Hey I just got my OW last weekend and am taking my AOW this weekend (i'll take all the diving with an experienced instructor I can get) and i'm also considering buying myself some gear eventually or as early as next month.. I've been doing a lot of reading up on gear the last couple of days, have called a few places and here's what I've decided on:
Apeks XTX50 w/ Egress Octopus (the octo is a freebie, some promotion)
Seaquest Balance (or maybe Pro QD..? although everyone seems to rave about back inflate and the Balance)
Suunto Vyper
Suunto SPG/Compass
Bare Velocity 7mm Full Suit w/ 7mm Hooded Vest (live in Quebec)
5mm Kevlar Gloves
Squeeze Knife, Pocket Light, Akona Safety Tube, Gear Bag
If i purchased all of this on leisurepro.com it would cost me around $1775 US with shipping. I found an LDS that can do it for about $2100 US including our many canadian taxes. Although i don't have a whole lot of experience i'm pretty certain thats a great price for a dive shop and i'm pretty sure my choices are sound. I have little ability to try anything before I buy, every shop rents a basic entry level rig, one rents out a 'premium' rig, its a Titan Supreme, Pro QD and Gekko.. but no other choices, doesn't do me a whole lot of good. I did try my instructors Legend LX Supreme and quite liked it, from what I can tell the XTX50 is pretty much the same regulator but costs less. I've also not found a dive shop that would let me try anything in a pool, or compare bcd's in a pool, etc..
So thats that I guess, any thoughts or advice? thanks!
ps. Is there an online aqualung/apeks/seaquest -authorized- dealer that can match leisurepro's prices? I know about Scubatoys.com, DiversDirect.com, and DiversSupplyUSA.com.. but none of them sell aqualung. I like leisurepro's prices but not the lack of a warranty..
Apeks XTX50 w/ Egress Octopus (the octo is a freebie, some promotion)
Seaquest Balance (or maybe Pro QD..? although everyone seems to rave about back inflate and the Balance)
Suunto Vyper
Suunto SPG/Compass
Bare Velocity 7mm Full Suit w/ 7mm Hooded Vest (live in Quebec)
5mm Kevlar Gloves
Squeeze Knife, Pocket Light, Akona Safety Tube, Gear Bag
If i purchased all of this on leisurepro.com it would cost me around $1775 US with shipping. I found an LDS that can do it for about $2100 US including our many canadian taxes. Although i don't have a whole lot of experience i'm pretty certain thats a great price for a dive shop and i'm pretty sure my choices are sound. I have little ability to try anything before I buy, every shop rents a basic entry level rig, one rents out a 'premium' rig, its a Titan Supreme, Pro QD and Gekko.. but no other choices, doesn't do me a whole lot of good. I did try my instructors Legend LX Supreme and quite liked it, from what I can tell the XTX50 is pretty much the same regulator but costs less. I've also not found a dive shop that would let me try anything in a pool, or compare bcd's in a pool, etc..
So thats that I guess, any thoughts or advice? thanks!
ps. Is there an online aqualung/apeks/seaquest -authorized- dealer that can match leisurepro's prices? I know about Scubatoys.com, DiversDirect.com, and DiversSupplyUSA.com.. but none of them sell aqualung. I like leisurepro's prices but not the lack of a warranty..