Newbie Gear Question

[teamacacia]

I just got certified a few weeks ago and have been considering purchasing the full set of gear so-to-speak.

My gear, as of now, includes the following:
Atomic Subframe Mask, ScubaPro Phoenix Dry Snorkel, DeepSee Manta Boots, and Atomic SplitFins.

I live in Oklahoma and will likely do mostly lake dives in the state and those surrounding plus a yearly trip or two to the blue water. I'm looking for a set of good gear that won't drain the budget and would like to see if you all have any suggestions.

What I am considering from the LDS is: ScubaPro KnightHawk BC, either scubapro or aqualung reg, power inflator/alternate second stage like the Air2 or SSI, and computer...possible air-integrated.

Thanks in advance and apologies for being the next guy in the list of millions to ask this same question.

Todd

 

[PerroneFord]

All that sounds great.

Good luck.

 

[loosebits]

Lots of threads out there about Air2 type regs. Also consider the type of kick you'll have to do in your split fins and what that will do to the mud on the bottom of OK and TX lakes (which you will have to be very close to in order to actually see the bottom). You might also want to read some of the numerous threads on AI computers (personally it seems like a lot of money to spend on something to tell you your pressure).

 

[ChrisA]

I just got certified a few weeks ago...
What I am considering ....ScubaPro KnightHawk BC, either scubapro or aqualung reg, power inflator/alternate second stage like the Air2 or SSI, and computer...possible air-integrated.

My opinion: Go with a standard second stage, not the air2 thing. I also thik the air integrated computer is not so usfull unless you just want to so you can download your air usage into a computer but a dive slate is a whole lot cheaper. You'd want a real SPG too so the fancy computer does not save you anything.

With the money you save to a dive trip. You and a buddy could drive out here to So Cal do a dozen dives then drive back for the price of an AI computer

 

[almitywife]

Scubapro is good - think about weight intergrated if you havent already done so

oh, and dump the dog in the avatar.... no good can come from fluffy white yappers

 

[TSandM]

One of the only things I still have from my original equipment purchases is my Aqualung Titan LX regulator. That was a good piece of advice from the LDS, and a purchase I don't regret at all.

If you are going to use an Air2, think about putting a longer hose on your primary regulator. You are going to donate it; if it is 24 inches long, the person you donated TO is going to be right up in your face the whole time you're trying to orchestrate an ascent and exit. At the very least, an octopus length hose is better.

 

[diverdown247]

If you've done your research to fit your personal diving needs, then you shouldn't go wrong. Sounds like you've got some good gear picked out already.

 

[meesier42]

Renting gear for a while will allow you time to figure out what you like and what fits you well. Buying now may seem like a good deal, but getting stuck with gear that doesn't fit, or you end up not liking will cost you alot more than renting for a couple of dives. Call a bunch of LDS, you'll be surprised to see how much variation you can find at different shops.
Scubapro is found pretty much everywhere, and although they have good gear, you need to at least try some other brands.

 

[Tamas]

oh, and dump the dog in the avatar.... no good can come from fluffy white yappers

that looks like a Schnauzer, they are not little white yappers!

 

[teamacacia]

Yep, it is a schnauzer. Sophie is a ten month old miniature schnauzer already weighing in at nearly 25 lbs of solid muscle. Seriously, she is a hoss...no yapper, she has a good bark. The wife and I also picked up a pure white miniature schnauzer that will likely be around 20-25 pounds as well. Now I'm trying to talk her into a standard ...schnauzers are really good dogs, IMO.

Back on topic, thanks for the advice you all. I'm just trying to figure out what'd be the best bet. The way I figure it, I'll have to make 50 or so separate dive days to "pay off" the purchase instead of renting.