Looking to buy new gear - Questions

[footballguy05]

I've recently been certified and have been shopping around for some gear. I've was trained in Scubapro gear and really liked the way it fit etc. I live in Missouri where I will be diving primarily in lakes and quarries. I would say that temps will range from 55 to 85 degrees. I know diving conditions affect the type of equipment you buy so I figured I would throw in this info.

The gear I'm really close to buying is the Scubapro MK11/R395 reg set with the 2 guage prime computer and Glide Plus BCD with Air2. From the research I've done so far, this set would be pretty good for what I want to do (recreational diving in Missouri.)

Any users of this equipment out there? What do you think? Is this suitable for a first time purchaser?

Let me know what you think....

 

[openhelix]

I'd recommend renting a bunch of gear first. Find out works for you and the kind of diving you want to do and try out a lot of different brands.

 

[Doc Harry]

I'm not a fan of an integrated octopus like the Air2.

Have you ever tried breathing from the Air2 and trying to control your buoyancy at the same time?

Have you ever tried buddy breathing with an Air2???????????

Just get a regular octopus.

 

[footballguy05]

I haven't tried the air2 - only reason that is included is because the local dive shop has a special - ( everything I mentioned above is total package). However, getting a regular octo isn't out of the question either and to be honest is probably what I'll end up doing.

Thanks for the tips so far....

 

[driftwood]

Congratulations on getting certified. Now is the time to slow down. Rent all kinds of different gear to see what fits you best. Openhelix is absolutely right and most times that will mean going to different shops in your area. BTW, if you plan to travel, the Air2 is not your friend.

 

[imwright1985]

I personally like the air2, its all preferance air2 will cause you to lose a hose which is always nice but is a pain to use. but you and your buddy shouldnt run outa air so you should never have to use it. i would also try other brands scuba pro is awsome but there are plenty of others out there

 

[2905luvsbubbles]

I have never personally used the air2, but it increases task loading quite a bit IF you have to use it as a source to breathe off of, especially as a new diver while you are gaining experience. It is the increased task loading that causes bad situations to get worse quickly. I agree you should never run out of air, but that doesn't mean some other diver won't run out of air, or have a equipment malfunction and require you to provide the air source. Be sure you are completely comfortable with the equipment you buy and that it will meet your needs.

 

[ivobj]

Just my opinion...

Scubapros are great, I think your choice is good, I use MK25 and MK17, but MK11 are great as well, I say go for it.

I would run away from Air2, I use long hose and bungeed backup, but even for the more standard recreational setup, Air2 would add too many dificult to air sharing in both cases, either if it is you or your buddy breathing from it. I would definetly go for a regular backup reg and use regular inflator

Only my SPG is on a hose, all the rest is wrist mounted, much better for visibility, always there, don't need to pick up the hose all the time (the SPG you look far less times then botton timer and depth gauge).

But anyway... try first to see what you feel more confortable with, rent or borrow from a friend to test dive

 

[footballguy05]

Thanks for all the tips.

ivobj - I never even thought about getting wrist mounted comp instead of 2 or 3 guage console. I will definitely give that some thought.

Also, the whole air2 thing - I guess I'll just have to try it and see. My friend/dive buddy currently has this system with air2 - I'm going to have to make him let me try it out.

Thanks for the info!

 

[imwright1985]

wrists and air integrated are nice make sure you get nitrox capible because it is a nice cert to get later on (just have to set your timers conservatively and remember to check your pressure), im trying to get hoseless AI on my play rig to drop down to 2 hoses just low press inflator and regulator, but that is going to put my setup to about 2k which is more than alot of people like to spend. if you go with the air2 see if you could get a slightly longer hose on the 2nd stage its a pain to share air with standard hose and using air2