Looking for advise on gear choices

[Michael Schlink]

I have alot of DiveRite gear , there C.S. has been excellent. I did some of my cave training with Lamar 15 years ago so I give him some of my $$$ now and then. Not all backplates are the same so shop around. The size(lift) of your wings will need to be matched to your doubles and stages, you'll probably end up with several sizes to properly configure your gear for the dive. Get doubles a soon as you can and start diving them as much as you can. If your instructor doesn't have you wearing them in the beginning dive a single tank until he says use your doubles. In the mean time set up your harness and BP so you get use to it and know where everything attaches and use a single tank adaptor for your begining classes. Lights -shop around alot- I vote for Nimh batteries and HID pay attention to what it takes to charge batteries, how long to charge, spare batteries, changing light bulbs etc.. If you have only one Primary light and it's not charged up or you can't replace the bulb your not going diving- Although my lights aren't typical "cave" lights they work great I use Nightrider lights. I have used them 300' deep and they have never failed ,10w HID and 4 hour burn time, wetconnect cords, easy and fast to charge. I keep 2 battery packs and 3 light heads in my "kit" I don't have problems with my Primary lights!!!