jaybombs25:
i was leaning more towards mares because thats what i was trained on and its also a good brand
Since your in the process of looking into gear. Do not rush into it because it is cheap price. Here are a few things to consider before you buy Dive gear.
The type of diving your doing. ( salt water, cold water, fresh water etc...) How often will you be diving. How far will you go in your advanced dive training etc...
All this is to consider before buying gear at a chaep price to only upgrade to better gear for the type of diving you may be doing. Rent before you buy. Try different gear. If you have buddies whom dive different BC's try them see if it fits and works for you.
The most questions I get from beginner divers is the type of reg to buy. Since this is your life support under water it has to be the best. In my opinion.
The best is a balanced Reg, balanced first stage and second stage. It has to breathe easy at the surface and at depth without variations. Plus it should be environmentaly sealed.
Next is a comfortable, fitted BC. There are a few good BC'S out there with weight intigerated and also back inflated.
But I would consider a Back plate and wing. The reason is simple. FIT.
The BP/W once set up for your body fits you like a glove and does not move around nor ride up or float around. It is snug to your body and moves as you move. I put several new divers in a back plate and wing set up with a single tank. After a few adjustments, a few tips, there trim was bang on. And a BP/wing grows with you as you evolve in your diving. You only change the starps or if you go doubles just the bladder which you can get use for around 200-350$.
Getting adjusted for a BP/Wing is simple as getting a suit taylored. Where as a standard BC jack you have to snug everything all the time and it still rides and moves around when you dive or turn to look at something. Some may disagree but I challenge them to try a BP/Wing to see the difference.
The rest of the gear is basically fit and comfort. Make sure it fits before you buy. And if you can try it before buying it.
Ask around, go to a local dive shop and try gear on. Strap on a tank see how it hangs with the BC etc...it may sound stupid but that is what I do with new divers wanting new gear. Mak them try on stuff.
hope this helps