Time to buy gear

[kelemvor]

I dove Ginnie Springs yesterday with the new reg. I had the xs alt air on it. Thank God I didn't need to use it because that thing was terrible. I don't know if the alt air is just junk or if I have a defective one - but I won't be diving with this octo again. Even the octo on my friend's ancient scubapro mk7 is far superior. In fact it's the first regulator or or octo I've used that I didn't like.

 

[beaverdivers]

The scuba-pro classic is on my list to consider

.

The Scubapro Classic is an excellent B.C.

The Classic is a Stabilizing jacket, providing exceptional lift, stability and control.

It is still the preferred choice for many of our instructors.

There is a new Classic for 2013. It is like the Scubapro Jet fin, it has endured the test of time.

I was married U/W in the 1st Stab. Jacket in 1978. It snowed 9" that morning. Everyone hiked 1.2 miles up w/ a 1000' gain in elevation. The wedding party of 5 of us braved the 40 degree water. The black Stab. Jacket made for a perfect tux!

 

[CT-Rich]

The one thing you won't get from rental gear is consistency.

 

[kelemvor]

I have been watching a video someone posted called "Doing it Right". They suggested backplate/wing is pretty much the only way to dive. I haven't tried one, but will asap as these guys make a compelling argument. Since they seem to be so simple, is there any advantage to getting a particular brand? I know one local shop has some made by zeagle and I plan to go check 'em out tomorrow. It's a small shop with no pool unfortunately, so I won't be able to try it out. I'm not sure if the larger shops with pools even carry bp/w yet.

 

[theduckguru]

Compare 3 Suunto computers, the Zoop, Cobra, and Cobra 3, and you see the cost of air integration, an electronic compass, and a bunch stuff you don't really need.