Dermochelys
Contributor
I was hoping to get some advice on purchasing my first set of gauges. Now, I know the whole arguments over computers vs. traditional analog gauges, and I don't want to turn this thread into a rage fest over which is better or worse.
With that said, several years ago I purchased an Apeks ATX 200 regulator from a good friend of mine along with the first stage to go with it and some accessory hoses. She used a computer, but had already sold it separately, so from her set I just got the regulator system. My understanding is that this is a very good regulator and probably way better and beyond what I really need. She only used it twice, so it's basically good as new. I've only gone on 21 dives since my certification 10 years ago, and other than my basic fins, mask, snorkel, etc., I've rented gear including a regulator and gauges whenever I've gone diving. I put the ATX 200 away in my closet figuring one day I'd get some good use out of it, and there was really no reason to get my own gauges since I dive so infrequently.
Well, I've decided to change my mind and get my regulator and gauge set-up because 1) it seems a shame and a waste to have this regulator and not use it, and 2) if I do start diving more, it'll save me a bit of money in the long run.
I live in Northern California (inland), so diving opportunities are not abundant, so unless I figure out some good lakes in the area that I can dive, I'll probably remain a vacation diver. Either that, or I need to find a cost effective way to get out to the coast more often. With that in mind, I'd like to get a nice, simple, old school analog, work horse, no frills, reliable, bomb proof, set of gauges that can sit my closet and just be ready to go when needed. I think going all the way to a computer isn't in the cards right now due to the cost, and that it would become obsolete very quickly without me really getting my money's worth out of it.
So, my question is this. Who makes a good gauge set that I can add to my ATX system at a reasonable price (keeping in mind my requirements above)? I'm open to buying something used as well, and I'm wondering what good gauges that meet what I want I should look out for on the used market as well as what's out there that's new.
I also have a Suunto SK7 compass with the retractable mount system. I bought this because the first couple of times renting gear the shops I went to wouldn't rent compasses on their gauges, so I got my own. Of course, ever since then every time I've rented from other outfits they have had compasses on their gauges, so I've never even been able to use my SK7 (doh!). I'm thinking it would be great to get a 2 gauge console that I could add my compass to if I wanted to (if this is possible), or I could just use the compass on the retractable mount as it is now.
I went onto the forum here under this section to see what the buzz was on current gauges, but I see it's basically all computer talk. I know I'm going against the tide with wanting simple gauges, but for the cost and how much I actually dive, I think it's the best choice for me.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. I'm in no rush to get my reg / gauge system put together, after I get the gauges worked out I'll figure out if I want to get a BC with integrated air (which is what I was certified on), or get an octo, but let's leave that for another thread.
With that said, several years ago I purchased an Apeks ATX 200 regulator from a good friend of mine along with the first stage to go with it and some accessory hoses. She used a computer, but had already sold it separately, so from her set I just got the regulator system. My understanding is that this is a very good regulator and probably way better and beyond what I really need. She only used it twice, so it's basically good as new. I've only gone on 21 dives since my certification 10 years ago, and other than my basic fins, mask, snorkel, etc., I've rented gear including a regulator and gauges whenever I've gone diving. I put the ATX 200 away in my closet figuring one day I'd get some good use out of it, and there was really no reason to get my own gauges since I dive so infrequently.
Well, I've decided to change my mind and get my regulator and gauge set-up because 1) it seems a shame and a waste to have this regulator and not use it, and 2) if I do start diving more, it'll save me a bit of money in the long run.
I live in Northern California (inland), so diving opportunities are not abundant, so unless I figure out some good lakes in the area that I can dive, I'll probably remain a vacation diver. Either that, or I need to find a cost effective way to get out to the coast more often. With that in mind, I'd like to get a nice, simple, old school analog, work horse, no frills, reliable, bomb proof, set of gauges that can sit my closet and just be ready to go when needed. I think going all the way to a computer isn't in the cards right now due to the cost, and that it would become obsolete very quickly without me really getting my money's worth out of it.
So, my question is this. Who makes a good gauge set that I can add to my ATX system at a reasonable price (keeping in mind my requirements above)? I'm open to buying something used as well, and I'm wondering what good gauges that meet what I want I should look out for on the used market as well as what's out there that's new.
I also have a Suunto SK7 compass with the retractable mount system. I bought this because the first couple of times renting gear the shops I went to wouldn't rent compasses on their gauges, so I got my own. Of course, ever since then every time I've rented from other outfits they have had compasses on their gauges, so I've never even been able to use my SK7 (doh!). I'm thinking it would be great to get a 2 gauge console that I could add my compass to if I wanted to (if this is possible), or I could just use the compass on the retractable mount as it is now.
I went onto the forum here under this section to see what the buzz was on current gauges, but I see it's basically all computer talk. I know I'm going against the tide with wanting simple gauges, but for the cost and how much I actually dive, I think it's the best choice for me.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. I'm in no rush to get my reg / gauge system put together, after I get the gauges worked out I'll figure out if I want to get a BC with integrated air (which is what I was certified on), or get an octo, but let's leave that for another thread.