My cert cards ink was still drying when I went ahead and purchased my full kit. LOL.....
Like you, I spent hours and hours researching what it was that I wanted and then came here to backup my choices.
I thought for sure I wanted a jacket style BCD, but the vast majority of people (in my opinion) were pushing BP/W.........so I went with the Hydros Pro.
If I had one regret I think it would be my dive computer. The computer itself is fine (Suunto D4I Novo with transmitter), it's just my eyes that aren't. I fixed that by buying an XS Scuba mask with built in 1.75 lens.
I say if you have the money and don't mind the fact that you may have to make a few changes to your kit, then go for it.
I only dive a handful of times a year in the lakes near me (never been on a liveaboard and have no desire to), but just knowing the kit is mine, where it's been and what it's been through is worth the expense.
Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.
Like you, I spent hours and hours researching what it was that I wanted and then came here to backup my choices.
I thought for sure I wanted a jacket style BCD, but the vast majority of people (in my opinion) were pushing BP/W.........so I went with the Hydros Pro.
If I had one regret I think it would be my dive computer. The computer itself is fine (Suunto D4I Novo with transmitter), it's just my eyes that aren't. I fixed that by buying an XS Scuba mask with built in 1.75 lens.
I say if you have the money and don't mind the fact that you may have to make a few changes to your kit, then go for it.
I only dive a handful of times a year in the lakes near me (never been on a liveaboard and have no desire to), but just knowing the kit is mine, where it's been and what it's been through is worth the expense.
Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.