JohnVranesevich once bubbled...
Greetings:
Well, I'm about to blow a few thousand bucks. Hey, the hell, it's only money, right?
I'm recently certified, but have spent over a year reading these forums, dive magazines, and books on the subject. So, I know just enough to be dangerous to myself and all of those submerged around me.
I do know that I absolutely despise the idea of rental gear, and want all of my own stuff ASAP. I like the idea of having my own configuration, that I know won't change unless I'm the one that changes it. I also like to know that I'm the one responsible for it, and know it's history, etc. etc.
So, here's what I'm looking at buying. I've read people's advice on gear, etc. etc. but want to make sure that everything that I have chosen will play nice together, etc. etc.
I already have my skin, wet suite (3:2) and fins (full fin with vents, kind of a combo full + split fin, very nice), mask and snorkel. Have dove with them all and am happy.
Here's the stuff that I'm looking to buy:
1. Suunto Vytec dive computer with wireless air integration
2. Atomic B2 Regulator
3. 2 80cuFt Aluminum Tanks (brushed alum in color)
4. Ocean Master Beta Titanium Package (Dive Knife)
5. Aqua Lung Fusion BC
I'll have my emergency air supply integrated into the low inflation for the BC, so in case of an OOA, I'd donate my primary regulator to my buddy, and breath off of it. It was something that I got to practice in class, as it's the setup that all of the instructors at the LDS use. Having an octopus is really just an unnecessary extra hose, and piece of crap attached to you, I think. Seems to be the opinion of all of my instructors, too (who all have several thousand dives under their belts)
So, I will only have 2 hoses in my set up, one really short one leading to the BC, and then the one going to my regulator. That really appeals to me....
A couple of points:
1) What's a Aqualung Fusion? I've never heard of this BCD. Are you sure that's what it's called? Aqualung did have something called a Fusion at one point but I think it was a computer.
2) Personally I'm not a fan of the airsource as an octopus. I used something like it for many years too but I really prefer the bungie octo. I understand that you're trying to keep it simple but this is one simplification that can potentially bite you.
3) I'll bring my vote out in favour of your choice of the tank (be it steel or AL) that gives you the best natural trim. With a 3mm wetsuit you'll only need a few kg of weight even with an AL tank so I don't think this is the reason to avoid it. Steel tanks do affect your trim so this is something to try in the pool before you choose. Probably with a steel Faber like the ones previously mentioned, you won't need *any* weights with your 3mm suit (at least I don't) or at most a kg or so. This is really a call you have to make based on comfort.
R..