Want to buy new gear.

[Mixedpuppy]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at getting new gear. I'm looking for a good Octo setup. Basically a good quality 1st stage and regulator, gauges and maybe an integrated computer. I'm also looking into a quality BC. I am Advanced certified but I consider myself a novice with limited experience. I am currently only doing Recreation diving with along with night and wreck diving. I appreciate the advice.

 

[xSandman3]

There are about a bazillion and a half threads on here that you should read. What works for one person may be awful for the next.

Some basic questions to ask/answer yourself:
1. What kind of diving am I going to do the most?
2. How hard is what I buy to get serviced?
3. What kind of budget do I have?
4. Do I want to rush out and buy new shiny stuff, only to realize in three months that it doesn't do what I need it to?

Do some research, don't get in a big yank, and spend money once. I know this doen't answer your question, but you asked a really big question.

 

[spectrum]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at getting new gear. I'm looking for a good Octo setup. Basically a good quality 1st stage and regulator, gauges and maybe an integrated computer. I'm also looking into a quality BC. I am Advanced certified but I consider myself a novice with limited experience. I am currently only doing Recreation diving with along with night and wreck diving. I appreciate the advice.

Advice is nice but trying is very important. Do you like what you have been using? Can you rent other stuff in your area to compare and contrast? Do forum searches for items that you have enjoyed, if you find mostly good comments then you're on the right track. xSandman3 gave some solid fundamentals without getting specific.

In reading threads pay attention to where the poster dives and what sort of diving they do. There are some baises on the board, they won't lead you wrong but they may cut off some perfectly suitable equipment.

Last but not least it must work right for YOU.

Pete

 

[triciask]

Hi Mixed Puppy,

Although I'm not sure if i'm qualified enough to recommend a BC. I just had my first equipments class through my certification where we did a hands on class at different dive shops. After searching through many many BC's I was very impressed by the Oceanic Probe BCD. Take a look at them, maybe you will find it a good selection for yourself. I personally will be purchasing it. It runs from around $340-$400.

Good Luck
Tricia

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at getting new gear. I'm looking for a good Octo setup. Basically a good quality 1st stage and regulator, gauges and maybe an integrated computer. I'm also looking into a quality BC. I am Advanced certified but I consider myself a novice with limited experience. I am currently only doing Recreation diving with along with night and wreck diving. I appreciate the advice.

 

[Bubblejoy]

Hi Mixed Puppy

I don't know that much about different gear, but I did a little research before buying my first regulator. With a little advice from more experienced friends I ended up with an Aqualung Legend. Have had 20 or so dives with it so far (mostly in quite cold water) and it has worked perfectly for me. And it breathes a heck of a lot better than the regs I have been training with...
But there is lots of other great gear out there to choose from, so good luck in your search.