newbe and more stupid questions

[Puck]

Don't be in a big hurry to buy all of your gear. Get yourself a good 3/2 wetsuit, mask that fits and works for your face, folding snorkel and some good fitting fins. Before you buy from your local dive shop (LDS), go visit some others (you may be surprised at how many there are in your area) and try different brands. The shop I learned from sold a few people in my class the complete rigs. One of the couples (matching gear and all) decided that diving was not for them after their first ocean dive. Fortunately, they were able to sell their stuff to their friends (who love diving), but they could have been out lots of $.

Also, rent gear from your local dive shops and see what you like (brands, types of BCs, etc.). Not all rental gear is well maintained, but if you LDS encourages you to buy because rental gear can be ill cared for, remind them that they rent gear too and see if that happens to be their policy.

Once you decide to buy, if you by from your local shop or online (at least look to compare and make an informed decision), build your equipment set slowly with quality rather than try to get entry-level everything all at once.

 

[Atticus]

I dive Apeks regs year round in Lake Tahoe. During the winter the water temps are regularly in the 30's. I have had zero cold water problems (well, other than me and my students shivering) in the roughly 250 dives since I switched to Apeks.

You should be able to purchase an Apeks ATX50 for under $400 (if not less).

BCD's -- A good starter BCD is the Zeagle Ranger. I've seen them for under $300 from various online retailers with warranty. I prefer backplate/wing which can be had for about the same.

-Merlin

 

[Stormingheaven]

I would like to thank you all for your help. I know that there had to be a way to get into this sport without completely breaking the bank, at first. I used to do a fair amount of skydiving and understand the need for “good” equipment and that the investment in the sport over the years can get pretty hefty. There is always going to be things that you want to upgrade, but if I were to quote you those costs on your first day you’d run screaming from the room. I know that good equipment is a must but that there must be a point where you just start paying for a name or some unnecessary fluff like titanium D rings on a BCD.

Question what do you all think about the Poseidon jet stream line of regulators? I’ve found a 1st, 2nd and an octo for about $340.00. Good buy? Would you prefer something else?

 

[jonnythan]

At that price, *I* would probably buy the Poseidons. I think that the breathing feels too mechanical, but they're fantastic regs. How old are they, where are they coming from, do you have a shop locally that can service them for you? If you're buying used regulators, you HAVE to bring them into a shop to get them serviced before you use them or there's no way to trust them, and that can add significantly to the cost.

 

[DiveMaven]

If it were me, I'd call Larry and ScubaToys and see what kind of a cold water package he can put together for you. I bet he can give you a great price on everything you need to be comfortable and safe.

 

[jonnythan]

DiveMe makes a good suggestion. ScubaToys has good prices, gives a discount to ScubaBoard members, and is apparently very helpful in helping people put together gear pacakges. The big bonus is that they're authorized dealers for all the stuff they sell, so warranties and service are not a problem.s

 

[Atticus]

I haven't owned a Poseidon but I considered it. One factor that turned me away from them is the maintenance cost / effort.

Question what do you all think about the Poseidon jet stream line of regulators? I’ve found a 1st, 2nd and an octo for about $340.00. Good buy? Would you prefer something else?

 

[DiveMaster176493]

goto area stores and try out sizes and brands then goto e-bay.

for bc and regs would suggest only top brands such as scubapro and dacor and mares
around 250 a piece.
subapro twin finns are the best 110 on ebay
seavision mask i prefer only 30 on e-bay
mares semi dry 7mm best for cold water 125 e-bay
scubapro 5mm boots 30 e-bay

 

[ScubaScott]

I know that good equipment is a must but that there must be a point where you just start paying for a name or some unnecessary fluff like titanium D rings on a BCD.

Exactly. And just like skydiving, some people try to make a lot of money off the "Fluff".

Question what do you all think about the Poseidon jet stream line of regulators? I’ve found a 1st, 2nd and an octo for about $340.00. Good buy? Would you prefer something else?

The Poseidon is a solid reg, not doubt about it. It does not come ready for cold water (a kit must be installed, not a big deal). I don't think there is another reg on earth that will give you more air at depth with the least amount of effort. I don't think you could ever out breath a Poseidon.

That being said, they're heavy, and it feels like I've got a log in my mouth for the length of the dive. Its become a deco reg for those reasons, plus I'm too cheap to sell it.

At that price, its a good deal if its in good condition.

Take care
SS

 

[markfm]

Part of the answer may be in what you do to get certified. I did my cert through a Local Dive Shop (LDS). During the course they provided a 25% off the store sticker price on gear (I get 20% off now, follow-on business).
I bought a Sherwood reg, good for cold water (Lake Ontario is where I did my OW dives)
If your course is a shop one, spend a couple weeks talking with the instructor and shop staff, see what widgets they have/use/recommend. A lot of people suggest renting most gear (other than mask/fins/snorkel/boots) for a while -- I knew I loved it by the fourth pool session, bought my gear after that.
Have fun!