which would you choose?

[James Lucas]

Update: Besides all the advice to keep renting I went with option two, more or less. A few people suggested scuba toys, which is were I was looking to buy option two from in the first place. After speaking with them more I bought a Zeagle Brigade, Aeris A1 reg with Mares Brigade viper octo, and the Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus II. I got it all for just under $1000 and two years and 60 dives later still love the gear. The BCD has been great, very comfortable, and adjustable. Love the computer! For me personally since you need a gauge anyway I like to have it all in one place. I love that the Datamax is air intergrated as well and has a lot of great features. The reg and octo have worked great. I only thing I would have done different is buy a nicer reg, but for the price it was a great deal and if I upgrade to a nicer reg. I will have a great backup. Maybe I got lucky, but it costs over $65 dollars to rent gear in Monterey were I was living and I was diving every week. Now I am in Spain and the gear still works great.

 

[James Lucas]

Also I should mention the great service I received from Scuba Toys. I just bought some gear for my wife from them and there service is still great. All the guys there were really helpful in answering all my questions.