New Gear for a newbie

[nikk]

I'm a CMAS 2* diver living in India. I have done all my diving (60 dives) with rented equipment but am now looking to get my own gear (except for tanks). My diving is mainly going to be tropical (can't deal with cold water/low viz). As I need to travel at least 6 hours by air to get to any dive location my diving will be limited to maybe 20 days a year. I need gear that is going to be light (so that i can travel with it), really hardy (no lds in India so I will have to get the gear serviced when i travel). I already have a dive computer (aeris 750gt) so that is dealt with. I'm willing to spend up to $1,000-1,200 and am quite taken by the idea of a bp&w rig. Any suggestions would be great!

 

[diverjane]

Personally for traveling I like the Zeagle Escape. Its lightweight and high quality. Perfect for tropical diving. As for a reg, go with the best you can afford. I've never had a problem with my Zeagle Tech 50D. An OMS BP and wing system is nice to but not as easy to travel with as you will also need an STA and the whole system is much bulkier (and heavier!) to pack.
IMHO

 

[Doof]

Or you could get the Halcyon BP & Pioneer wing and forgo the STA altogether. If you're only going to be doing warm water diving, you could probably get away with an aluminum plate and reduce the weight even further.

 

[Jeblis]

For wings I'd suggest the Halcyon Aluminum BP + 27 lb wings No STA (single tank adapter) for warm water diving. This thing is really small and easily goes in my dive bag. You mileage may vary. Goes for around $500-600ish I believe.


I'm sure there are other pros/cons to BP+Wings. oking:

 

[nikk]

I am planning a trip to Malaysia later this month where I hope to try out both The zeagle and the Halcyon set-up. Great advice - thanks!