What brands do you recommend/not recommend?

[santafejoe]

Brands i use and like a lot are ScubaPro, Henderson ,and Aqua Lung.

 

[Moonglow]

Here's what a very famous cave diver is currently using:

Scubapro 250V
Oxycheq Extreme wing / Dive Rite plate and harness
Dive Rite fins
DUI TLS350 drysuit
Light Monkey lights
Larry Green reels

Here's what our Course Directors use (long-time recreational instructors):

Scubapro S600 / Atomic M1
Scubapro Classic or Knighthawk
Mares Quattro Fins
Henderson wetsuit
Princeton Tec lights

 

[Wayward Son]

while I like the lights themselves (Princeton Tek Shockwave LED's), I don't expect to buy any more PT products again. I've sent 2 of these in for repair/replacement. The first finally came back, 60 days after I sent it to the dive shop. They in turn sent it back to PT & it was like a black hole. They finally had mercy on me & sent me one out of stock, since despite being told by PT that they had authorized replacing the light, the LDS still had not received it.

The 2nd I sent back, at the dealers instructions directly to PT. That light was delivered on 26 august. Still have not heard a word nor seen a repaired or replacement light.

IMO, this is utterly miserable, unacceptable customer service. If they're going to replace it, just how friggin' long does it take to grab one off the shelf & stuff it in a box & mail it?

 

[The Chairman]

The best BC being made right now is also one of the least expensive: Zeagle's Express Tech

My favorite Reg: Hog

My favorite Fins: Hollis F1

My faovorite mask: Sea Life

My favorite hardware: DSS (I love their BP & Wings too).

 

[drrich2]

I'd go for a weight integrated BC. Some people on the forum like back plate/wing instead of standard BCD; might read up on it a little if you wish (I've never used a back plate/wing). For a computer, I'm considering the upcoming Atomic Aquatics Cobalt. I'd like an intuitive menu-driven interface rather than the unintuitive button pushing comb.s/sequences & weird little abbreviations and 'why can't I find what I'm looking for & understand it better' experience of some dive computers (which remind me of changing settings on a wrist watch).

On the computer, you'll need to decide if you want air integrated and one that can record your dives & download to a computer. If so, do you want wrist mount (like Oceanic VT3) - where air integrated use a wireless transmitter - or a console style (where air integrated doesn't need a wireless transmitter) - like the Oceanic ProPlus 2.1 or Atomic Cobalt.

Richard.

 

[Hammerhead]

Dear God. Do NOT show that to Jax.

Pssst Jax...


..DSS is your friend

 

[Hammerhead]

Oh, and if you need a 'puter and no one else can help, and if you can find one, maybe you can buy..the Uwatec Aladin Pro Nitrox

Bulletproof for 10 years.

 

[mike_s]

Dear God. Do NOT show that to Jax.

I was going to say the same thing....

while I like the lights themselves (Princeton Tek Shockwave LED's), I don't expect to buy any more PT products again. I've sent 2 of these in for repair/replacement. The first finally came back, 60 days after I sent it to the dive shop. They in turn sent it back to PT & it was like a black hole. They finally had mercy on me & sent me one out of stock, since despite being told by PT that they had authorized replacing the light, the LDS still had not received it.

The 2nd I sent back, at the dealers instructions directly to PT. That light was delivered on 26 august. Still have not heard a word nor seen a repaired or replacement light.

IMO, this is utterly miserable, unacceptable customer service. If they're going to replace it, just how friggin' long does it take to grab one off the shelf & stuff it in a box & mail it?

I've been happy with my PrincetonTec Lights. But with that said, I've had 5 of the break. So I haven't bought any in recent years.

But luckily they've got a lifetime warranty.

I've always gotten them replaced within an acceptable time frame. usually two weeks or under. Typically with new batteries in them.

so I'd give them a call or email.

 

[diver_doug]

The only brand I have consistently disliked (in my limited experience) is akona...except for their dive bag. Everything Scubapro and Atomic makes seems to range somewhere between good-great.

 

[sabbath999]

Here's what I use:

Deep Sea Supply wings & backplates, hog harnesses, ScubaPro regs, DUI drysuit, henderson wetsuits, Hollis F1 fins. (The tank is a Steel 120... the boot was to hold it up for the picture...