Words from the wise needed!

[1.21 Jiggawatts]

How's it going folks? My first post so be gentle. lol. Been diving off and on since 2005 and after slaving away in a sales job for the last number of years (incl every saturday/Sunday!) I am taking the plunge and going to see myself through my rescue, dive master and instructor courses. School is picked(I think) and I leave in 5 month for Prodive Mexico! Anybody any experience of these guys?

In the process of buying my gear, not got the biggest budget but want to invest in equipment that will see my through the next few years as a professional, you could go crossed eye'd looking at reviews etc so I thought id ask your advice....

Reg- Im looking at the Scubapro mk25 / s600....

BCD- Not 100% sure, ive been looking at Mares Dragon MRS and the Scuba T-force but could do with help on this one.

All advice greatfully received!

 

[TSandM]

Well, I'm sure I'll get screamed at . . . but if you are going to go train there, it's clear you will be doing some cavern dives and maybe even cave dives. So you might as well buy a backplate system to begin with, because you will need one to move into cave diving or cave guiding.

The MK25/S600s are definitely very good regs, and ScubaPro can be serviced almost anywhere -- I'm sure there's a ScubaPro service department somewhere in PDC, and if there isn't, I know where there IS one just south of there. I've been very happy with my Mk25/S600s, but I'm swapping them out for HOG regulators now in order to be able to do my own service.

 

[1.21 Jiggawatts]

I know there's definately the opportunity for cave diving, never used a wing/back plate system before so it hadn't really crossed my mind, not sure if id base my choice around that as not sure where i'll end up.

Good to hear from someone that has used the regs rather than reviews, though they all say good things, so cheers. the guys im diving with are a scuba pro dealer/service centre which is a bonus. I think that could be one decided.....

 

[GFuterfas]

Congrats! Will you be working for a particular shop (eventually)? Will you have to dive the gear they sell?

 

[Puffer Fish]

If I am not mistaken, that is a PADI shop... not sure how they would take to the BP/W for their instructor course, would ask first.. if if ok, then go for it.

Well, I'm sure I'll get screamed at . . . but if you are going to go train there, it's clear you will be doing some cavern dives and maybe even cave dives. So you might as well buy a backplate system to begin with, because you will need one to move into cave diving or cave guiding.

The MK25/S600s are definitely very good regs, and ScubaPro can be serviced almost anywhere -- I'm sure there's a ScubaPro service department somewhere in PDC, and if there isn't, I know where there IS one just south of there. I've been very happy with my Mk25/S600s, but I'm swapping them out for HOG regulators now in order to be able to do my own service.

 

[RU4SKUBA]

I did my IDC at Prodive Mexico. I can say for certainty that you'll be trained very well by Anders Heegaard, and he's not necessarily easy, as it were. They just became a Career Development Center for a very good reason.

Great facilities and everything is arranged for you, they even have great connections for super low-priced apartments, in fact, I'd only book 2-3 days at a hotel and count on finding a cheap place to stay fairly easily. Wander around Playa and look for "se renta" signs and you'll find something cheap, if that matters.

I'd wait to buy your gear until you arrive in Mexico, then ask Paulo if he can hook you up with some gear. You'll probably need a jacket-style BCD for demonstrations, since it would be hard to demonstrate donning and doffing your gear at the surface with different gear.

 

[Dukemdiver]

If your going Scubapro regs, and want to teach, I don't know much about that except I feel more comfortable when the instructor is wearing similar gear, I would go with the Scubapro glide pro jacket style BCD. It has worked will for me for the past year of diving and getting certs. I also have the Mk11/S555 scubapro regs I like very much.

 

[seaducer]

I dive a Mares Dragon MRS at a local aquarium, and that is about the only place I would do so.

While it is comfortable and seems to be well made (mostly), there are issues of the weight pockets falling out. Granted this happens with 8+ pounds in them, and in tropical waters you are not likely to need that much, but still it seems a poor design to me.

Otherwise like I said it is a comfortable jacket as jackets go, on me a large is too tight and an XL is way way way too loose. Trim pockets are small and I do not use them but don't really need to.

Not at all familiar with your other choice. I will second TSandM and advise that you expand your options to other bcd styles, a back plate system is not for everybody, but it works for every type of diving.

 

[ohmdiver]

I know of one LDS that requires thier instructors to buy and use only the gear they sell. from pool thru open water.... It is a way to promote the gear and shop. Obvisouly they get a better discount and are probaly working some of it off... IJS.
I am relativly sure that PADI and SSI require some sort of shop affiliation also... I think there are some agencies that may not.

Just my 2 psi....

 

[Crowley]

Congratulations on taking the plunge, as it were!!

People are going to tell you all sorts of reasons you can't or shouldn't do this - but I sold everything I own to live underwater - and if you work hard, and you're good - it is an amazing life, so you have my support 100%

In terms of gear.

Okay - I do not advise going for the Backplate/Wing configuration if you intend to be a recreational scuba instructor. There are advantages to their use, of course, but if you are teaching in a resort environment, such as pro-dive mexico, 100% of your students will be using the standard BCD, two-hose setup, and I think it is far better to teach diving with a similar equipment set up to your students. (I'm not screaming, TSandM! ) I have a number of colleagues who teach this setup in confined water and then use their wings in open water where you are not required to demonstrate skills. If you are on a budget and can afford only one or the other, go with the BCD setup.

the MK25 is an excellent regulator, but the bog-standard MK2 will serve you well. Talk to prodive, because they may be able to provide you with discounted equipment when you arrive. Scubabpro market a basic "rental package" which is the MK2 reg plus T-1000 BCD and although they are basic, they are almost bullet-proof and will server you well. Me personally, I would upgrade, but if you don't have the money right now, it's a good starting point. When you're a rich and famous dive instructor (ahahahahahahahaha!!) you'll be able to choose differently. My own equipment (SP Mk25 / Aqualung Legend regs / Seacsub pro2000 BCD) has served me well for years.

Some shops require you to have their own equipment - I know for a fact that Prodive Cairns and Florida do not, so I assume that will be the same in Mexico

Good luck - and I hope you enjoy it - it is an amazing adventure.

C.