Purchase Octo Question

[Marty Bess]

Looking at getting our own gear but go diving once/twice a year for a week at Grand Cayman, were not experience with only 30 dives each. This year trying a cruise to Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belize and Cozumel, We have computers, fins, mask, and wetsuits but that’s it. Does anyone have suggestions on a starter BCD and Octopus setup?

QUESTION:
Is this even worth looking at??

https://www.amazon.com/Palantic-SCR...rds=Dive+Regulator+and+Octopus+Combo+balanced

Thanks!!
Marty

 

[decompression]

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Buy Scuba Dive Gear & Accessories Online | Discount Scuba Gear Store | Dive Right In Scuba | www.diverightinscuba.com - Dive Right in Scuba

 

[Scuba J7]

I would avoid cheap Amazon gear, a couple of my students have shown up with different unknown brands and it’s the little functions that can make a big difference.

A big one I see on them, and even a few big brands, is the power inflator only allows large fast bursts of air. It’s great if you don’t like minor buoyancy adjustments, or like to scare the crap out of fish.

Recently I’ve tried Deep6 regs and love them(coming from ScubaPro). Great pricing, products, and service. Deep6 gets my recommendation. Like their Facebook page and get a very good discount!

Deep 6 Gear

 

[nolatom]

A "starter" kit may last a long time, it has for me. I don't know the Palantic brand. I do know Scubapro, which appears just underneath them on your link. Plus the Mares Octo.

I've been diving for 18 years with a Scubapro R190 connected to a Scubapro MK2 first stage, and an Oceanic for an octo. I recommend a separate octo, rather than the Air 2.

Others may know more, or be more up to date. I just know what I got in 1999, and how it's working fine now.

 

[Scuba J7]

Another thing to keep in mind.

Once it’s time to service those Amazon regs, where would you take them? As a service tech I’m not sure where I could even source parts for them.

While Deep6 not only does your first service free, they include a service kit should you have issues and need immediate repair. They also provide specs and diagrams needed for service.

Edit: I did find part kits...on Walmart.com...palantic also sells bow and arrows....anything for $$

 

[Marty Bess]

Another thing to keep in mind.

Once it’s time to service those Amazon regs, where would you take them? As a service tech I’m not sure where I could even source parts for them.

While Deep6 not only does your first service free, they include a service kit should you have issues and need immediate repair. They also provide specs and diagrams needed for service.

Edit: I did find part kits...on Walmart.com...palantic also sells bow and arrows....anything for $$

Thanks... this did come to my mind after I posted. I don't have enough knowledge to make any kind of a knowable decision so steering me in the right direction is really appreciated!!

 

[runsongas]

not a good buy at that price. you can get the dgx regs for just a little a bit more.

DGX Custom - Deep Six DGX Regulator

or aqualung mikron from leisurepro

Aqualung Mikron

 

[Marty Bess]

not a good buy at that price. you can get the dgx regs for just a little a bit more.

DGX Custom - Deep Six DGX Regulator

or aqualung mikron from leisurepro

Aqualung Mikron

Comes with both the "Yoke Regulator and Octopus Combo"

 

[divinh]

I would avoid cheap Amazon gear, a couple of my students have shown up with different unknown brands and it’s the little functions that can make a big difference.

A big one I see on them, and even a few big brands, is the power inflator only allows large fast bursts of air. It’s great if you don’t like minor buoyancy adjustments, or like to scare the crap out of fish.

Uh oh... I ordered a Sopras Tek Compact Lite Travel BCD from Amazon. I couldn't find many mentions of Sopras Tek on the web (or even scubaboard), but they do look like a legit company with some history, like a presence at DEMA. The BCD specs are what I'm looking for - light for travel, compact, back inflate, harness is more like a jacket with more clips (instead of a continuous webbing), and reasonable price. It arrived yesterday missing a few parts (bungee on shoulder straps, buckle, and trim weight pockets) listed in the description and I contacted the third party seller. They said to send it back for an exchange to one matching the description and not the pictures (confusing, no?). Hopefully I'll get word tomorrow about the shipping label. Anyway, hopefully the inflator isn't one of those "large fast bursts" you're mentioning.

 

[DogDiver]

For the amount of diving you do.... I would recommend Resort rental gear. For BCD and Regulator.