Next Round of Gear Recommendations

[certainmisuse]

Hello,

A few weeks back I asked around for BP/W help, looking to take a more minimalist approach with my entry back into diving. I decided on a Dive Rite plate with a continuous webbing basic harness for starters. Now I'm looking for help with the wing, primary breathing system and computer and in doing so still trying to stay relatively minimalist, I'm not asking for strictly GUE responses however. Most of my diving will be shallow (<60') and around the coast of Florida, probably in a 3mm and no gas mixes.

Wing: single tank diving only, ~30 lbs. I'm not sold on the Dive Rite voyager, any good alternatives? And will it work with the Dive Rite backplate.

1st and 2nd stages: I have always been fond of ScubaPro for these items, but feel free to open my eyes here. Looking for rugged and minimalist; doesn't need to be balanced. Current thoughts are ScubaPro MK2 with R195.

Computer: Given the simplicity of my diving profile I see no reason to go crazy here; however, computer costs seem to vary widely. Suunto Zoop Novo perhaps?

Thanks,
David

 

[runsongas]

the oms or hog wing is decent if you don't want to go with dive rite. hog usually goes on sale for thanksgiving. you may want to consider the dgx 25lb wing package since it sounds you are unlikely to need the additional lift for diving in a double 7mm or drysuit.

the mk2/r195 is dependable, but you get more bang for the buck going with dive rite or deep 6.

if you plan to do a lot of multiday repetitive diving, consider a dsat computer from oceanic or a used petrel instead of the suunto.

 

[scubadada]

@certainmisuse

Several threads in the Computer forum regarding buying a first or replacement dive computer. @runsongas brings up an important point in considering the decompression algorithm.

 

[superheavydeathmetal]

Are you sure you need a wing so large? For single-tank diving, I use an 18 pound wing.

In practice, for recreational diving, you really only need a few pounds of lift.

 

[Strategist.]

Hello,

A few weeks back I asked around for BP/W help, looking to take a more minimalist approach with my entry back into diving. I decided on a Dive Rite plate with a continuous webbing basic harness for starters. Now I'm looking for help with the wing, primary breathing system and computer and in doing so still trying to stay relatively minimalist, I'm not asking for strictly GUE responses however. Most of my diving will be shallow (<60') and around the coast of Florida, probably in a 3mm and no gas mixes.

Wing: single tank diving only, ~30 lbs. I'm not sold on the Dive Rite voyager, any good alternatives? And will it work with the Dive Rite backplate.

1st and 2nd stages: I have always been fond of ScubaPro for these items, but feel free to open my eyes here. Looking for rugged and minimalist; doesn't need to be balanced. Current thoughts are ScubaPro MK2 with R195.

Computer: Given the simplicity of my diving profile I see no reason to go crazy here; however, computer costs seem to vary widely. Suunto Zoop Novo perhaps?

Thanks,
David

For the wing, you can consider the VDH Argonaut wings that @Bryan@Vintage Double Hose carries. You can drop him an email to update you when stocks are coming.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

Wing: Apeks D18 single tank wing on a stainsless steel plate with the single tank adapter. Deluxe webring harness.
Regs: I have four: atomic M1's, one with Yoke and the othe three with DIN. Primarily use the DINS for doubles and stage/deco bottles up to 80% O. I have an Apeks DS4 xtx40 i use for my 100% deco.

Computer: A pair of Perdix AI with two wireless transmitter (one black one yellow) and with two brass and glas SPGs... just in case.

 

[Landlocked123]

I like OMS wings... a lot.. I say go with their singles wing. If you dive cold water consistently I recommend Sherwood Blizzards. You can never go wrong with Scubapro. Qqua lung makes great regs and so does Apeaks. Amazing cold water reg. 9 years not one issue and I dont get them serviced as much as I should .. Computer... Again depends on the diving. Low viz deep diving = Shearwater for me. Buy once and the computer can grow with you. I have the original Petrel and its an amazing computer. If mostly clear water diving there are many options.

 

[207diver]

You can't go wrong with the mk2/r195. It is a simple and reliable reg. that will give you years of trouble free service and will be supported by the manufacturer long into the future.

 

[Mr. Sunday]

Id look at the VDH wings. Very nice especially for the price.

Regs I would look at ScubaPro or Apeks. Both have good options.

For computers I like Shearwater. Id look for a used one. While somewhat expensive they do retain value and you can likely a good bit of the cost if you decide to sell.

 

[JohnnyC]

18lb Oxycheq (or the VDH, I just don't have one to compare it to) with a stainless STA (although not necessary, just some added weight). Hole spacing is the same so it will work with the backplate.

For regs, check out the Deep6 regs. Inexpensive, location is very close to you, good guys, solid product. Great bang for your buck. That's not a knock on ScubaPro.

I hate Suunto computers. I've used all sorts over the years, hard pass for me for several reasons. Buy once, cry once and get the Shearwater is generally my advice.