so much equipment so little time...

[Xanadu Vector]

I'd like to keep everything the same brand. I don't want cheap gear but I don't need the most expensive. I've been looking at Dacor, Mares, and Cressi gear. I'm not about to walk into a retail store and ask what to buy regardless of their experience levels because I don't want an opinion biased by what they sell. If anyone out there would like to help me out I'd appreciate it. I would be diving off the southern coast of CA, current water temp is 69 degrees f. I'm looking for some general pros and cons of equipment by manufacturer. Thanks so much!

Thanks everyone! I wanted to keep it the same brand so I could get a "package deal". I can see thats probably not a good idea when it comes to SCUBA. I'm checking reviews and I don't see too much out there, anyone know where a good place for reviews is? Thanks again!

 

[dbulmer]

"I'm checking reviews and I don't see too much out there, anyone know where a good place for reviews is? Thanks again!"

Try the various forums of this site - I think you'll get a better more independent view - failing that, go to www.divernet.com. It's a UK site but IMHO offers better reviews than Rodales.

 

[Damselfish]

Thanks everyone! I wanted to keep it the same brand so I could get a "package deal". I can see thats probably not a good idea when it comes to SCUBA. I'm checking reviews and I don't see too much out there, anyone know where a good place for reviews is? Thanks again!

Some shops will do package deals, but they don't necessarily have everything of the same brand. Some will also give you flexibility to swap things in a package. Sometimes they can give you better prices on packages because they aren't allowed to discount certain gear but can others - so if the discount is on the whole package who's to say what part got discounted. That said, a package deal may or may not be the best thing for you. It takes a lot of homework to figure it all out, but it's part of the fun.

 

[Tampabay]

Here is my 2cents... I also like the zeagle Bc. I have a Ranger and love the way it fits around me. I have tried different ones and it just doesn't feel as good... But I know some divers feel different. You need to try many as possible. Specially in the water..
I also own apeks T50 and atomic M1.... which I can't be without...The larger exhaust keeps bubbles away from my mask... I also have a Atomic SS1 alternate Reg.. To me..It was worth the money... SP was also nice but I like the M1 or B2 better... Good Luck..