Some simple questions and recommendations needed

[billfrombyron]

Now that I am finally finished purchasing my basic kit.....

I after trying and renting several BCs went with a Zeagle Stiletto LTD.

After several rentals of regulators I chose the Aeris Ion with swivel and DVT.

Sherwood 2 gauge cluster in metric. 60m model. Simple and basic.

Mares MV octo for size and streamlining.

And a Oceanic Geo 2.0 for my computer(I love it, but take the free online courses!)

I also picked up a scuba pro smb and reel, and my much beloved Fuji EX80 with under water case rated to 40M.

Did I do well for a beginning diver? Just looking for some reassurance since I just laid out a large chunk of cash.

Do you have any good recommendations for a SMB? I do not like the vinyl scuba pro that I have, too heavy for what it is, and too clumsy to use in a current. Then again it may just be me, I am still pretty new and defiantly looking for any tips on deploying it. That being said it does work if all else fails, I just think there is something better, maybe lighter out there.

Any other basic kit beyond compass and knife that I should add? I am only diving warm water(like bath water warm) in the Arabian gulf, and I have no interest in duals or bp/w setup anytime soon.

Any recommendations for a octo holder other than shove it up into the straps? I have tried the scuba pro clip style and thought it was ok, but any mild current kept pulling it from my holder, I love the plastic mouth piece shaped style that you zip tie, but I don't seem to be able to find one, maybe I am blind but I have looked. I have also seen the Mares bubble style octo holder, but haven't had a chance to try one in person, are they worth the money?

Sorry for the basic newb questions, but from all that I have seen I am defiantly in the right place to ask questions like these Expect lots more as I go.

I am fairly newly certified, and currently have PADI open water, advanced open water, EANx, and Full Face Mask certifications.

I just want to put the finishing touches on my kit before traveling to Sharm El-Sheikh during Eid holidays at the beginning of Sept this year.

-Byron

 

[RTee]

Byron...you should be asking questions before and not after as you have already committed yourself...lol.

Zeagle, I love their products. I own a SS BP/W and 2 X Flathead VI regs that I used with my doubles. For single tank diving, I switched to an Express Tech last year that I complemented with four sets of D rings, Rip Weight system and a crotch strap. My Gf just converted to an Express Tech as well this year with the Zip pouch weight system, four sets of D rings and a crotch strap.

Octo retaining system, some folks use snorkel keeper. As for myself, I just use a small piece of bungee that I tied in a loop, pass through the D ring, then into itself and insert the octo mouthpiece in the resulting opening. Cheap and very effective. I use a Mares all metal Proton Octo that came with the bubble keeper but everytime I jump from the boat of pier, my octo would freeflow slightly. I have not had that problem since I switched to the bungee system.

For a newly certified guy with less than 25 dives, you sure have a fair number of certifications already under your belt. Enjoy your diving in Sharm el sheik

 

[scubadiveilat]

You're all supped up!

Now get to know your gear and master using it. Get comfy with it. For a knife a small one that mounts to the BCD strap is not bad to get. It 's compact and accessible.
such as this one;


an octopus holder such as this;


An extra mask that's good for you is an asset to have as well. Having all your set to go. Rash guard, a 3mm suit and booties if you don't have them already.

Now! Dive and have fun!!!

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Many people really like the 1m closed-circuit Halcyon SMB. You can inflate it orally or by inflater hose. It's small, so it's easy to shoot up from safety stop depth. It has a good quality OPV on it. Easy to rinse after the dive. Pricey but worth it.

You'll probably want to get a larger surface-only SMB for boat diving.

Octo-holders are personal preference. I have a small box of cheap-o octo-holders that never worked very well. Probably best to make your own out of surgical tubing and a bolt-snap. I found that the scumball-type holders which require insertion of the reg mouthpiece don't fit my Apeks Comfo-bite mouthpiece. YMMV.

For a compass, many people like the Suunto SK-7. It functions great even when tilted significantly. I've also heard good things about the Uwatec FS-1. Both of these compasses can be mounted in a bungeed elastomeric wrist boot made by Deep Sea Supply. It makes for a nice wrist setup.

 

[TSandM]

I have tried a bunch of octo holders (on student's gear) and I'm not really pleased with any of them, so I would guess that the loop of bungie, folded through itself, is probably as good as anything. The problem with an octo holder is that it has to accomplish two diametrically opposed things at the same time -- hold the octo securely, and release it instantly and without problems when it is needed. Usually, things don't do both of those very well, and since the danger is in not being able to get it loose, the result is that they come loose a lot. Don't use the magnetic ones -- I can tell you those don't work well at all.

I'm a fan of the Halcyon one meter bag, especially if you are going to deploy underwater. But if you are diving in big swells, you may want a longer bag that you only deploy on the surface.

I own and use several SK-7 compasses. They are really nice, but do have an annoying habit of cracking and losing their fluid, at which point they no longer work at depth. I haven't tried the FS-1, but have friends who like it.

 

[emoreira]

Any recommendations for a octo holder other than shove it up into the straps? I have tried the scuba pro clip style and thought it was ok, but any mild current kept pulling it from my holder, I love the plastic mouth piece shaped style that you zip tie, but I don't seem to be able to find one, maybe I am blind but I have looked. I have also seen the Mares bubble style octo holder, but haven't had a chance to try one in person, are they worth the money?
-Byron

This is what I did http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/making-your-own-gear/339544-octopus-holder.html

 

[billfrombyron]

Wow, thanks to all for the good info!

The haylcon looks good, but is it fairly light? My current SMB is a el cheap o scuba pro vinyl model that tips the scales enough to almost make me wonder if I need trim weights....J/K its not really that bad, and it will work for now.......but yea it sucks and I made a bad buy on it.

I will be now making my own octo holder using several of the suggestions that have been offered up. The first link to the thread with the clip and 0 ring. I will use bungee cord instead of the 0 ring and a good sturdy mini d-ring clip.

As for dive knife suggestions, I am particular when it comes to shopping for knifes. I use them, and to a point collect them. I demand a lot out of them daily and I am not a kind owner to them. While I understand this is primarily a dive knife only, I have yet to find the one that speaks to me.

I have been taking my daily use folder with a O-ring to secure the blade from opening unexpectedly and a short lanyard. I have applied a good coating of Amelguard CPC to the blade, liner locking mechanism, both sides of the pocket clip, and all the hardware holding it together. No rust so no worries. A knife should be the extension of the users hand and eventually I will find the one that's right for me. I will be looking for one next time I head home at my favorite knife shop.

For the compass I will be using a hand held model on a retractor and using the center hold method. So far it works for me whenever I borrow one. I know enough to know that the wrist mount is not for me.

Thanks again for all the good info!!!

-Byron

 

[SGR Jeff]

For knives check out Spyderco. They make a ton of great knives, and will most likely have the knife to suit your needs and likes.

 

[fjpatrum]

Now that I am finally finished purchasing my basic kit.....

I after trying and renting several BCs went with a Zeagle Stiletto LTD.

After several rentals of regulators I chose the Aeris Ion with swivel and DVT.

Sherwood 2 gauge cluster in metric. 60m model. Simple and basic.

Mares MV octo for size and streamlining.

And a Oceanic Geo 2.0 for my computer(I love it, but take the free online courses!)

I also picked up a scuba pro smb and reel, and my much beloved Fuji EX80 with under water case rated to 40M.

Did I do well for a beginning diver? Just looking for some reassurance since I just laid out a large chunk of cash.

Do you have any good recommendations for a SMB? I do not like the vinyl scuba pro that I have, too heavy for what it is, and too clumsy to use in a current. Then again it may just be me, I am still pretty new and defiantly looking for any tips on deploying it. That being said it does work if all else fails, I just think there is something better, maybe lighter out there.

Any other basic kit beyond compass and knife that I should add? I am only diving warm water(like bath water warm) in the Arabian gulf, and I have no interest in duals or bp/w setup anytime soon.

Any recommendations for a octo holder other than shove it up into the straps? I have tried the scuba pro clip style and thought it was ok, but any mild current kept pulling it from my holder, I love the plastic mouth piece shaped style that you zip tie, but I don't seem to be able to find one, maybe I am blind but I have looked. I have also seen the Mares bubble style octo holder, but haven't had a chance to try one in person, are they worth the money?

Sorry for the basic newb questions, but from all that I have seen I am defiantly in the right place to ask questions like these Expect lots more as I go.

I am fairly newly certified, and currently have PADI open water, advanced open water, EANx, and Full Face Mask certifications.

I just want to put the finishing touches on my kit before traveling to Sharm El-Sheikh during Eid holidays at the beginning of Sept this year.

-Byron

Do you think you did well as a beginner? Are you happy with the gear you selected? If so, who are we to say otherwise? Your gear has to satisfy you, no one else.

A recommended SMB from my limited experience would be the Zeagle deluxe signal tube (two-tone) http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/signal-tube-p-2234.html or the HOG signal marker http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/signal-marker-p-2103.html , which is basically the same thing. I like the two-tone option on the Zeagle because there is some data showing that yellow has better visibility in some situations while orange does in others... best of both. Either way, both are about 45-50 $US.

If you're interested, a slate might be nice but it's far from necessary. It can be useful, though.

 

[freewillie]

I dive a standard Stiletto, just love it.

the rest of your gear is very good and should serve you well.

For an octo holder I use a Cetacea velcro style clip. a lanyard goes around the mouthpiece of the octo and is attactched to a velcro insert. The insert is then placed in between a v shaped tabs to hold the velcro insert. the whole thing is then clipped to your BC D ring. Works well for me.