More equipment questions

[mermom]

I've been studying SCUBA equipment catalogs. There are so many choices! I'm not familiar with the terminology.
First, when it comes to BCs, what is a backpack style vs. the straps? Ive found that many of the women's BCs have the backpack style for holding tank instesad of straps.
Second, what is the difference in the In-Line console vs. the compact console for computers and gauges? Do divers usually prefer wrist computers or console?
And last, some of the regulators have DIN adaptors, some do not. Some are nitrox compatible and most are not.
I'm new to diving, but don't want spend moneyn on equipment that will become obsolete as I dive more. I probably will get advanced and do some cave. I don't plan to dive great depths.
Any recommendations?

 

[mlove]

Mermom,
Although your local dive shop will charge you a little more $ They will provide you with lots of good information, and they may let you try some of their gear before you buy. I would not try buying everythng all at once, unless you have a lot of bucks. Buy one or two things at a time. But buy quility, you'll be glad you did later.
Hope this helps,
Mike

 

[TexasMike]

Welcome to ScubaBoard, Mom (does this mean I have to clean up my room??? Ahhhhh...geee)

The first consideration to always keep in mind when purchasing gear is C O M F O R T ! ! ! So no matter what bit of gear you are buying (BC, reg, wetsuit, fins, etc) always keep that in mind. Otherwise, you won't be able to enjoy yourself and be trekking back to the shop to replace the bad item.

The second you have already mentioned: Buy quality gear with your future dive plans in mind. Much of the gear that will handle the advanced stuff (you mentioned caving) will work perfectly for recreational diving. And though it may cost a bit more now, you will get a longer run of usage out of it than the less expensive stuff. So you might look at things on a "cost per dive" basis.

The third consideration: Don't be in a rush to make a purchase. Due to the fact that there are lots of very good gear choices out there, it can get very overwhelming for the new diver. Be willing to spend some money on rentals and take time to ask EVERYbody why they chose the gear they are using and if they are satisfied with it. And be sure to ask SCUBABOARD folks what we think. With the good folks here (especially the regulators and the regulars) you will get a very good cross section of divers and why we like (or don't like) the gear we have.

Now to answer your questions more directly:

• Backpack style vs. straps

I am not sure what you mean by this. Almost all of the popular BC's use some form of tank strap and "cam" lock to hold the tank to the BC. Including the backplate and wings BC's like the Halcyon and Dive Right systems. So I'd like for you to share what you meant by the "backpack" term.

There are several manufacturers who take the woman's shape into consideration for their BC's. But these tend to run more toward the "vest" inflation BC's rather than the "back" inflation. There are some back inflation for the gals, but the choices are a bit more limited.

• Consoles: Inline or wrist?

The answer to this is more of a personal preference thing. I have my SPG, Genesis ReACT computer, and compass in a console attached to a high pressure line. But I am considering trying my computer on my wrist.

And the layout of the instruments is also a personal preference thing. There are many different varieties.

• To DIN or not? And Nitrox Compatibility...

DIN (as you may know) is most often used on thanks with higher pressure, or when having an exceptionally good tank valve to regulator seal is critical for your survival. For the beginning of your dive careeer, requiring a DIN setup should not concern you since all of your diving will be recreational and the standard yoke will cover you just fine. And depending on the reg you purchase, it might be possible to upgrade from yoke to DIN.

Nitrox compatibility has to do with the o-rings that are used in the first and 2nd stages. You can use nitrox with a regulator labeled for standard air, but the higher O2 content will "age" the o-rings faster, thus requiring more frequent servicing. Nitrox regs are the exact same design as the air regs, but have o-rings that can withstand the higher O2. And these are just fine for air diving. Which to choose will depend on how often you do Nitrox.


I hope some of this has helped. Be sure to ask more questions.

 

[Mario S Caner]

Hey there mermom, lemme see if I can take a crack at some of your questions:

BC's
There are two major types of modern BC's to choose from.
Back Inflation: Where there is a bladder only on the back of the B.C. the main advantage to such a design is that the bladder inflates away from the diver. This gives a diver more of a 'free' feeling with the bulk of the gear behind you when finning horizontally. The inherant problem with Back inflation style BC's is that they are a little harder to control properly while floating on the surface. Since this is where most diving stress comes from, it you are not completely comfortable in the water, you may not want to go with this style first. There are however weight pockets integrated into the backs of BC's like this to help trim you while you are on the surface. Without trim pockets it could result in the BC forcing your face in the water in the event of a diver blackout. Here's an example of a popular womens back inflation BC:
Jacket Style: Where th entire BC fits more like a jacket. The air bladder wraps all the way around. They are more manageable on the surface, but can cause a slight sqeeze if over-inflated and result in nausia. Here's an example of a popular womens jacket style BC:

Console & Computers
Console computers or analog gauges have all of the instruments in a straight line. Where compact gauges utilize the space on the back as well. Which is better is purely a matter of personal choice. Here are some examples: Definitely go with a computer of sort. Wrist mounted units are very easy to glance at, and therefore promotes a diver to look at it more often. It's always best to have some sort of redundancy when it comes to gauges. If at all possible pick up something similar to the Vyper if you prefer non air integrated. Or perhaps something like the Cobra if you prefer Air-integrated. My personal choice is Air-integrated which displays Air Time Remaining info.

Cylinder Valves
DIN stands for Deutsche Institut fuer Normung, which is nothing more than a standardization. DIN valves are more commonly found on Steel Cylinders and are more secure than Yoke style, found more on low pressure and aluminum cylinders. You can buy your regulator with a DIN valve and purchase a DIN to Yoke adapter for an additional $25 or so dollars. This will allow you to use both types of valves.

Please feel free to ask any question you may have on anything scuba related (even some that aren't) and you can rest assured that one of us will be able to give you a prompt and complete answer.

Note:By the way in case your wondering... I am not a Sea-Quest sales person. It was just easier using a site I am familiar with as a reference.

Sea you in the Deep Blue!