jhelmuth
Contributor
First of all - thank you all for your input. I do think the LDS manager (my instructor) can get the Halycon BC for me if he wants to (even though there are none on his displays). He had Halycon sales materials that he brought out durring our discussion on the merits of both. Overall, I got the sense that he has an aversion of selling technical equipment to newbie rec divers because he mentioned that he finds many instances of sport divers wnating technical looking gear because its cool - not necess. the right choice. He only knows me from class and he is also not too eager to sell me gear until I have tried it out and am more comfortable with my skills in the water (sounds like good advice inspite of my dying need to drop a couple of $K on new gear). My goal is to DoItRight the first time + maximize my bottom time by using quality performance gear that does not put me at undue risk, will minimize the effort, and help me improve my skills. I'm pretty certain that I can acheive these goals regardless of which choice I make in either BC (both are back-flotaion types).
Where I will spend my time diving:
>>> Warm Gulf and Carribean waters...
> Off the coast of St Pete FL (home) in the Gulf 10-12 dives per year
> Down in the FLA Keys 8-10 dives per year
> Nassau,Caymens,San Salvador (you get the idea?) 10 - 12 dives per year
My current classroom setup is:
> LP Steel 80 tank w/ MK25/S250 reg and Oceanic octo
> Seaquest Pro QD jacket BC
> TUSA fins/mask/snorkel (platina) - mine
> Oceanic console with computer
> 2mm Shortie - mine
> 6lbs lead centered (non-ditchable)
What I think I want:
> (will rent tanks) w/ MK25/S600 reg (DIN) and Sherwood octo
> Halycon MC Pioneer using 27-36# wing
- or -
> Seaquest Balance (37# lift) back floatation BC (not a jacket)
> TUSA fins/mask/snorkel (platina) - mine
> Uwatec Smart COM AI computer
> 2mm Shortie / 3/2mm jumper / polartech jumper
> lead weights to trim as required
The only disagreement (and that is probably a bit strongly put) my instructor and I have is with the BC (as stated earlier). I really don't know for sure which will be better unless I try them both out. He and another diver in the LDS dive these but only in technical dives (according to him). My point (analogy) is that a man may buy a Porche or BMW and only drive it to work - but that doesn't make it the wrong car for him (clearly he may not really use it for its full capabilities).
Where I will spend my time diving:
>>> Warm Gulf and Carribean waters...
> Off the coast of St Pete FL (home) in the Gulf 10-12 dives per year
> Down in the FLA Keys 8-10 dives per year
> Nassau,Caymens,San Salvador (you get the idea?) 10 - 12 dives per year
My current classroom setup is:
> LP Steel 80 tank w/ MK25/S250 reg and Oceanic octo
> Seaquest Pro QD jacket BC
> TUSA fins/mask/snorkel (platina) - mine
> Oceanic console with computer
> 2mm Shortie - mine
> 6lbs lead centered (non-ditchable)
What I think I want:
> (will rent tanks) w/ MK25/S600 reg (DIN) and Sherwood octo
> Halycon MC Pioneer using 27-36# wing
- or -
> Seaquest Balance (37# lift) back floatation BC (not a jacket)
> TUSA fins/mask/snorkel (platina) - mine
> Uwatec Smart COM AI computer
> 2mm Shortie / 3/2mm jumper / polartech jumper
> lead weights to trim as required
The only disagreement (and that is probably a bit strongly put) my instructor and I have is with the BC (as stated earlier). I really don't know for sure which will be better unless I try them both out. He and another diver in the LDS dive these but only in technical dives (according to him). My point (analogy) is that a man may buy a Porche or BMW and only drive it to work - but that doesn't make it the wrong car for him (clearly he may not really use it for its full capabilities).