So you have $3500 to spend on BC, Reg and Dive Comp

[MXGratefulDiver]

I'll toss my hat in the ring with those who are recommending that you at least look at a backplate/wing. For cold water diving, it has a lot of advantages. Deep Sea Supply offers one of the best values on the market for that type of rig ... which is why you see so many people recommending them. Oxycheq also offers a great package at a great price. Halcyon is rock solid, but you'll pay a bit more. Dive Rite is also good gear, but I don't think their wings perform as well as any of the above (not their singles wings, at least, although the Classic is a great doubles wing).

For computer ... go with something that's nitrox compatible ... beyond that it's really personal choice. I wouldn't waste the extra $$ for a hoseless AI computer, as most people who use them eventually get a "backup" SPG for when their transmitter fails (and it will) ... which means you just shelled out hundred$ for, basically, a neat feature you don't really trust. I like the Suunto computers, as they're a bit more conservative than the Pelagics (e.g. Oceanic and Aeris) ... and I've had better reliability with Suunto.

Reg ... some good regs are Apeks, ScubaPro, Mares, Atomic, Zeagle, Aqualung ... you can't go wrong with any of their top-line offerings.

Definitely look into getting a drysuit ... where you live it'll make all the difference in the world. If I were you, that's where I'd be putting my priorities ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[mdb]

For $3500??? Anything you want.

If it were me:
DSS single tank rig
www.deepseasupply.com

Atomic or ScubaPro or Aqualung's top of the line regs

Computer? Depends if you want fancy wireless air integrated or not. Personally, I wouldn't. I'm pretty happy with the simple nitrox wrist computer I have, so I'd put the change in the bank

Suunto is expensive if you want to spend a lot on a computer. Personally, I like the bigger displays on Aeris, etc as well as the ability to set it liberal or conservative.

My guess is you'd be much better served to do some research in the threads on this board to figure out in general what you want (BP/W or BC?), (air integrated or not?), etc. Then you can ask specific questions. The odds of this thread coming to a consensus on the best package are slim to none.

Cheers

PS - Your real expense is going to be a drysuit in Canada. It could easily cost as much as everything else if you go with a brand new custom DUI with bells and whistles.

best advice so far:

 

[BigWhiteSquare]

DSS single tank "hog" rig $445
Aeris Atmos 2 $289 at Scubatoys
Zeagle Flathead VI w/ Envoy octo < $600 at Scubatoys (they price match other sites)
Nice spg < $90 at TDL

Leaves approx $1000 for a drysuit or a nice set of hp steel tanks.

 

[jeckyll]

I spent about $3500 Canadian on my setup and that included the drysuit

Atomic Z2 w/ Z1 second with long hose of course
Halcyon Pioneer w/ SS backplate (I'd get a DSS setup if I had to do it over but the LDS sells the big "H" and they are good about service)
Atomic Quantum computer (easy to use Nitrox though they sometime need warranty)
Bare nexgen drysuit w/ 200 weight undies (if on Montreal I'd get 400)
UK C8 eLed light with Mini Q40 eLed backup
Suunto compass
DUI Trim & Weight II weight harness (well worth it over a standard weight belt)

You should be able to get all that for around $3500 - 4000 Canadian with not problem

Good luck!

 

[CompuDude]

I second (third, fourth, fifth?) the call for a drysuit if you're diving in Canada.

For regs, as others have said, top of the line ScubaPro, Atomic, or Aqua Lung, and you'll be sitting pretty. I'd give the Atomics the slight edge in the race, but they cost more. Only have to service them every 2 years instead of 1, however, which is a bonus. I went ScubaPro (MK25/S600) myself. For the octo I picked up a less expensive AquaLung ABS, which has a good rep for an octo. I don't like Air2-type Octo's... and there are a LOT of threads on the board arguing that point, with (I think) the majority in agreement that they are to be avoided.

For computer, I agree the Oceanic Atom is pretty slick. I went with the Uwatec SmarTEC, myself, which costs more but will do more for me as I get more technical. Eventually, I know I'll be using it guage mode, but at least it's an option. I was against wireless at first, and will, again, eventually go back to basics once I go tech, but I'm enjoying the luxury for now. There are a lot of Suunto advocates on this board, but I don't care for them: TOO conservative, and not enough choice on my end. I'd rather crank up the microbubble suppression settings on mine than be forced to use Suunto's settings.

For BC: I agree with the others that DSS (Deep Sea Supply) backplate/wing setup is going to work wonders for you, and last damn near forever, at a cheaper price than a ScubaPro KnightHawk, which would be my first choice if I ever went back to a more traditional BC (NOT!). I chose the DiveRite TransPlate over the DSS, but either would work well for you, and having Tobin on this board is a nice bonus. It's true that the bd/w setups are thin on the ground in the real world (especially warm water places), but momentum is gathering. Price isn't really a consideration here... what works best is. And there are an awful lot of people here (myself included) who swear by their bp/w setups over any traditional BC.

For tanks: Get a paid of HP100's. PST or Worthington is my choice, but Fabers are also good. You can pair them later, if you want, for doubles, or just have two really kickin' singles tanks.

Finally, set aside a chunk of change for accessories, such as the Suunto SK7 compass (use the DSS boot instead of the Suunto one... way better), flashlights, etc. If you want the full can light route, budget a big chunk, else people have said good things about the UK HID light canon. I just bought one myself, tho I have yet to get it wet. Also, what fins did you settle on? The DIR folks will argue for the cheap scubapro jet fins, and have some justification for their preference, but there are an awful lot of people here sold on the Apollo BioFins instead. Get the spring straps. Expensive, but the best there is, unless you are hardcore tech diving... at that point just pick up the cheap pair of jets.

 

[TSandM]

I'll throw my hat into ring, recommending the DSS single tank rig as well -- it's a great value.

I bought the Aqualung Titan LX reg, and I think that was good value as well -- and I've been told that by a number of people. You might want to go with the LX Supreme for the environmental sealing. The VERY experienced tech in our LDS has told me that, for all intents and purposes, any regulators made by the better companies are going to be reliable and safe and breathe well under recreational diving conditions. You can spend a lot of money on bells and whistles and pretty cases, but not end up with anything that is any better to dive.

And you WILL want a dry suit. Really, you will. You'll dive more, and be more comfortable doing it. My dive buddy just bought his first one -- he's been diving the Sound for years in a wetsuit. He can't believe he waited so long!

 

[GreenDiverDown]

I don't think you asked the right question.

 

[dsteding]

Having just gone through this, I'll add to the Deep Sea Supply bandwagon, second the recommendations on the suunto computer, and agree on the drysuit route. I got everything (except my light) for about $2700 (bought a used drysuit). Light was about a grand, and I've since gotten a couple more tanks . . . and my credit card company loves me.

 

[CPDiver]

I would spend $2000 of that $3500 getting the absolute best equipment on the market, then I would spend the other $1500 throwing one of the best BBQ parties ever thrown for your best friends. Really that simple.

In scuba, you can spend $2000 on the best stuff, or spend $3500 on the same stuff. Your choice. Now days, divers have choices. Thanks.

Phil Ellis

Contact Phil above, he will set you up at a good price with great service.

Best regs? Opinions very, but you probably will not go wrong with any of the fololowing: Apeks ATX or XTX 50, 100, or 200 (they all perform the same as the next), Zeagle flathead or tech 50, Aqualung Legend Supreme or Legend LX Supreme, or Scubapro. Poseidon regs are supposed to be very good but I have no experience at all with them. ($350-$500 U.S.)

BC? Zeagle or a Back Plate with Wing. Do whatever you can to try a BP/W setup. They look intimidating but are simple and dive like a dream. ($400-$600 U.S.)

Computer? Depends what you want. Some swear by Suunto. I chose an Aeris Atmos II because I like the display better than the Suunto Vyper. But you can't go wrong with either Suunto, Aeris, Oceanic, Genesis. (Nitrox W/out air integration $250 - $400) (With wireless integration? $800 - $1200)

 

[ChrisA]

With $3,500 to spend you can buy top of the line all around but is that really the best use of funds? I hate to see even rich peole wast money.

With each line of gear there is a "sweet spot" where performance is very good,usaully just abouve the mid range price point. and then they will have a "sucker spot" for double that price. As for buying a reg. they all work alike. Just get a top tier (aqualung, scuba pro, mares, apeks...) and make sure the first and second stages are balanced. Check around that you can get service any place you might dive.

There is MUCH more difference between BCs then between regs. First pick a style, Jacket, back inflat or plate and wings. Figure you will want to replace this so day. Your tase will change after 100 dives. Yes it will. I'd recmend reting or otherwise trying out diferent BCs. None of use can know what you'd like

Computers: Suunto is nice but look at the size of the numbers displayed if you are over 40. I can't read the fine print. Chose either wrist mount of console. I like wrist. I don't like air integrated and I have just a brass SPG on a hose, low bulk. Wrist mount compass too. You can spen a lot on a computer but all you really need is a readable display and a user interface you can figure out. If you have extra money spend it on a backup bottom timmer or the like

Concider setting aside some of the budgt for a drysuit. If you live near cold water you WILL want one. So much nicer to be able to remain in your dry cloths. Don't sel the wetsuit. You will need it anduse it sometimes