Thoughts on gear for gettin AOW?

[Buoyant1]

Just keep trying stuff, you won't go wrong with something that YOU like! What works for me won't necessarily work for you.

I love my BC (Aeris Atmos XT) but I tried a Dive Rite Transpac, and a Transplate this past weekend, and I really like both! (but I also liked the Zeagle Ranger I've tried)

Common denominator? All back inflation! (the Transpac felt like I had NOTHING but the cylinder on!) Interesting to say the least!

 

[TheHobster]

who is your instructor for this as I am from Indy; I may know him/her

 

[Peter Guy]

I must say I really like my back inflate Balance -- worked fine using the AirSource/inflator. (And if you do that, get a longer -- 40" -- hose on your primary because THAT is the reg you donate.)

Re the Cobra with compass -- I have a Cobra with the quick disconnect and I love my Cobra (much to my DIR wife's displeasure) and I had it combined with the compass. Don't do that. Get the Suunto compass (REALLY good) but put it in a DSS "boot" and have it on your wrist -- MUCH better.

 

[3-Ring Octopus]

I have to second the Black Diamond IF you're going with a SeaQuest/Aqualung BC AND you like back-inflate (try a back inflate BC before you buy...a lot of people like them, but some loathe them..). If the shop carries Aqualung gear, they'll be able to order you in a Black Diamond if they don't normally keep them in stock. I own one and LOVE IT.

As far as computers go, my SO dives a Cobra and loves it. I have on occassion noticed the stray bubble coming from the Quick Disconnect on it...but nothing terrible. (Then again...she's also taken it on nearly 1000 dives as an instructor and she isn't known around these parts for being the most diligent person when it comes to taking care of her gear... ) If you want a wrist mount instead of an integrated (as apparently I do...I was diving a Cobra on a deep dive @ Cove 2 in Seattle 2 weeks ago and at 100'..apparently a tad narced..I glanced at my wrist even though the Cobra was obviously on my console..lol) you can try the Vyper...it's basically the Cobra w/o air integration.

The reg is a solid choice...it's what the SO dives too (yes..she loves the Aqualung keyman...he was just at the shop last week and she'll be getting a nearly new set of gear for next to nothing...damn those perks of being an instructor!! lol ). I dive the Titan...a good workhorse reg for quite a bit less $$$... .

Just my thoughts...

Cheers,
Austin

 

[MelC]

I agree with the posters who suggest considering whether you might prefer a wrist mounted computer down the road? Getting a version like the vyper (if Suunto is how you want to go) gives you the ability to change your mind without changing your computer.

Mel

 

[MJordan]

thanks for all of the input guys. I tried on a back inflate in the store and thought it was really comfortable but didnt have a chance to dive with one. maybe ill try it out by the time i get some new gear which will hopefully be a while down the road considering the money im shellin out lol.

 

[FoSheZZie23]

You cant go wrong with any of the Zeagle line for BC's, I dive the Zeagle tech on occasion.

As for regs go with Atomic or Scubapro.... they are damn near the best!

 

[plot]

oooh ooh back inflation check out www.deepseasupply.com they make a kick *** plate wing setup which is tough as nails

This is what I use and love it. My dive buddy has one of these also, as well as a Balance and, even though he prefers this one, he likes his Balance too. So if you're set on going with a BC from your LDS (or from seaquest), then I'd have to say look into the Balance. It's back inflate and pretty simplistic. I've looked over the black diamond a few times after the initial "ooh that's a cool looking BC" thoughts, I've decided I don't really like it.

I own a Legend and love it, I don't think you can go wrong there.

As for Suunto computers, I have a Vyper and get along with it just fine. About half the people I know with Cobra's love them, the other half don't for some reason. I think it might be more of an air integrated or not choice more than the actual computer itself though... that's a decision you gotta make.

Just my 3 cents, make of it what you will. Try out the Balance along with that other BC before you choose one though.

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

If I knew a few months ago what I know now, I would have changed everything about what I had originally purchased from my LDS. I have been replacing pieces one by one since Feb. This site might help you understand what you want from your gear. My mentor has really opened my eyes up to what you need and what you don't. It seems just keeping it simple works the best. Good Luck!
xoxoCarolyn
http://www.gue.com/Equipment/Config/index.html

 

[keyshunter]

The BC you chose looks really nice!
I know quite a few DMs with 9,000 to 12,000 dives under their belts who only use jacket style BCs and really enjoy them. Its smart to try the gear on before you buy, and I'm sure your LDS will treat you well and be able to service all of your Aqualung/Seaquest/Suunto gear when you need it.

I don't think I know anyone with 12,000 dives. I need to get out more.There must be a lot of diving in Colorado.

Mjordan:
It's all good gear.