Please give advice to new diver on gear

[305scuba]

I just got certified in June and have been on about 10 dives, ranging from 40 to 90 feet. Mostly drift and wreck dives in the South Florida area. I think I'm hooked, and since it looks live I"ll be doing 2-6 dives a month, I've decided to buy my own gear. I'd appreciate any comments on the following gear, and welcome any recommendations on gear just as good, but a little less expensive. I wanted to budget $1000 for a bcd, reg and computer, but the items I'm looking at price out to about $1500:

BCD: Zeagle Zena (about $450)

Computer: Ocean Pro Plus 2 (about $640) (I want it to be easy to use, but nitrox compatible)

Reg: Aqualung micron (about $410)
or Mares She Dives Proton 42 (much more $$)

In a reg, I'm looking for a sturdy, yet lightweight reg to decrease jaw fatigue. Is there anything to the sales pitch of regs geared toward women, or is it really just a matter of ease of air flow?

Thanks in advance for your advice!!

 

[gndpdr]

as for the zena ..imho zeagle makes a rock solid product i'm on my 2nd ranger this time an ltd anyway using a custom mouthpiece will help with some jaw problems ..i use "seacure" as for the regs both company's make good gear ..but i own neither so other owners will help you with them ..good luck ..have fun..be safe ..

 

[Colliam7]

I've decided to buy my own gear. I'd appreciate any comments on the following gear, and welcome any recommendations on gear just as good, but a little less expensive. I wanted to budget $1000 for a bcd, reg and computer, but the items I'm looking at price out to about $1500:BCD: Zeagle Zena (about $450)

Excellent BCD. Not inexpensive, but a great piece of gear. Do you REALLY want integrated weights?

Computer: Ocean Pro Plus 2 (about $640) (I want it to be easy to use, but nitrox compatible)

Unecessary, and too expensive. If you are $500 over budget, ditch this item. Get a good dive watch, or a cheaper (used) two gas computer.

Reg: Aqualung micron (about $410) or Mares She Dives Proton 42 (much more $$)

Aqualung is a good reg. A little pricey for plain warm water diving, but a good piece of equipment. I wouldn't go with Mares.

In a reg, I'm looking for a sturdy, yet lightweight reg to decrease jaw fatigue. Is there anything to the sales pitch of regs geared toward women, or is it really just a matter of ease of air flow?

No, not really - as far as gender-oriented second stages. Air flow is a more germane issue. Second stages are - for the most part - simply not that heavy in the water. The mouthpiece makes a MUCH bigger difference in jaw fatigue. Put a Comfo-Bite mouthpiece on whatever you buy.

 

[fnfalman]

Atomic Aquatics Z2 regulator is around low $400. Lightweight second stage and superlative breathability.

I'd recommend a Dive Rite backplate/wing setup. If shopped right, they should be around $400-something for the rig. Dive Rite is in Florida so they may know a thing or two about Florida specific diving when they make their gears.

 

[RJP]

The mouthpiece makes a MUCH bigger difference in jaw fatigue. Put a Comfo-Bite mouthpiece on whatever you buy.

The main thing that causes jaw fatigue in new divers is tension - biting on the mouthpiece in a clenched jaw with a death-grip! With experience you'll find that it won't just fall out of your mouth and you'll "loosen up" a bit.

:blinking:

Also, I think the Micron comes on a Miflex hose, which will also help reduce jaw fatigue as the greater flexibility means that the reg doesn't "pull" as much as you dive.

 

[Colliam7]

The main thing that causes jaw fatigue in new divers is tension - biting on the mouthpiece in a clenched jaw with a death-grip! With experience you'll find that it won't just fall out of your mouth and you'll "loosen up" a bit.

A VERY good point!