Need to buy Gear -- Overwhelmed

[Lartek]

Need to buy Gear -- Overwhelmed
Hi all -- I've been diving on and off for a while and have never bought my own BC or regulator. Am ready to make that purchase but am overwhelmed with the choices out there. (Which is why I never have bought them before ) I am thinking of the Aqua Lung Flight regulator because it is light weight. I know it's not cold water, but the reality of my diving in cold water is slim to none.

As for BCs-- there are a lot of choice -- want a women's (I've looked at the Pearl and some of Mares) but it is so hard for me to tell. Any good ideas from divers out there to help me out with your thoughts? Or should I just continue renting.....................

Thanks in Advance

 

[spectrum]

Are you fond of any you have used to date?

 

[Crush]

Do you need the BC to be small (e.g., you will be flying with it)?

I am not a fan of weight-integrated BCs - they are big and bulky. I use a good, sturdy belt.

I like rear-inflate BCs - the jacket type is constrictive to me. Also, consider a BP/w.

Why do you want a light regulator? I'd personally get a cold-water reg, but then again, I live near cold water.

 

[Jorgy]

As Spectrum mentioned.....what have you used that you liked?

I would also look at what your LDS carries and can service......

If you ask 10 people you will get 10 opinions.....

I would say......:cool2:

A reg with free lifetime service parts is a good idea.....

Almost all (if not all) new regs can deliver plenty of air and are well suited for typical warm water rec diving......so look for mouth comfort, hose routing and LDS service ability....even the inexpensive ones are solid regs......

Milfex hoses are great, not required, but my wife really like the blue hose on her primary....

For the BCD, I suggest weight integrated, once fit is proper and it keeps the tank close to your back, make sure you can load and unload the weight pouches by yourself......

Trim weight pockets are a must.......

Get the hoses fitted to the BCD you pick....specifically the LP inflator hose.....

Are you using a dive computer? If so then all you need is a simple small SPG.....

If not I recommend a small 2 gauge console.....

Stick with the brand names.....they make a good product and can be serviced around the world......

I use a Octo/Inflator on my warm water rig......:cool2:

Many folks don't like them.....you need to decide what will work for you...

If you go the standard secondary route, i would buy a second stage that is equal to your primary........you might have to use it yourself......:shocked2:

I would also buy a see-me tube, whistle and small LED light......check these items fit into the pockets of the BCD you pick......

Hope this helps......and good luck.......M

 

[diver 85]

You've rented some before, I'd buy one that you liked in the past....BI, jacket, or BP/W are your choices....by chance, what size are you needing....

also, same goes for regulators---&----probably some good used ones of each(BC & regs) out there..

 

[Lartek]

Thanks for the information everyone. I am feeling a little less overwhelmed :blinking: I found a local dive shop so will go see what they have.

I like the idea of a lite weigh for travel becuase I want to be able to carry my own gear easily -- I'm female, so need to take that into account. But, I also live in a cold water region and perhaps I can learn to dive in colder water....so will give that some serious consideration.

Will give an update when I get my gear. Glad to have found this board!

 

[Crush]

...I also live in a cold water region and perhaps I can learn to dive in colder water....so will give that some serious consideration.

I personally find it nice to be able to head out to the lake (cold water) and spend some time below the waves...

Have fun.

 

[djb_1965]

One piece of advise, if you think you might end up doing a specific type of diving, buy gear for it. Like cold water, much cheaper to buy a cold water set the first time rather than upgrade later. Buy once= expensive, Buy twice= way more expensive.

 

[Jorgy]

Not sure how to advise you........

I dive locally, drysuit year round and the water gets real cold - 34 degrees....

The gear to dive in real cold water is much more expensive and intensive than warm water diving......

If cold water diving is your passion then going all out right away makes sense......

A cold water reg is more expensive, a cold water BC (or BP/W) is larger to accommodate more thermal protection and has more lift.....

Can you find gear that works for both, sure, but cold water gear is overkill for warm water diving......

I have two sets of gear, a dedicated warm water rig and yoke regulator - it is small, simple, light and easy to travel with......and I have my local cold water rig with DIN reg (LP95 tanks), much heavier and only travels in my truck to the dive sites......but I dive a can light and carry a pony bottle for those deeper darker wreck dives......

Hope this helps.....M

 

[Crush]

Jorgy and I seem to disagree on BC styles. That is OK, everyone has an opinion.

My personal preference is a small, light travel BC without integrated weight pockets since the integrated weight pockets are large and rigid, making the BC much tougher to pack. I rent my weights at my dive destination. Also, I believe that trim pockets are not necessary if you have a BC with two tank bands as you can put some weights on both/either band so as to trim you out in the water.

My BC has 25# lift, which is a bit wimpy for diving a 7mm two-piece wetsuit, but as long as you are careful not to overweight yourself you should be OK. If I a wearing my drysuit, BC lift is not an issue as the drysuit can/does lift.