New Diver - what's the right gear for me?

[diver 85]

all great info keep it comin! Any comments on that mares package?

Thank you!

I'd go with good used stuff to begin with----a computer is not necessary @ this time(ie 30 to 40' dives is probably what you'll be making)......Remeber, when the stuff leaves the car lot(ie dive shop), it's automatically 30+% reduced....year or longer old, it's now %50 less..

 

[eponym]

all great info keep it comin! Any comments on that mares package?

Mares is a long-established firm, but I have not used one of their regs for years, mostly because I buy from my local shop and they don't carry it. You could search in the gear forums to see whether anyone's posted anything about the items.

I have seen a fair amount of Mares on divers in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. Frankly, this BC is too muich for me--too much structure in the sides, too much padding. If you dive with a wetsuit or drysuit, you don't really need padding. The pads and piping and other trim all add a little buoyancy, increasing the lead you need to carry by a few pounds.

I recommend you check with your local dive shops to find out whether any of them can (will) service Mares regulators. It can be inconvenient to have to send the reg away for annual service.

And check whether you can return the package if you simply find it's not to your taste--and whether there is any restocking fee.

The price, however, sounds great. Remember that if you buy from a local shop they often throw in free annual inspection (labor, not parts). That can add up over a few years to offset the initial savings of an online bagain.

Hope this helps,
Bryan

 

[Vlane]

I can't vouch on this BCD yet since i have yet to use it, but i just ordered me a Zeagle Stiletto. I've read really good reviews on it and people on these boards seemed to like it. The only thing i've really heard to try and turn me away is a backplate with wings setup (BP/W). A lot of members on here really try and push this set up so you might look into it too.

Also, check out ScubaToys. If you join their forums you can also get a discount so just another way to keep some costs down.

 

[pollywogg]

My girlfriend was looking around for a BC recently. She was looking at that BC. She asked me to look at it. I tried it on, it fit nicely enough. But, the weight system left something lacking.I felt like it was very difficult to pull out; much harder to put back in, but that's less of a worry. I have a Hollis HD100, and it has a somewhat similar weight ditch system, I just feel like the Mares felt less intuitive, and more difficult. I stopped my examination there and put it back on the rack. We ended up buying her a Ranger LTD. Zeagle makes great BCs. The Ranger is their Cadillac, but the Stiletto would be what you need for a BC. I don't have any experience with anything else in the package. Look around for stuff on ebay and Scubaboard. Look on Craigslist, too. It's a great place to find gear that local someone bought and dove once before deciding that diving is not for him/her. I hope this is helpful.

 

[PvtStash]

I picked up the Bare Arctic combo late season last year... 7mm full with a 7mm over-shorty w/ intrinsic hood... 14mm on your core, that'll do ya'... and for under $300 too... a good compromise between quality/durability/economy imo...

 

[Vlane]

Also another thing i've noticed from lurking, if you are looking for a dive computer many prefer a wrist mount than a console. With a console you have to reach back and grab but if it's on your wrist it's a lot easier to get to.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

If there are any dive clubs that you can get involved with, that would be a great resource. See what they're using and ask how it works and if they would change anything, what would they change it to?
I didn't look at at the LP page you posted. but generally you can get away with spending very little if you shop smart and look around. Make sure you're reg can handle cold water. Get one that's environmentally sealed to avoid freeze up and free flow. There are some that are under $200.
Get a decent wetsuit that fit's well. Being cold will ruin the dive no matter how good the rest of the gear is. I finally broke down and ordered a few custom fit suits from a custom suit builder. Worth every penny!

As far as BC I'm going to tell you Back Plate and Wing. This might be more info than you need or can handle right now. I know that most local dive shops don't carry BP/W setups and know nothing about them, so this topic is a tough one. That's why you almost need to get in with some other divers that are using this stuff so you can see what's going on. I would hold off on the Jacket BC for now till you can get a handle on what's out there and what real divers are using, not what the dive shop tells you people are using and want to sell you.
It's more confusing than ever, I know, but hang in there.
If you can rent for a while, do that. It will buy you some time to think and save you lot's of dough in the long run.

 

[mpgunner]

Bottledigger, I've dove with an O Neill 7mm farmer john wetsuite down to 42 degrees at 120ft. That was the edge. I'd say a solid 7mm will keep you plenty warm (just keep moving). Just get some solid, even used, gear and start diving to develop skills. Since you are diving shallow you have some safety benefits.

Have a bunch of fun.

 

[Buoyant1]

What part of PA are you living?

My first advice is to make sure that whatever regulator you get is good for COLD water diving! (environmentally sealed) I don't have any experience with Mares reg's, but I know people that use them and like them, but the big thing is the environmentally sealed part...COLD water is just that, and you need this feature! (re-read ZKY's post)

I've been getting away with a 7mm (5mm hood, gloves, and booties) for the past three seasons, I've been comfy during most of the dive, and marginally COLD at deeper depths. I just bought a dry suit, so that should improve. I got an Akona 7mm at LP and it was a great deal 4 years ago! Good solid suit.

BC? Well if you are eventually getting into a dry suit, you may as well start with something that is VERY adaptable, and a back plate/wing set up is probably the way to go. A jacket BC is able to be used for dry suits, but if you buy a BC that's fits you RIGHT with a wetsuit, it may NOT fit you right when you go dry! My Dive Rite Transplate adapts rather well to my dry suit. It works with my 3mm when I'm in Florida, it works with the 7mm I was previously using, and it's working with the dry suit...just something to consider...

Good luck on your purchases!

 

[bottlediger]

you are all so very helpful, I am taking all your comments to heart.

BTW I am from York Pa pretty close to Hersey

Thanks again guys/girls