I have done a few searches but haven't quite found what I am looking for. I want to get my own gear and am looking for some recommendations. I am AOW, plan to do some diving in the quarries in NC, as well as NC wrecks and the Carribean. I am relatively new so I don't think I'll get into tech diving in the near future and would not be opposed to buying new gear when I did and keep my first set for a buddy, travel, save-a-dive, etc.
That being said, I don't think I need a BP/W set-up not do I need a top-of-line (in terms of features, not quality) set-up for my first set. My primary concern is reliability at depth, packable for travel, and general quality of components. I am looking for recommendations for a reg set-up (first, second, and octo), BC, and computer.
For the reg, I have been told to look for a balanced diaphram primary because it breathes the best and does not expose the primary to the elements. I have also been told that a piston first stage is more reliable because there are less moving parts. Any insight here?
For the second, I have been told to get one with a metal body because they trap the moisture when you exhale which helps to moisturize the air as you inhale and prevents cotton mouth. I have never had a problem with cotton mouth with a plastic body second but am looking for
For the BC I have looked at trasitional vest and back-inflate units. Outside of personal preference are there any practical differences between the two?
I plan to dive as often as possible. At least a couple times a month in the quarries and every couple of months in the ocean.
For computers, I am not Nitrox certified at the moment but I plan to take that course so I think it would make sense to buy a nitrox computer to start with. Any pros/cons for the air/non-air integrated, wrist vs. console?
Any personal recommendations would be greatly appreciated. If you could include pros/cons of specific set-ups that would be helpful as well.
Thanks in advance!
That being said, I don't think I need a BP/W set-up not do I need a top-of-line (in terms of features, not quality) set-up for my first set. My primary concern is reliability at depth, packable for travel, and general quality of components. I am looking for recommendations for a reg set-up (first, second, and octo), BC, and computer.
For the reg, I have been told to look for a balanced diaphram primary because it breathes the best and does not expose the primary to the elements. I have also been told that a piston first stage is more reliable because there are less moving parts. Any insight here?
For the second, I have been told to get one with a metal body because they trap the moisture when you exhale which helps to moisturize the air as you inhale and prevents cotton mouth. I have never had a problem with cotton mouth with a plastic body second but am looking for
For the BC I have looked at trasitional vest and back-inflate units. Outside of personal preference are there any practical differences between the two?
I plan to dive as often as possible. At least a couple times a month in the quarries and every couple of months in the ocean.
For computers, I am not Nitrox certified at the moment but I plan to take that course so I think it would make sense to buy a nitrox computer to start with. Any pros/cons for the air/non-air integrated, wrist vs. console?
Any personal recommendations would be greatly appreciated. If you could include pros/cons of specific set-ups that would be helpful as well.
Thanks in advance!