Buadhai
Contributor
I returned to diving about six months ago after a five year hiatus. I delayed buying new gear to make sure that I still enjoyed the sport. I do. Now it's time to get some new stuff. So, I've spent quite some time reading a few of the numerous threads in the equipment forums. Bottom line? There's way too much information!
I live in Thailand and do nothing but warm water diving. I'm somewhat of a minimalist. I don't wear a wetsuit. I'm not an equipment fondler. I just want stuff that works, that is durable, and that can be repaired locally.
All I need to get at the moment is a regulator, first and second stage, and a BCD. I have a couple of antique but working and recently inspected computers. And, yes, I still have my 1990's era split fins and I like them very much. (No hazing please.)
After reading the voluminous advice here and perusing the web sites of a number of Thai based equipment suppliers, I've decided on the following:
SP MK 25 / G250V Regulator and First Stage
SP Geo BCD
If I'm making a horrible mistake on either of the above, please let me know.
(And, yes, I did consider a backplate and wings, but I just don't like back flotation. On the surface I swim on my back so it just makes sense to have a vest.)
It appears that the cost of this gear is huge in Thailand compared with US prices. (The regulator set is about US$540 in Thailand. I see it on Amazon for US $375. There is a risk in ordering from overseas because the Thai customs duties can be an ugly surprise. I'll probably wait until I visit the US. I'm not in a hurry.)
I think I wrote this post mostly as part of the decision making progress. But, as stated, if I'm making a horrible mistake, please let me know.
TIA
I live in Thailand and do nothing but warm water diving. I'm somewhat of a minimalist. I don't wear a wetsuit. I'm not an equipment fondler. I just want stuff that works, that is durable, and that can be repaired locally.
All I need to get at the moment is a regulator, first and second stage, and a BCD. I have a couple of antique but working and recently inspected computers. And, yes, I still have my 1990's era split fins and I like them very much. (No hazing please.)
After reading the voluminous advice here and perusing the web sites of a number of Thai based equipment suppliers, I've decided on the following:
SP MK 25 / G250V Regulator and First Stage
SP Geo BCD
If I'm making a horrible mistake on either of the above, please let me know.
(And, yes, I did consider a backplate and wings, but I just don't like back flotation. On the surface I swim on my back so it just makes sense to have a vest.)
It appears that the cost of this gear is huge in Thailand compared with US prices. (The regulator set is about US$540 in Thailand. I see it on Amazon for US $375. There is a risk in ordering from overseas because the Thai customs duties can be an ugly surprise. I'll probably wait until I visit the US. I'm not in a hurry.)
I think I wrote this post mostly as part of the decision making progress. But, as stated, if I'm making a horrible mistake, please let me know.
TIA