I dont mind a discussion, I just didnt want it to turn into a pony bottle thread. Seems there's lots of opinions on those from people more experienced tham myself. OK, fair enough
I didnt buy anything used or in a package, but got a very, very, good deal on everything from several different suppliers. I won't go into specifics on who,what, when, $. No need for specifics. It just seems that there are a lot of brands mixed in to your selection, which suggest an on line purchase rather than a LDS, where you might have fewer brands. If you really got a great deal, good for you.
The Zeagle line all seems to be top quality locally supported equipment. The Ranger seemed a good choice with its modular design and multiple fastening systems should I decide to take my diving to other levels in the future It really is a great BCD. Very comfortable. And, I like Zeagle a lot. But, my Ranger sits unused in my closet since I switched to a BP/W. In hindsight, I wish I had asked about other options, hence my comment.
The Mares M3 console came with the standard M3 analog gauge package- I assume the gauges themselves are manufactured by Mares but I could be wrong on that. The compass is a top read lubber line or gunsight. Zone 1 cal. with up to a 20deg offset-Mares I assume Sounds like a useful piece of gear. Personally, I started with a two gauge console, because I wanted the compass more easily available.
The Zeagle inline Octo Z was a personal choice on my part. If the people I'm diving with (instructors) feel this is unacceptable its easy enough to put on a conventional octo I don't think it will necessaarily be unaccepotable. I was just curious about the 'why'.
The Seair Trimetal Regs for the money in my opinion was the best reg Now, this one I am really curious about. What was the basis for that decision? Not disagreeing, but if you decided on a Ranger in part because Zeagle is a good brand, and you bought Mares, and TUSA, etc. why go with what can best be considered an 'off brand'. That doesn't imply it is a bad reg. But, it is a bit more obscure, so you have to seek it out as an option.
The pony bottle-that size and type was a personal decision by me And, again, I am curious about the decision-making process, as apparently are several other posters on the thread. The 6cf bottle is such a small amount of air, one reaction (that you have already seen) is, 'Why bother?'