Just Certified, intro-level setup?

[purbeast]

That's my plan, the dive shop is going to let me try out that used setup in the pool, so I can decide which style BCD I prefer.

Nice. That is exactly what I did as well and am thankful I did that, and it completely changed the direction I went with my setup.

Post an update in here once you try it out. I will be curious to hear what you think. The minimalist feel of a BP/W is just something you can't really explain to someone but is something you will immediately notice and feel.

 

[Khrissi]

Scuba pro Reg setup was pretty cheap for me. But looks like yr PNW aspirations will dictate yr choice. K

 

[skl007]

Update: Things went great! I really like this back-inflate setup. I'm having a bit of trouble with buoyancy in a horizontal position, but I think I just need to start using some of the dump valves instead of using the deflator button.

 

[spoolin01]

What reg did the shop have to offer?

 

[skl007]

What reg did the shop have to offer?

I picked up a Aqualung Titan LX Supreme

 

[purbeast]

Update: Things went great! I really like this back-inflate setup. I'm having a bit of trouble with buoyancy in a horizontal position, but I think I just need to start using some of the dump valves instead of using the deflator button.

You really shouldn't have much air in your BCD at depth. Is there a chance you are overweighted?

 

[skl007]

You really shouldn't have much air in your BCD at depth. Is there a chance you are overweighted?

I was fine at depth, but during our slow ascent I had trouble releasing air out of my BCD while I was close to the bottom looking for wolf eels. Didn't have much success pointing my shoulder up and trying to vent air. I wish my OW classes talked about venting air with other methods, it just didn't occur to me that I could use the dump valves.

I think I'm actually a few pounds underweighted, I felt the initial descent was a little tough to start and I had to swim down a little during my safety stop so I wouldn't bob to the surface.

 

[Michael Jastrzebski]

Renting was the only way I could find to try different stuff and make up my own mind.

Unfortunately rentals (like liveaboard rentals) don't have a wide assortment of gear to try - they typically get some mediocre equipment.
But renting quickly taught me what I really didn't like - wearing weight belts and jacket style BCDs. Never was on a liveaboard that offered weights integrated and back-inflated BCDs however.
Finally decided that carrying my own gear is worth being more comfortable underwater.

 

[Christopher Antipas]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this...

New to diving. Finished my Open Water last fall, have a handful of dives under my belt in Long Island Sound NY.

Trying to get myself organized. I have a console with compass, computer and pressure. The high pressure hose is 24 inches. I seem to be struggling to get it positioned properly. I route it to my left hip D ring but the hose seems short for me to use the compass and I'm struggling to focus with my new Rx mask. Is this my inexperience or would you recommend a longer hose?

Thanks.

 

[James79]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this...

New to diving. Finished my Open Water last fall, have a handful of dives under my belt in Long Island Sound NY.

Trying to get myself organized. I have a console with compass, computer and pressure. The high pressure hose is 24 inches. I seem to be struggling to get it positioned properly. I route it to my left hip D ring but the hose seems short for me to use the compass and I'm struggling to focus with my new Rx mask. Is this my inexperience or would you recommend a longer hose?

Thanks.

Christopher,
You might want to just start a new thread. But in answer to your question... It is up to what makes you comfortable. Most people I know with compasses on a console use a longer hose and a retractor (keeps it snug to the d ring, but lets the pull it up in front of them to use the compass as well). I prefer a wrist compass, myself, and clip my SPG to either hip or chest d ring depending on the type of guage (I have some old ones where the hose comes out the back, rather than off the bottom). I also use a wrist computer. If you want to try those configurations out, just buy or make a wrist boot for your computer and compass.
Hope this helps... But a lot of it comes down to try things until you find what's right for YOU.
Respectfully
James