Is this good gear/a good deal?

[NorthWoodsDiver]

You should have listened to us before buying anything, avoid those brands and go with a back plate and wing for a bc. weight integration is more a hindrance than anything and a consol computer with compass is far more of a pain than a good wrist set. stay away from aeris, oceanic, mares, etc.

 

[Stu S.]

Hey, Jimmy. Phil will take care of you. I might suggest getting each instrument as a separate piece rather than an integrated or console model. That means a separate computer, SPG, and compass. That way, if something fails, leaks, or is damaged, you get that thing repaired or replaced, instead of the "whole everything". I have had each of these things fail at some time or another, (since 1977) and individual items make fixing things easier.

I keep the computer on the wrist, mostly because I am used to it. We did not have consoles available when I started out. My computer goes on the wrist where the depth gage used to go.

Have fun with it.

 

[irishsquid]

I went down to sdi scuba in huntsville al, and made out "dream" equipment package, with 10 percentt off the retail price, which follows.

Atmos lx bcd $485.96
AT 400 Pro Reg 404.96
Gyro Octo 125.96
atmos ai with compass and qd 719.96
roller duffel free
nitrox class and crew pack free
tax:138.95
total:1935.77
the BCD and computer are NOT changing, but all else can. is this any good?

I offer the following observations/opinions for your consideration:

1.) I use the Aeris AT400Pro w/DVT. Great, lightweight, easy breathing reg. I have had ZERO problems to date. Lifetime FREE service parts.
2.) I had a Gyro Octo and have recently replaced it. It wasn't really bad. It did have to be re-tuned (light freeflow) after about a dozen dives but was fine afterward. I decided to go with the Aeris Pro on a 7' hose and purchased another Pro to go on a necklace.
3.) I have an Aeris XR2 computer, compass, and SPG on a console that is currently being broke down to 2 wrist mounts and the spg on a single boot hose. Good gear, I just didn't care for the wrecking ball feel/effect.
4.) I use an Aeris Coral BC. I like it OK. It seems to be made well. I don't like the wrap around crushing effect. It has worked well for me otherwise. I have just purchased a DSS bp/w and Hog harness. *Tobin is a knowledgeable and easy to work with guy. He called me after I ordered online to discuss my purchase, diving style/goals, etc. to make sure I was purchasing the right equipment for my goals. Thanks Tobin! Can't wait to get it tuned in at the pool.
5.) All of the above has come about by diving my original gear, diving with many different divers, asking questions, observing many different divers, tried a few different setups, and reading SB.

For the record; I'm a DORK diver but alot of the dir/tec makes SENSE. I won't drink Kool-Aid tho'. Whatever you decide, as long as the gear is safe and you dive,
GREAT.

 

[weaserm99]

The gear that you have picked out is great gear, i dont know why people are telling you to stay away from aeris. I work at a dive shop that sells oceanic, they have great customer service, the shop also sells aqualung and sherwood as well, most of my gear though is Oceanic, i love it so much more than the other things that i can get. Aeris is oceanics sister company, they offer alot of good gear, the computers are the same program as Oceanics, just not the oceanic name. I have two oceanic computers and plan on purchasing some of the air integrated wireless ones. The air integration is wonderful because it can tell you your true controlling factor on every dive, whether it is air, nitrogen or oxygen. I will say that i applaud you if you buy from you LDS, they are an authorized dealer for Aeris, see if you are also see if they have the same type of program oceanic has with the alliance service agreement.

 

[veriqster]

Ok if it helps to sway you I owned that aeris console and returned it for a suunto cobra which I eventually owned 3 of and sold my first and now use that as backup and rely on a simple cheap SPG and bottom timer on bungee mount. The cobra is more user friendly, cheaper, and the RBGM is good for most recreational divers. The bottom timer and spg is brainless to use and almost 100% reliable.

I have seen and used aeris gear, I dont like it and dont know of anyone who prefers it over say dive rite, OMS, or scubapro. Save your money and your mind and go with good gear and if you shop around you could get it even cheaper than I did I am sure.

Leisure pro and scubatoys both have sales going on right now that will save you money on a BP/W, compass, bottom timer and regs. but stay away from Cressi, aeris, and mares. Contact tobin at deep sea supply for the Real deal.

...., Mares, .....
I have no clue about other brands you mentioned but including Mares in there kind of shows me how up to date are you on scuba equipment - if you find ANY manufacturer that will give you better product support right now I dive a wetsuit in Boston Harbor tomorrow.
My advice, if you can find an Abys at a good price get it (unless you plan on using it for deco stops).
I own a dive rite wing myself but I do not see why you people are obsessed with some particular brand - you should look at some pictures I have, divers looking like they are being paid by Halcion, OMS or Scubapro. Talking about the latest, have you owned one, how about servicing it (regulator).
I don't mean to start a flame in here.
If you want my advice, read, read, read. Then have a good look at divers doing the dives that you DREAM about, see what they use, understand WHY they use that configuration or brand, see if it fits you current needs AND BUDGET (you will find that some things simply do not justify themselves for the moment, hopefully not). Then make a shopping list (with alternatives for every piece of gear that you need / want) and start hunting. Unless you need the gear TOMORROW you do not have to shell out all that cash in one round or you can get a special deal from somebody for doing that.
From what I see in that shopping list in the first post you WILL be shopping again quite soon, that's if you are still diving after your "rush" is over.
I have to mention it again - I DO NOT MEAN TO START A FLAME IN HERE.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Mares is one of the top dive gear manufacturers worldwide. They make high end equipment. As veriqster said, get an Abyss reg as you can't get a much better one. Most of my gear is Mares and I have NEVER had any problems with it.

 

[chgodvr]

Sounds a little pricey to me but realize they're tossing in the free nitrox class. You also don't say anything about a service agreement for maintenance. Yea you might get it cheaper at Liesure Pro but there is no warranty (just look at the posts on problems with Leisure Pro). Try it on, try it in the pool. The BCD and computer are good. If this is the shop that you regularly frequent, stck with them.