Putting together my first SCUBA set...

[DeadCactus]

Hello everyone,

I've been diving for awhile and have a few dozen dives under my belt. Decided it's definitely about time to buy my own gear. Just looking for some hints and pointers to keep in mind while picking out a BC, reg, octo, and gauges/computer. Primarily just trying to get something decent to start out with (eg keep cost down while still having reliable gear).

I think I'm going to go with a Oceanic Alpha 8 regulator and either an Alpha 8 Octo or Mares Proton Octo with an Oceanic Veo 100 as the computer. Is there any benefit to having the Regulator and Octo be from the same "family", so to speak.

I'm Nitrox certified, but don;t really dive it, so I'm not sure I want to spend the money for a low end Nitrox computer yet. Leaning towards just waiting until I want a higher quality computer and getting Nitrox then.

I'm leaning toward one of the lower cost travel BCs, so that later when I have money for something higher quality, I'll still have a use for my old BC. Looking at the Aeris Reef Rider and Oceanic Islander. Open to suggestions though.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[jjhill]

It would help in suggesting gear to know what conditions you normally dive in. For example I would recommend someone diving in the cold mountain lakes of Alberta (like me) regulators that are designed with cold water in mind where as this may not be important for people who are resort divers and usually only dive in warm climates.

As for computers most computers on the market today will do both air and nitrox and can be bought at fairly reasonable prices. The suunto gecko is just one example of a decent computer for a decent price that will do both air and nitrox but there are several others in the same ball park in price and ease of use.

For BCD's again there are several travel types like you mentioned that are good buys. No matter what gear you buy the most important things to consider are the type of diving you will be doing and comfort of the item.

 

[DeadCactus]

Mostly open water, recreational type diving. Not looking to get into anything too technical just yet. A little diving around 80 with a rare trip deeper, but mostly above 60.

A lot of diving in lakes, springs, and pools. Not less than 60 degrees with most being around 70 to 80.

Looking to do some diving off shore in the Atlantic soon as well. Also looking to get some resort diving in soon.

Does that help?

 

[k ellis]

My personal favorite BCD is the Aeries Coral. Its a back inflate and has all the weight pouches on the exterior for ease of adding or subtracting weight via a buddy. I could not agree more that you alone are the one who will be wearing the gear and your life is what will hang in the balance.

A personal idea is this. Many LDS know that there best customer is a happy customer. In alot of cases some shops will let you try diffrent models and makes. My local shop is awesome about doing this for me .

A happy customer is a repeat customer!

 

[rstofer]

Every LDS has package deals. In many cases, the total cost is about 2/3 of the components purchased individually. It may turn out that none of these packages is suitable but it is at least worth a look.

Even on the low price end there are Nitrox computers available including the Veo 100 NX. I wouldn't consider buying a computer that didn't handle Nitrox and I would prefer that it handle altitude changes in real time. I would like it to account for my residual nitrogen when I make the trek to Lake Tahoe. Simply setting the new altitude is NOT acceptable. For that reason, I am looking at the DiveRite Nitek Duo. It's more money than the Veo but, in my view, worth the difference.

It is helpful to make a spreadsheet of the various alternatives. You could even include various packages prices.

Richard

 

[DeadCactus]

The Veo 100 is actually what I was looking into. Silly question, but is there a non-Nitrox version of it or is the Veo 100 just an abbreviation for Veo 100 NX?

 

[RonzoTheGreat]

i would also consider not buying a computer at all. there is nothing wrong with diving analogue gauges. NOTHING. plus it will keep you practiced in your tables. save your money until you think you are READY to go with nitrox, at which time you can buy something like a VEO 100 or an Oceanic Pro Plus2.

i would also consider a bp/w (not to say they are better or worse than jacket bcs) but to just consider it. if you decide you may get deeper into diving (pun intended) in the future, just about everything on a bp/w set-up is upgradable. they also fit a wide variety of body types, and the resale value is higher should you decide not to stick with diving or a bp/w set-up.

if you decide to go to double tanks, you may have a difficult time with the jacket, but that may be far ahead of where you think you are headed. just throwing the idea out there for cost savings in the long run.

also, a bottom timer like a uwatec or oms can work as your computer for only about $200 new or $100 used. and than you can stick with the SPG for reading your tank ...

one of the beautiful things about this approach is that when you do go to a cmoputer, you will still use your spg as a redundant gas gauge.

i am by no means telling you what to do, just giving you options no one else mentioned yet.

 

[hawkenph]

Hi,
I just bought a Zeagle Brigade with is a Hy-bred of the Ranger and a Escape. It has the Ranger Harness with the Escape Bladder. And it can grow with you. You can goto doubles with it later,etc. It has inter graded weight belt. It packs well to for travel. This is why I bought it so as I get more into diving it will grow with me. Later on I will get a BP/W.. lol
Scuba toys on line sales them. Just to let you know I am just a ST customer nothing more. lol
Kurt

 

[TMHeimer]

Consider these "extras" The Apollo Bio Tank lock-never have a tank slip again. Shoulder harness or suspenders for weight belt--GUYS without hips: never have that belt fall down again, or squeeze yout guts to keep it on. And the spring loaded fin straps--never again struggle ANYWHERE getting fins on & off.