stiffen the suit; I'm talking kneepads, under garments etc, unless you are going into salvage.

You will probably be happier with a recreational back inflate BC. However, take a look to see if it is cluttered with add ons. The front should be clean. Extra dump valves and weight pockets are OK.

Mares and Aqualung make good recreational to advanced regulators and are discounted. Easy to find dealers/service.

Go ahead and splurg on a pair of split fins such as the Apollo Pro or Scubapro twin jet. Allow for wet suit boot.

Try the SP Frameless mask or cheaper imitation. Black rubber is good. Be prepared to use anti fog for the first six dives.

The Genesis computers/gauges are easy to read and reasonable. The graphics are outstanding. Everything in one console except compass. That should be a wrist type with a revolving bezel and marker.

The aluminum tanks are cheaper. Steel tanks are more compact and are negatively buoyant which some folks appreciate.

Straightaway, decide on the type of connection, the high pressure DIN or the standard yoke type.

If you have some hidden agenda, such as becoming a "tech" diver, forget the above.