What's your preference

[litlhouse]

Have been using an Oceanic Cute II. Very happy with it (Back inflate). Now switching to OMS BP/W.

 

[keyshunter]

Gotta agree with RJP. Carrying any line will be a problem if your locals won't support it. In my neck of the woods a line like Mares is virtually unseen. Things like the HUB, what they did to Dacor, and the recognition of names like Aqualung, Sherwood, Scubapro, and Oceanic pretty much insure they won't go in this market along with others like Cressisub.
Also you need to look at what kind of initial order are you going to be required to get. You may be stuck with a large inventory you can't move. I know Sherwood and Oceanic don't require you to sell your first born to pay for the initial order. Also you need to look at what people are diving in your area. BPW is starting to make significant inroads into the recreational area with more and more shops/instructors even training ow students in them.
I plan on teaching BPW when possible and as for recommendations to students it's a no brainer. Unless you go with the blue H BPW's are usually less expensive, infinitely more adjustable, fully customizeable, and are fitted to the diver as opposed to a diver trying to fit into a non BPW bc. With this in mind if I was looking at a new line for a new shop I'd have to choose Oceanic with a side of the new Hollis line. Same company, same service and support, and the option of putting people into what they need and want as opposed to what you think they need and want. People are much more apt to buy if they think the decision is really all theirs with your expertise thrown in.
With the above you could carry a representation of rec and tech without getting too wrapped up in inventory. And since you're both on the left coast getting specials in would be no problem. Hell the one shop I DM through usually has 3-4 days shipping. And that's across the country. Since you've already decided on Oxycheq however, I'd still recommend the Oceanic. For service, support, and value they are hard to beat.

Actually Jim,
Cressi has a very good line of rubber goods (masks and fins). They are quite popular in many areas. I don't know why their regs and bc's are not popular. Some people who know tell me that they are good. I suspect that is because of a support issue. Rubber goods doesn't require nearly as much support as regs and bc's. As for Mares, they make good regs, although they seem to think they are designing Italian sports cars. As far as support, the current US management seems to be on the right track, but it is likely that I will be dead before the bad taste Mares left in my mouth (no pun) in the '90's disappears--and that was before the Dacor thing.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I'm not sure I'd get in bed with Aqualung or Scubapro. Seems they don't allow a level playing field.

I agree. GREAT products as we all know, but do you really want to play by rules that ultimately only benefit them (this is also debatable) and not you?

 

[Damselfish]

I'd be looking around for whatever I like best, and I have zero preconceived notion that I'm more likely to find it in any particular major brand. The more choices and sizes you have to show me the more likely I would find something I would want to buy.

 

[Walter]

Scubapro Classic Sport because it's streamlined and doesn't trap air. There's none better.

 

[Bob Vincent]

I wouldnt buy a bcd in any of those brands and otherwise I wouldnt want any other gear from them either except maybe zeagle. In fact I wouldnt ever buy seaquest either.

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[wfmiller]

I wouldnt buy a bcd in any of those brands and otherwise I wouldnt want any other gear from them either except maybe zeagle. In fact I wouldnt ever buy seaquest either.

That's a broad statement to be making....

 

[diver 85]

Zeagle has a good name(& product)......