Kit recommendations

[Rob_lee_1]

Hi all.

Im almost at the end of my open water and have started my advanced open, i have Nitrox and rescue diver all booked and all within the next 2 months.

Im looking at spending quite a lot on a BCD/REG package (pref with SPG/computer)

Does anyone have any recommendations that will help me choose?

I need a kit that can do nitrox mixes through as well as being a decent kit for deep dives in cold english channel.

I dont really wanna spend over 1k but i want a kit that will last years.

Ive seen a Mares Avantegarde for £700 new but it doesnt come with SPG/Computer

Rob

 

[usmc4x4]

I can only state what I use and can say I am very happy. Anytime you ask about BCs on scubaboard you will get the predominant answer of Zeagle so that should speak volumes.

I am not sure if you are looking for a console type computer but I prefer the wrist mount style. Hope this helps.

Here is a peek into my dive bag:

Dive Computer: Tusa IQ 700
BCD: (Primary) Zegal Brigade (Backup) Tusa Liberator
Regulator: Tusa MX 240
Octo: Tusa
Gauges: Tusa
Mask: Tusa Imprex
Fins: Tusa X-Pert
Wetsuit: Body Glove
Knife: Underwater Kinetics Blue Tang Hydro Alloy
Light: C-8

 

[ChrisA]

Im looking at spending quite a lot on a BCD/REG package (pref with SPG/computer)

Rob

You want to know what is the biggest secret? "everything works". That's it. Also I doubt any reg sold today would not work with nitrox. They all do.

It's really true too. As long as you get a reg that has a "balaced" first and balanced second stage there will be very little diferences between the major brands. Get one that can be serviced at many locations. Mares, Aqualung, Scubapro, Apexs. All good. If you dive at the beach or of mucky water or under ice get the environmental seal. After this everything else is just "brand prefference" and cosmetics.

About BCs. in your cold water you will be using lots of weights. I like to split the weight between a belt and the weight pouches of a weight integrated BC. Putting it all in one place means I have to strain to lift the rig.

You get to choose between a "jacket style", "back inflate stype" and the backplate and wings style. Either will work and many divers seem to like each kind. Which ever you get I'd suggest weight integrated with a belt too. First decide on a style then pick a brand. Brands matter less then the style

About computers: You can read the lists of features but what _really_ mettrs is ease of use and readability. can you see the screen? Can you see it in low viz and at night. I would not ask those question if your usage were to be "vaction diving" in bright troopical sunlight and clear water anyhting is easy to read. It gets dark at depth I like wrist mount. I don't see a need for an air integrated computer. Divers that do user then will amit that it's just a nice toy, spend the money on a quality brass case SPG. and buy a basic Suunto computer with big face. You say "deep dives in cold water -- a conservative Suunto computer would be good in such.

 

[Rob_lee_1]

Cheers guys... spent most today looking online at different kits.

Think ill spend some time at my dive shop trying everything on.

Any views on the Mares Avantegard?

Rob

 

[*Floater*]

Hi all.

Im almost at the end of my open water and have started my advanced open, i have Nitrox and rescue diver all booked and all within the next 2 months.

Im looking at spending quite a lot on a BCD/REG package (pref with SPG/computer)

Does anyone have any recommendations that will help me choose?

I recommend a book called Dress for Success. That helped me a lot when I was buying my first set of gear.