Starter Tech Gear

[PerroneFord]

Would this be a decent setup for primarily recreational diving with the intent on going technical. Dive Rite Hurricane Regulator, RG3500 | From PrimeScuba.com Or am I better off just buying two Dive Rite Jetstream regulators. Could I use the octo on a purely technical rig. I am really not wanting to spend tons of money unless needed.

If you have interest in doing the GUE/DIR route do NOT get the Jetstreams.

I use the Dive Rite octo for my backup and it works fine. I've used down to about 135ft on air and it breathed just fine. With helium, I'd imagine it would be even better.

 

[Standingbear56]

Hi Opti 12206
While the Dive Rite Jetstream is DR's new top of the line regulator, it does not conform to DIR standards. In this case the Hurricane may be a better choice. The Hurricane will serve you well for both recreational as well as technical diving.
If there is any other way I can help, don't hesitate to contact me.
Safe Diving,
George

 

[opti12206]

Would I be able to use the Hurricane regulator on a stage bottle? Honestly, I want to go DIR, but I will probably start out with IANTD because that is what is local to me.

 

[PerroneFord]

Would I be able to use the Hurricane regulator on a stage bottle? Honestly, I want to go DIR, but I will probably start out with IANTD because that is what is local to me.

I've put my DR regs on my Stage bottles in the past. Don't see why the Hurricane would be any different.

 

[opti12206]

I think I may go with an Apeks XTX50 for a primary and a Apeks XTX40 (maybe 20) for an octo. Then when I buy a doubles setup I will just buy a second set. I have been looking here Apeks XTX50 & XTX40 Octopus - Lucas Divestore It seems like it is two regs for $483. I cannot tell what kind of 1st stage it has. I want to get a DS4. Does this seem like a reliable starter platform.

 

[mikemikethepike]

I think I may go with an Apeks XTX50 for a primary and a Apeks XTX40 (maybe 20) for an octo. Then when I buy a doubles setup I will just buy a second set. I have been looking here Apeks XTX50 & XTX40 Octopus*-*Lucas Divestore It seems like it is two regs for $483. I cannot tell what kind of 1st stage it has. I want to get a DS4. Does this seem like a reliable starter platform.

I just ordered a pair of XTX50 regulators from Scubastore - Diving Gear and Dive Equipment, Diveinn. They have a sale of the XTX50 with the DS4 1st stage right now (355.52 US$ each). Well, their site definatley specified first stage combinations.

These guy are in Spain and the shipping to the US is a little steep, but the overall deal looked good to me. I will let you know if they are reliable.

 

[Trimix2dive]

I'll keep this brief:

1. Halcyon makes fine gear. Other manufacturers do also. But if Halcyon is what you want, then nothing wrong with that.

2. Lots of good regs out there. ScubaPro and Apeks make some of the more popular models. Dive Rite and Salvo are also quite popular. Many people like Atomics. Whatever you purchase, make certain you have reputable service near you if you can.

3. Tech gear is often cheaper than it's recreational counterparts. Bells and whistles add cost to gear. Recreational divers seem drawn to that. Tech divers want simple, bulletproof gear that works. This is a generalization of course.

4. Hold off on the computer for now. You won't use it nearly as much as you might thenk. Especially if you plan to follow the DIR/GUE route.

Good advise above. You could try the used market 1st to see whats out there (at a lower unit cost then retail). Your regs will be the big expense as there will be 4 or more of those.

I have a "DIR" set-up and a "DIMR" set-up of regs. If your DIR'ing it - get a set that conforms to that standard.

If your buying gear from the new market, dive it before you buy it. Don't get sold anything.

 

[Standingbear56]

Would I be able to use the Hurricane regulator on a stage bottle? Honestly, I want to go DIR, but I will probably start out with IANTD because that is what is local to me.

The Hurricanes will work fine in any role - Primary, Secondary or Stage. The question would be, do you need a regulator of the Hurricane's performance on a stage bottle? Many divers use a lower performance regulator, or even unbalanced regulators on stage bottles because they are not used at greater depths that your primary/secondary regulators are used at.
I would suggest you go to the DIR forum and ask them there, or better yet, go to your potential tech instructor and ask him/her. Then with that much more information, you can make more informed choices.
Again, if either I or anyone else here at Prime Scuba can assist you, give us a shout.
Safe Diving,
George

 

[PerroneFord]

The question would be, do you need a regulator of the Hurricane's performance on a stage bottle? Many divers use a lower performance regulator, or even unbalanced regulators on stage bottles because they are not used at greater depths that your primary/secondary regulators are used at.

Umm, my stages have bottom mix in them. Are you talking about traveling gas? Or deco gas? I often spend more time on my stage tanks than my backgas. In fact, I prefer it that way.

 

[rjack321]

I have sevral of the DR2500 regs they are nice on deco/bottom stages. I like the swivel. They breath well on nitrox to 100ft and better on trimix below that. They are not so hot for backgas, I don't like the DR swivels there. I have scubapro mk10/15/20/25s in that role.

The side breathing jetstream is not considered a DIR reg. The hurricane is fine although its really a rebranded Beuchat and it looks like its being phased out. ($200 off at DRexpress is the hint). Service down the road on a rather unusual french regulator may be an issue.