Confused on what gear to buy

[Bubbletrubble]

BDSC,

Did you use the Seahawk with drysuit at all?

The Seahawk should dive perfectly fine with a drysuit.
The Scubapro specs on both the Seahawk (56 lbs. lift) and Knighthawk (34-46 lbs. lift) show ample lift for diving with the vast majority of drysuits (assuming a properly weighted diver).
Both have weight-integrated pockets and trim weight pockets which accommodate an identical amount of lead: trim weight pockets hold a total of 10 lbs. and weight-integrated, ditchable pockets hold a total of 20-24 lbs.
Any extra ballast that a drysuit diver needs could be carried on a weightbelt or in tank camband pockets.

One of my dive buddies has been using his Knighthawk for drysuit diving for years (10+, I think). It works well. I can't imagine any reason why the Seahawk wouldn't work with a drysuit.

 

[BoltSnap]

Antagonist,

I wouldn't worry about "beginner" or "advanced" at this point. As long as your are within the realm of "recreational" diving, you should buy quality equipment that would last you a long time. Scubapro makes great equipment overall. Some other manufacturers excel in one type of equipment or another. Personally, I have been using Scubapro and Atomic regulators for a very long time and I am happy with both. I'd recommend that you buy the best regulator that you can afford from either one that is appropriate for your diving. As for the BC, fit and comfort are the main selection criteria. The Scubapro Classic Unlimited is Scubapro's best BC and has been in production one way or another for decades. If you want back flotation, the Seahawk is a good choice as was discussed above. I am looking for a back flotation BC since my Scubapro Classic doesn't work too well with a drysuit, otherwise the Classic is OK all around.

The other company that makes great BC's is AquaLung. Please note that fit and comfort are the primary selection criteria for BC's.

Good luck and Safe Diving!!

 

[BDSC]

BDSC,

Did you use the Seahawk with drysuit at all?

Sorry, all my diving so far has been the warm water stuff!

 

[CamG]

Greetings Antagonist I have used the MK25 / G250 and it is a great reg.
I second much of what the others are saying about BC, I have used the Scuba Pro jacket BC's and they are more than adequate.
Proper fit and function are the key elements to finding the right one for you and your GF.
Does the shop on the base offer package deals? I would look at those and see if you could substitute some items you don't like for those that you do.
Most shops have some flexibility in these areas unless it is a factory special.

Be sure to inquire about the service plan and scheduled repairs so you can get a idea of yearly cost or bi-yearly.

Good luck with the gear.
CamG Keep diving....Keep training....Keep learning!

 

[Doc Harry]

A computer is a luxury item. Spend your money on essentials at this point.

 

[vladimir]

A computer is a luxury item. Spend your money on essentials at this point.

Most people would consider dive gear in general to be luxury items, unless you happen to be a working diver. While not essential to diving, a computer can be relatively cheap, the OP has already purchased one, and it will probably enhance his diving experience.

 

[Doc Harry]

Most people would consider dive gear in general to be luxury items...

Not to hijack but....

I was going diving from shore one day. A couple of women were sitting on the beach as I walked into the water. One of them said, "Oh look, a scuba diver!"

The other replied, "I had a boyfriend who was a scuba diver. They are rich people who have nothing better to do with their time."

 

[Scubagolf]

Not to hijack but....

I was going diving from shore one day. A couple of women were sitting on the beach as I walked into the water. One of them said, "Oh look, a scuba diver!"

The other replied, "I had a boyfriend who was a scuba diver. They are rich people who have nothing better to do with their time."

I'm striving to be in that category.
Seriously, when I bought my first stuff beyond the basics (mask, snorkel & fins) I bought a BC, regs, and computer from Scubatoys. I actually thought it was "beginner" stuff, but it wasn't and almost 8 years later I'm still diving my Zeagle Brigade, Aeris regs, and Aeris Atmos 2 wrist mounted nitrox computer. It was a great package from Scubatoys.

 

[Antagonist]

Greetings Antagonist I have used the MK25 / G250 and it is a great reg.
I second much of what the others are saying about BC, I have used the Scuba Pro jacket BC's and they are more than adequate.
Proper fit and function are the key elements to finding the right one for you and your GF.
Does the shop on the base offer package deals? I would look at those and see if you could substitute some items you don't like for those that you do.
Most shops have some flexibility in these areas unless it is a factory special.

Be sure to inquire about the service plan and scheduled repairs so you can get a idea of yearly cost or bi-yearly.

Good luck with the gear.
CamG Keep diving....Keep training....Keep learning!

I was look at either the MK11/R395 or the MK25/G250. I am trying not to focus on the price to much especially since I plan on hang on to this gear for quite a while. The dive shop on base does all the maintence and is a certified deal of scubapro accessories and they are cheaper then anything I have seen on the internet.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I was look at either the MK11/R395 or the MK25/G250. I am trying not to focus on the price to much especially since I plan on hang on to this gear for quite a while. The dive shop on base does all the maintence and is a certified deal of scubapro accessories and they are cheaper then anything I have seen on the internet.

@Antagonist: Get a balanced second stage for your primary. The G250V fits the bill, and people rave about this second stage for a reason.

I'm sure almost any first stage in the Scubapro line would work out well for you. A number of my dive buddies use the MK25 (balanced piston). They really like the MK25 -- only say good things about it. The MK11 is a balanced diaphragm first stage. Some day, if you ever want to do cold water diving, I believe that the MK11 can be converted to an MK17 by adding an environmentally sealed chamber.