Henry, first off let me say I'm by no means a very experienced diver. That said, I do go to Cozumel at least once a year diving and usually do some other dives during the year. I've gone to Cozumel at least seven times, each time taking only my mask, fins, wetsuit and snorkel. I've never had a problem with the rental gear from Dive Paradise. I don't think the gear is always the same exact model, but it's always nearly new and in perfect condition. I've never experienced any labor breathing with their regulators and never had one give me any trouble. Same with their BCDs. They use plain old mid range BCDs that do the job and do it well. There's also the fact that if anything does go wrong they replace or repair the gear instantly and it doesn't cost you anything or delay your fun. Unless you're just determined to take your own reg, I'd leave it home. It's one less thing to worry about getting lost or damaged in the airport or anywhere. I'm assuming the dive operations in Akumal are as good as the ones in Cozumel, maybe someone else familiar with both could chime in here on that. I take underwater photography equipment and a laptop with me so don't want to take up room in my bags with dive equipment if I can help it. That may make my situation a little different than yours. Maybe if you plan on going to Akumal often, you could take your own gear this time and then decide once you've seen their gear whether to take your own next time. In my limited experience I've found you can make do and be happy with almost anything except a bad mask. A less than perfect mask (and that's entirely an individual thing) can ruin a dive quicker than anything. Have a great time in Akumal, I love Mexico.
....I have always carried on my reg....but lately have been checking it....that is a personal choice...I always carry on my dive computer though and my prescription mask...do what makes you feel comfortable...have a great trip
