Need help with buying equipment!

[EvaL]

I'm partial to Oceanic and Aeris as they were my very first divegear. If you're after performance and value, I'd recommend the reg my dive shop uses for rental (which means they are built to perform and last) - the Oceanic Alpha Sport. Divernet compares highend regs (that cost 3 times more) in tests with this and the Alpha has beaten some of them:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=Alpha8Sport+
I also heard good reviews about Aeris Atmos Pro:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=AerisAtmosPro
As for gauges, it's partly looks and how you prefer the depth/pressure displayed. The Aeris Analog 2 gauge console looks good to me (it's almost identical to mine). For me, the compass is a must, if I want to find my way back to the dive boat.
Don't forget to get a retractor/clips for your octo and console so you won't damage coral/marine life and be better streamlined.
Good luck shopping and dive safely.

 

[CARHILL]

I have been diving since 1974 I owned almost every brand over the years. (Dacor, Sherwood, Mares, Oceanic, ScubaPro, US Divers, AquaLung, & Apex ) I'm also a reg tec. at one of the 70+ dive shops on island. The regs all have +and - You want one that you can get serviced easly. In my part of the world AquaLung, Apex and ScubaPro are the easest to get parts and service.

Dale
Still on a little rock in the Pacific

 

[Floridawannabe]

I totally agree go with scubatoys, as you can see they are behind the products they sell. If you are not happy they will try their hardest to make you happy. Larry is a great guy and if you call them they will work to get you set up with the right equipment. Plus you can spy on them with their camera while you talk to them on the phone on their web site.

 

[GONEHAWKN]

lauren22510, i dont know which reg set-up you plan on going with, BUT, you can see by the response from ScubaToys why I and alot of other folks on this board do our business with them. they are top notch. my only real gripe with them is that they do not have a shop near my house here in Maryland!!! JOE & LARRY any chance of an East Coast Scuba Toys???!! call 'em up and talk to them one on one. they are just regular people and they wont make you feel like you have to buy something that you dont want to. let us know how you make out. good luck.

Bill

 

[teamgs]

Out of curiosity, are the Brigade Viper Octos "post Mares fix" ?

Regards,

Gary

 

[FoxTrot]

Maybe check on the Titan Micra from Aqualung.

I have no experience with it but the 2nd stage is small and light and has a nice mouthpiece, might work out well for you since you mentioned your jaw gets tired.

Hopfeully another member has experience with this reg in particular and can offer an opinion on it's quality/performance.

*Edit: Retail at the LDS I saw it at was $399 btw.
I ended up going with the XS Scuba SeaAir Tri-metal regulator. Another option you can take a look at. $299

 

[vondo]

Maybe check on the Titan Micra from Aqualung.

I have no experience with it but the 2nd stage is small and light and has a nice mouthpiece, might work out well for you since you mentioned your jaw gets tired.

Whatever reg you get, if your jaw gets tired, look into getting a SeaCure mouthpiece. When I used rental regs, 30 minutes UW would tire out my jaw. With my new reg and SeaCure, I can do 4 hour-long dives and not have an issue. Don't know how much is the reg (Cressi Ellipse Ti) and how much is the mouthpiece, but I am MUCH happier.

 

[Tcook]

I visited Scubatoys when I went through Dallas. They were great and spent a great deal of time with me to make sure that I got what I needed. Their prices are great with packages. They even talked me out of spending more money when they felt I didn't need to. I was so happy, I recommended them to a buddy here in Tennessee and he has been happy with their advice and service that he recieved over the phone. Everythings wasn't perfect, but they fixed or are fixing any problems. I highly recommend them. I've already used my equipment in a Cozumel trip and we had a blast. Love having my own equipment that fit and worked well.

 

[scubatoys]

Out of curiosity, are the Brigade Viper Octos "post Mares fix" ?

Regards,

Gary

As Zak pointed out... that "Mares Fix" was about 5 years ago. We got the Mares Brigade octos about 1 year ago... so anything with the mares name is after the re-design.

 

[teamgs]

As Zak pointed out... that "Mares Fix" was about 5 years ago. We got the Mares Brigade octos about 1 year ago... so anything with the mares name is after the re-design.

Thanks! I think that, either way, with my relatively short diving experience, I might not even know the difference! As long as my octo is easy to donate or use, and allows me to breath, that is about all I am looking for.

Oh yes, I am also a completely satisfied Scubatoys customer. They go the extra mile for customer service.

Regards,

Gary