[MP928]

Hey everybody,

I'll try and make this as brief as possible! I just got OW certified a few weeks ago and AOW certified this past weekend. I have already spent alot of money on rental gear and have been urged to buy my own.

I have been doing a lot of research about the different manufacturers, and thought that my mind was pretty set, going with a Sherwood Avid BC and a Sherwood Maximus Reg. I went to a LDS the other day to see the gear and try it, and the man pretty much did everything he could to talk me into buying a back inflate BC (He was recommending the SeaQuest Balance). He said that I'd hate it for the first couple dives, but that I will love it after that, and that if I buy a jacket style BC, I would regret it in the long run.

Also, He said that the Maximus is a great reg, but he said that it is rather difficult breathing through, and that I would be much better off with an Apexs 20. He said he has an Apeks 20 with a cold water kit, and he said he has been to 200ft with no trouble breathing.

Should I go with a back inflate? I was looking at Sherwood's Axis and Tortuga. Any recommendations between the two, and the Avid? Also, is an Apeks the way to go over a Maximus? I was also looking at the SR1. How would that compare to an Apeks20.

I'll be diving around the Long Island area with hopefully a good amount of wreck diving, and also will be doing some Caribbean diving once to twice a year.

I know that's alot, but ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks very much in advance!!!