The next step: Tech Gear Choices

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dandrian

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Scuba Instructor
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Location
Columbus, Ohio
I find myself heading more and more into what is considered techincal diving. This is primarily based on the type of diving I have available to me as well as the types of dives that I am drawn to take.

I have slowly accumulated some tech gear (wreck reel, jon line, simple redundancies, etc.) but I am looking and considering putting together a true tech rig with back plate, double tanks, double bladders, etc. and would like to get a sounding on what everyone would consider to be the top companies for techincal gear. I know that everyone has opinions on what is better and all for different reasons, I would just like to hear about companies in general that stand out for having a good over all reputation for solid equipment. ( For example, in rec diving it became apparent to me that Atomic regulators, Oceanic and Sunnato computers seem to be top of the line equipment. They always get good reviews and ratings in the magazine and people on the boards generally speak postively about the companies as a whole) I am not worried about price or specific features just some companies I can investigate on my own. The only techinical dive company I am familiar with is OMS. I don't know how they rate as a company but they are the only one I have heard of.

So thanks for your input in advance.
 
If you use the search button, you should find as many forums on this type of thing as you want.
My view if I had unlimited funds for tech gear:
regs: Apex
backplate and wings: Halcyon
computer: VR3
 
The best advice I can give is " talk to a GOOD tech instructor " and see what and how the dive, ask good questions about WHY they choose the gear they did.

By asking this question on SB you'll only get the political company line from the differant groups that think their agency is best and all else falls short. This , in my opinion, will leave you more confused about tech gear. feel free to PM me about the gear I use and why I use it. Hint; cave gear for tech diving
 
Halcyon
Dive Rite
OMS
Oxycheq
Salvo Diving
Apeks


Halcyon makes great BC's, lights, and reels.
Dive Rite makes good doubles BC's and some accessories
OMS makes... well, a useable doubles BC if you work at it.
Salvo does top of the line lighting
Oxycheq does great BC's
Apeks makes great regs

Find a good instructor and talk with him/her.
 
dandrian:
I have slowly accumulated some tech gear (wreck reel, jon line, simple redundancies, etc.) but I am looking and considering putting together a true tech rig with back plate, double tanks, double bladders, etc.
I would argue that the most important pieces of "tech gear" are your basic, fundamental dive skills. And contrary to popular opinion, you can't buy these anywhere.
 
Thanks for your replies already. All good advice. And yes I agree that fundamental skills are the most important part of any type of diving. But even with just a few replies there seems to be a couple of companies emerging as solid choices.

Next question though: Does anyone know of a good tech instructor in the Ohio area? Preferrably the Columbus area but I would be interested in finding one anywhere nearby.

Thanks again
David
 
Scubapro makes some excellent tech regulators, computers, bottom timers, and jet fins, which are by far the most popular tech diving fins.
 
dandrian:
Thanks for your replies already. All good advice. And yes I agree that fundamental skills are the most important part of any type of diving. But even with just a few replies there seems to be a couple of companies emerging as solid choices.

Next question though: Does anyone know of a good tech instructor in the Ohio area? Preferrably the Columbus area but I would be interested in finding one anywhere nearby.

Thanks again
David

I'm happy to refer you to Kelvin Questel, Diver's Axis, in Wooster, Ohio. We just left the Stark county area, and we considered our tech dive training with Kelvin to be top-notch, as well as his flexibility with our work schedules. You can find him listed on ANDI's site at www.andihq.com and his email address is diversaxis@msn.com


IT #95
Kelvin QUESTEL
129 N. Grant Street
Wooster, OH, 44691
USA 330-262-3483
 

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