New diver, first equipment. Please rate or give advice, thank you

[danman132x]

Hello, going to get certified next week in scuba diving and putting together some items that I plan on buying after I get certified. I would like to know if the following items are pretty decent. First time, looking for more cheaper priced items, but nothing that will compromise my safety.


Regulator: Mares Abyss 22. It's 594 now at leisure pro, was 350 some about a month ago I saw. Seems to have great reviews and I might shop around for one, everything I read on it is good, and I don't want a 2nd stage with any adjustment knobs.
Mares Abyss 22 Regulator 416134


Octopus: Something reliable. Havent targeted a specific one. Will wait until after classes. Ive heard from a few people oceanic is good. I have 3 here that seem decent. Oceanic Alpha 8 Octopus, Yellow 40.3540.53
Mares Abyss Octopus 416504
Scuba Pro R195 Octopus, Yellow 11.331.200


BC: Something reliable but not too expensive. I have a few cressi in mind that have good reviews.
Aquapro 5 BCD https://www.leisurepro.com/p-csbaq5n/cressi-aquapro-5-bcd
Aquaride elite https://www.leisurepro.com/p-csbare/cressi-aquaride-elite-bcd-with-new-lock-aid-system
Mares Prestige https://www.leisurepro.com/p-mrsprm/mares-prestige-bcd-with-mrs-plus-weight-pockets


For a computer I'm looking to get one that has everything combined, including tank pressure gauge. Something along these lines: http://www.leisurepro.com/p-gnsrapc/genesis-react-pro-dive-computer-console-cg3909
http://www.leisurepro.com/p-tbtsca251bk/tusa-element-2-gauge-computer-console-sca-251


For a tank, I'm not sure if I want to buy yet. At the local dive shops it's 9 dollars to rent a tank, filled, for 24 hours. 7 dollars to fill your own. But if I do buy a tank, it would be the catalina 80 cubic foot one. http://www.leisurepro.com/p-aquta8/catalina-80-cubic-foot-aluminum-tank-with-pro-valve

Thats the main stuff I have questions on. The rest of the items I'm okay on. I'll also be asking my instructors what they think on these items. Thank you

 

[diver 85]

(& I know you might not want to hear this)------I'd try the used market 1st-----tons of stuff out there & a lot(?most) will perform as good as brand new things.......Basically, the 'complete' last set I bought(in different steps---ie getting 'another reg, BC, fins' etc), I went the used route & all have brought me home safe & sound -----lol so far...........get to lookin', you might be surprised-------------and---IF-------you don't 'get lucky', there's always new stuff to buy(they'll always be making it..)

PS....."For a tank".......& where you live-ie Fl-you probably will want to get a couple tanks, but, you could hold off for now & see if you really like diving & will con't on....


EDIT.:...now saying all this, your instructor will/should be your main source of information, ..After all, you have entrusted him/her with your life----not a bunch of yahoos on the internet....(kinda J/K'ing---on the yahoo part...lol)

 

[iamrushman]

all that stuff is good as long as it works.........what type of diving do you plan on doing? that could dictated the type of equipment.

 

[icechip]

+1 on checking out the used market. I found some really good gear/deals that way!

 

[danman132x]

I'm in Florida, will be mostly spring diving, and some beach diving. Coldest water will be around 65-68 and then in the summer the ocean around the 80s.

 

[kelemvor]

You may want to stick with the same brand on second stage regulators. Some brands require different internal pressure adjustments than others.

Personally, I'd rent gear for a while after certification and then start buying gear. This way you can try before you buy.

Don't forget that most dive shops will want you to buy a mask/booties/fins/snorkel (snorkel kit) prior to starting class.

 

[ams511]

My thoughts are this:

I would not recommend used equipment for a new diver unless they have a more experienced diver to vet it for them. It is not that used gear is bad but it is a riskier purchase if you don't know what your getting. If you decide to go used then I would recommend you look at more recent gear because it would be easier to evaluate. Alternatively you can buy used or demo gear from a retailer like Leisurepro.

If your not sure about diving then I would recommend renting. If you are sure then I would recommend purchasing everything but the tank. I do not understand the logic of people saying rent gear to see what you like because unless there are many shops in your area or your shop rents all different types of gear you are renting the same gear each time. Also usually rental gear is low-end because it is cheaper for the shop to purchase and maintain. The most value is usually in the mid-range gear.

Mares is a good brand but they don't have as extensive of a dealer network as some of the other brands like Scubapro, Aqualung, or Oceanic/Hollis. I would check if you can get it serviced in your area. I second the recommendation to buy the same brand for both the regulator and the octopus, it does simplify servicing.

I am not a big fan of dive computers but if you want one then I would shop around. The usual complaints from users are display size, complexity, and the algorithm used. Computers are expensive so pay attention to these features.