Keith_88
Registered
I can't deny that I am a new diver, 16 dives so far, but I find myself at the point where I am looking to own my own equipment. I have the basics out of the way (mask, snorkel, fins), now the search is on for a BCD and reg setup. Looking for a computer as well, current front runner in my mind is the shearwater teric.
I have a some what unique situation in that I was certified on an Oxycheq wing and backplate setup in cold water here in Alberta. Then my last 12 dive where in Australia with your typical jacket style. The wing & backplate that I was trained I did not hate, but also did not love it, with more experience with it I think I would enjoy it. Will be getting some more experience with it as I plan on taking a drysuit course likely before I invest in my own gear. There is simplicity in the wing & backplate setup that I can replace virtually any piece I might ever damage down the road, and easy to upgrade. The jacket style while I never felt the squeeze some people talk about, I did find it a bit restrictive in terms of motion. I guess I was lucky and nailed my lead as I barely used the BC, 1 or 2 taps of the inflator, hence I did not notice the squeeze.
I know I do not want a jacket style and am currently debating between a wing & backplate like I was trained or a back inflated one like the Scubapro Hydros Pro. My future diving plans are local cold water diving in a drysuit for some fun and to gain more experience, diving when I travel in both warm and cold water.
Would appreciate any thoughts on a potential gear setup that would do good in cold water and still be able to travel with. Note when I say travel, 99% of time will be air travel, and realize my gear would probably need to be checked luggage.
I have a some what unique situation in that I was certified on an Oxycheq wing and backplate setup in cold water here in Alberta. Then my last 12 dive where in Australia with your typical jacket style. The wing & backplate that I was trained I did not hate, but also did not love it, with more experience with it I think I would enjoy it. Will be getting some more experience with it as I plan on taking a drysuit course likely before I invest in my own gear. There is simplicity in the wing & backplate setup that I can replace virtually any piece I might ever damage down the road, and easy to upgrade. The jacket style while I never felt the squeeze some people talk about, I did find it a bit restrictive in terms of motion. I guess I was lucky and nailed my lead as I barely used the BC, 1 or 2 taps of the inflator, hence I did not notice the squeeze.
I know I do not want a jacket style and am currently debating between a wing & backplate like I was trained or a back inflated one like the Scubapro Hydros Pro. My future diving plans are local cold water diving in a drysuit for some fun and to gain more experience, diving when I travel in both warm and cold water.
Would appreciate any thoughts on a potential gear setup that would do good in cold water and still be able to travel with. Note when I say travel, 99% of time will be air travel, and realize my gear would probably need to be checked luggage.