Need an octopus and guages.

[IndigoBlue]

jonnythan pretty well summed up the SPG. I don't really like wrist mounted compasses, but agree you should stay with the Vyper. I wear my computer/bottom timer on my right arm, but whatever works for you. A compass can be put on a retractor, kept in a pocket, or worn on the wrist. Depending on your dive, a compass may or may not be needed and is one reason I don't like them on my arm. Another is they are quite high and hang up on webbing.

MD

MechDiver and Jonnythan have pretty much summed it all up, nicely, as well as have Deepbluetech & Boogie.

I wear an SPG similar to the one Jonnythan illustrated, on a bolt snap clipped to a D ring.

I also wear an electronic depth/timing device and a backup on the same arm as well. If you have a reliable buddy with you who does not get lost on you, then you probably do not need a backup depth/timing device. However the backup is nice to have if you are on an expensive diving vacation, in case your primary fails. But that purchase can wait.

I always wear a compass. Mech gave you some good options on where to wear it. He is right, that gauges on both wrists tend to hang up on straps. There are several ways to deal with that problem.

I strongly agree that your octo should be identical to your primary 2nd stage, just on a slightly longer LP hose. In second place, I would endorse an Air2 unit off your LP power inflator. I myself use two full service identical 2nd stages, however.

 

[TechBlue]

As Mechdiver said If you plan on doing a lot of local wreck diving your compass will be pretty much useless so depending on where you're going first you may not need to get the compass right away. The cleaner your gear and the less danglies the better off you'll be where ever you dive.

Chris

 

[Genesis]

You've gotten pretty good advice.

I would not bother with the secondary depth gauge for OW diving. If your computer fails, the dive is over. You will make a safe ascent and that's that.

The best choice for an SPG, assuming no air integration, is a brass SPG with 100psi marks. The OMS pictured earlier is ok, but it doesn't have the tight gradations that some people prefer, including me. However, it works and the OMS unit is brass with a glass face, which is what you want.

Another option is the one Abyss has, and leave the boot on. It is a brass case but a plastic face, but the boot protects the face. It is extremely easy to read and there's a place for the boltsnap line on the boot. I like their SPG a lot, even if its not "DIR-centric." The boot is soft and easily pulled back after a day of diving for rinse purposes, unlike many.

As for a compass, get the SK7, and take it only when you need it. I rarely take a compass with me - most of my diving is wrecks, and they're useless around a wreck due to magnetic disturbances.

On the octo, I agree with the others who said stay with the same brand - it will help come service time. Also, get the same quality as your primary. If you're going to dive a "traditional" OW rig (shorter hose for your primary, and a "octo length" one for your octo), make DAMN SURE you have secured the octo so you can find it instantly and it does NOT get dragged through things. Why? Because if someone goes OOA on you FOR REAL, not in a class, they WILL "mug" you (rip your primary right out of your mouth.) Thus, your octo is for YOU, not your buddy - and you had better be able to find it in an emergency INSTANTLY. (This is, by the way, the best argument for diving a long hose and bungied backup in open water.)