Which one would you buy???

[banshee807]

Looking for a new setup for 2011, which one would you buy?

#1
Tusa Liberator Sigma BCD, Black (BCJ-3200)
Cressi XS Octopus
Cressi XS2/AC2 Piston Regulator
Tusa Platina Pressure Gauge, Black (SCA-120)
For $462

OR

#2
Sea Elite Profile Hybrid BCD
Sea Elite RX450 Ranger Regulator
Sea Elite SX30 Octopus
Sea Elite Slimline PSI
For $447

On paper the Sea Elite Gear is quite good with many features and good reviews but it is not exactly name brand, as opposed the the name brand stuff which has a logo but not as many features. Service is a non issuse as I'm in the Navy and I can usually go bug the tech for basic parts for just about any reg. Which would you go for???

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I'd recommend doing a little more research online. Although the Cressi and Sea Elite brands might be OK, you could probably do better value-wise if you look beyond the two packages you listed above.

The Sea Elite RX450 first stage regulator only has 3 LP ports. For cold water diving where you might be using a drysuit someday, you should look for a reg that has at least 4 LP ports: 1 for primary reg, 1 for octo/backup, 1 for BCD inflater hose, and 1 for drysuit inflater hose.

If you are price-sensitive, you would be hard-pressed to do better than the HOG brand regulators. The HOG D1 is a balanced diaphragm first stage ($125-$170) that can be fitted with an end cap so that it's environmentally sealed (for an extra $10-$15). You should probably consider this if you are doing any cold water diving. The D1 also comes with a 5th LP port that offers more options with hose-routing (useful for diving doubles).
The HOG D1 second stage is also balanced. It is based on a barrel poppet design with a breathing adjustment knob and a Venturi switch. It sells online for about $100.
If purchased as a package, the online retailer might be persuaded to throw in the reg hoses for "free."
Overhaul service kits for HOG regs are freely sold online, and you can even learn how to repair HOG regs by taking a class, such as the one being offered by Dive Right In Scuba.
A reg package consisting of the Cold water D1 first stage with two second stages prices out to approx. $350.

Alternatively, if you're friends with a reg tech, this opens up another world of low-budget options. Conceivably, you could purchased a used, high quality, name-brand reg (Scubapro, Aqualung, Apeks, Atomic, etc.) and learn from the reg tech how to service it. You could save quite a bit of money buying your reg used, you know.

With your remaining budget, I'd recommend getting a simple, brass-and-glass SPG ($60) with a HP hose ($20-$30).

For BCD, just make sure it fits you well. If you are penny-pinching, I'd recommend that this is the bit of gear that you can save some money on. You can find used BCDs for $50-$250, depending on the condition and features. Keep an eye on Craigslist or Ebay ads.

 

[Garrobo]

Either setup would be fine for recreational diving.

 

[LakeCountyDiver]

If you are set on only one of the two then I would go for Sea Elite especially since you dont have to worry about service.

 

[adutto]

I agree with boubletroble on doing a bit more research.
Even when both brands are ok for recreational diving, I always try to get the best I can.
Personally, for BCs and Regulator I would recommend you to do some research on scubapro as the big majority of reviews indicate that they have the best equipment for the recreational segment. For less sensitive equipment (not life support) I would go with more generic brands without a problem.

My 2 cents.

Ale

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Scubapro is no better than any other reg out there. Unless it's in generating higher numbers at the cash register. I'd also seriously consider HOG or their recreational line Edge. What kind of diving do you plan to do? Will you be traveling with the gear. If so something like the Zeagle Express Tech or a backplate and wing may work better. Modular, versatile, easily adjusted to your size, and fully customizable.

It looks like you have package set ups from somewhere. They may look like good values until you actually get them and really start using them.

BTW HOG/Edge is owned by a Canadian.

 

[jqjcn]

Tusa Liberator Sigma BCD, Black (BCJ-3200) is good

 

[RTee]

Banshee....where are you hailing from??? PM me if you prefer.

+1 about what Jim said (did not know owner was Canadian though).

I would recommend that before you buy anything you should consider what type and level of diving you want to achieve (you probably already did if so ....sorry for the motherhood). If not, then in a not so distant future you could become a contributor to the thread....stuff you bought and now regret....(there is one that is presently active on SB). Nothing to do with the brand you mentionned but just the type of equipment. BTW may want to go through it before you buy anything.

Features....more is not necessarily better. When it comes to diving, I now find that simplicity is ...priceless. Once I started diving BP with my doubles, I somewhat retired my Mares Dragon that I had purchased two years ago as I enjoyed back inflate so much I upgraded to ....Zeagle Express Tech for single tank diving (talk about simplicity). I just went with a larger bladder for lift, four sets of D rings and a crtotch strap and now use it exclusively for single tank diving locally and while travelling. Luckily for me, I got my son qualified OEW, AOW and nitrox last year. He is now using an almost brand new BCD....

Regulator...something somewhat similar (purchased a SR1 which I truly enjoy diving with it) but subsequently acquired Zeagle Flathead VI (two) to use with my doubles (came with yoke adapter). I now use it exclusively when I dive single and not accompanied by my son (gee whiz another piece of almost brand new equipment he inherited when he got qualified). I recently acquired two brand new HOG regulator sets (two cold water first stages, two fully adjustable second stages, 2 X 40 in hose, 2 X SPG mounted on 6 in HP hose) for a fraction of the cost of a recreational reg assembly.


If you think you might consider diving doubles eventually, Reg wise you should probably consider right off the bat going DIN at the onset either with a yoke adapter or tank with an H or 230/232 valve. May prove to be cheaper overtime.