Good beginner set-up?

[WillAbbott]

I'm just starting to buy all my gear. After I get and pay off my dry suit (had to be first item of course :)) I was looking at buying a computer (so I don't have to mess with tables, I do intend to work them when I can incase of computer failure I maybe able to continue diving, etc. but I would like to be able to go without tables for a few dives, because other divers I will dive with will be doing the same. Anyways.

The computer I'm leaning toards, for a first computer, is the Suunto Favor. My LDS sells it for $415 (I thought a little pricey), but thats the computer in a console, with pressure gauge and compass (in one of 2 configureations, I'm leaning towards the long 3gauge, with all gauge faces on same side).

After a short discussion with the guys they convinced me doing it in a console would be best, as any Dive Shop would mount it to a rental reg for me (most likely) so I can use it, then when I get my own reg I won't need to buy the console. However they have package deals (and would reconfigure one for me) thats basically the set-up I've looked at doing.

Its a SeaQuest Pro QD (weight integrated of course), with Aqualung Titan Reg, and a fairly nice analog SPG (one of thier higher end ones, not the bottom of the line one) and it may include a knife or some other little goodies...

Anyways, thats the BC I've looked at getting, and is the same reg we used in OW dives which I thought worked plenty well. Now they said we could do that package ($899) and switch the console for the computer console I want, and we'd be around $1000 or so (not bad I think, $400 computer and $500 BC with a $200+ reg) They also mentioned that for another $100 (so $1100ish total) I could upgrade to the Titan LX reg which they said breathes considerably easier (they do have it available for a demo I can try out, and I probably will)

So does this sound like a pretty good deal/set-up for begginging. Obviously it's not the nicest reg but I can upgrade later, etc. But seems to me like a good beggining set up and price for having everything except a small weight belt and tanks.

Basicallly $2000 and I can have all my gear (thats counting my dry suit I've bought already)

Any major problems why I shouldn't do this set up or why I should change to a better reg or what not? I figure if I go help my dad at his school for even one class a month I can have the money to buy this set up within the next year (they already owe me $120 for web work so more like 10-11 months of helping) or I can help with both classes a month and be done in 6months.

Anywho. Seems like a pretty good set-up to me. I'd rather get a hold of my computer sooner than 1yrs time, but for only adding about $600 I'm getting almost all the rest of my gear, which seems good.

Ok well my posts keep getting way to long, let me know what you guys think, I'm sure I can get better deals online or what not, but I really like theese guys and want to continue to support them. They've been around a long time (since 1956), and have been a tremendous help to me.

Thx,

[Scubaroo]

Read up on consoles versus wrist mount instruments.

Also, the Favor is a poor choice of computer - it operates in air-only mode - and is not nitrox-compatable. If you get nitrox certified (no reason not to), you'll either be back to diving tables permanently, or be in the market for a new computer.

[Curly]

I agree with the LDS & the LX. I have a Aqua Lung Cousteau with the Micra Adj second, and it's been excellent. Before getting that reg, I did most training and diving on Titan LX, and it was a good, reliable reg -- and very easily serviced. Don't know anything about Favor, other than the fact that it's their entry-level, air-only.

[ERP]

The computer I'm leaning toards, for a first computer, is the Suunto Favor. My LDS sells it for $415 (I thought a little pricey), but thats the computer in a console, with pressure gauge and compass (in one of 2 configureations, I'm leaning towards the long 3gauge, with all gauge faces on same side).


If I were doing this again, I'd do the following. Buy a Suunto Vyper wrist mounted from Leisurepro (I think I paid 299 for mine), along with a simple brass SPG (around $60) and a wrist mounted compass (probably another $60-70).

That should bring you in at about the same price, and you can easilly move to Nitrox.

I started with a Cobra air integrated computer, and bought the wrist mounted Vyper as a backup. It's reached a point where during the dive the Cobra is little more than an expensive pressure guage that my buddies can't easilly read.

[leadweight]

Get a wrist mount computer, especially if you do not own a regulator. Consoles are nothing more than sea anchors. Besides, ataching a console to a rental regulator every time is a real PITA. It is probably worth the extra bucks to get a nitrox computer. Sooner or later you are going to want to use Nitrox, although I have to admit I did over 200 air dives before getting my Nitrox card.

Uwatec, Aeris and Suunto make wrist mount nitrox computers. They are all good and people around here could argue forever as to which is best. If I lost my Uwatec today, I am not exactly sure which one I would buy. The Suunto Vyper is the most conservative, followed by Aladin. Aeris (also sold under other brands like Oceanic) is the least conservative. Uwatec's do not have a user replacable battery, but their battery lasts a long time.

[Northeastwrecks]

I would go with a Nitrox compatible computer. I would also wrist mount the computer and compass.

I just finished a week of diving in the Caymans with my wife (Patience on the board). When she started diving, she wanted everything on the console so that it would all be in one place.

After the trip, she asked me to change her console to wrist mounts so that she can see them easier.

Personally, I would check out a Suunto Mosquito. I paid less than $400.00 for mine. Its a great little computer that is wrist mounted, Nitrox compatible and very easy to use.

As for the BC, have you considered how much the BC will weigh when it has the weights in it. Personally, I find it to be a pain in the butt to change over tanks, particularly on a boat. I might recommend a weight harness (Andy's makes a nice one) and a non-integrated BC.

Finally, I endorse and agree with your support for the LDS if they are supporting you. I've walked out with more in free advice, parts and education from my LDS than I ever could have saved online.

Good Luck.

[deanmartin]

The $415 sounds a little steap for the Suunto Favor. I have a Favor, it came in a console with an spg. I removed the Favor and converted it to a wrist mount. I replaced it in the console with an analog depth guage. I also added a compass to the console.

The Favor is a good basic computer but is not Nitrox capable. I am in the process of selling the Favor because of the Nitrox issue. Used it's probably worth about $100. I plan to purchase a Suunto Viper. It will also be a wrist mount. Leisurepro has the Viper for about $280 (Wrist mount.)

I much prefer the wrist mount computer over the console version.

I also have the Aqualung Titan regulator. It's a good regulator. You can have them services anywhere.

[roturner]

WillAbbott once bubbled...
I'm just starting to buy all my gear. After I get and pay off my dry suit (had to be first item of course :)) I was looking at buying a computer (so I don't have to mess with tables, I do intend to work them when I can incase of computer failure I maybe able to continue diving, etc. but I would like to be able to go without tables for a few dives, because other divers I will dive with will be doing the same. Anyways.
<snip>
Thx,

Your choice of BCD and reg are good if you ask me. The choice of computer is debatable and the idea of putting in a console mount sounds like it has more advantages to your LDS than it does to you (they can dump their old stuff on you If I'm reading it correctly).

R..

[WillAbbott]

roturner once bubbled...


Your choice of BCD and reg are good if you ask me. The choice of computer is debatable and the idea of putting in a console mount sounds like it has more advantages to your LDS than it does to you (they can dump their old stuff on you If I'm reading it correctly).

R..

Well I wouldn't say they are trying to dump thier old stuff on me. Part of my requirement was inexpensive. He suggested a nitrox computer as well but for inexpensive it was the Favor, or some other Suunto (same price, different console that I didn't like as well, console or computer)

I did ask about wrist mount at first (which would cost less obviously) but he recommended a console one. I aggree changing it out on rental regs might be a problem, but it's more than likely I will buy the computer, reg, and BC at the same time now. I have to admit some of their ideas make sense to me. Why have a computer wrist mounted when you have to look at your SPG anyways... it makes sense to only look in one spot. However I noticed on my OW dives that a few times I glanced at my wrist as to look at a watch and rememberd, no I need to look at that thing hanging on my side.

I have to admit the prices of computers on Leisure pro is a drastic difference. Vyper for 274 misquito for $10 more. But I can't help but feel a sense of loyalty to buying from my LDS. As well as I thought I remembered there being a problem with buying Suuntos online/mail order, but I may be confusing product lines/companies.

I'm deffinately going to do some checking with my LDS as well. And I will be doing a dive in January (prior to buying gear) and will be renting a computer, will see how its mounted (I'm assuming it will be a console) and see how I like it. I also thought about doing just an air computer for now (I do plan on Nitrox later, when I don't know) and then when I do nitrox getting a new computer and that will give me a spare for air dives (will have 2 computers, one backup) and for nitrox I will not have a back up.

I don't know though. All your oppinions are greatly appreciated. LIke I said I had thought about and leaned to a wrist mount for a few reasons. 1: if it fails I still have a Depth gauge in my console, and might be able to contiune the dive (on tables) 2: I seem to naturally look at my wrist to see time left/etc.

As for getting it in the console. because I've got to look at my air pressure anyways. but that means if the computer fails I have no depth gauge. I also have leaned towards some day having 2 computers (a primary and back up) wether they both be Nitrox, or diff computers. or the same matters not.

Next time I'm in the LDS I'll talk to them a little more in depth about it and possibly get some more solid numbers, for different configs. Like what if I do it wrist mount but get the rest of the gear. or stepping up a computer or what not. And I will compare that to getting thier package and a computer from leisure pro... etc...

Keep the advice/ideas comming though. :D

[Fetch]

Where to start...

$415 for a Favor is crap. I've dove one, and even with all the loyalty in the world to my LDS (and I have quite a bit), I wouldn't buy one for that much.

Do the wrist mount, it makes ascents easier. This is from practical experience, not B.S. LDS recommendations (they still occasionally try to get me to console mount stuff - even after I've done it in the past). The best console mounts I've seen were on retractors... does the additional cost justify itself? The additional hassle of having to remount on a console for rented regs?

An additional benefit of wrist-mount is being able to carry your nitrogen load info with you on your SI. Especially if you get something like the Suunto Mosquito.

I really, really hated how the Titans breathed. It could have been due to only breathing well-used rental units, but they breathed wet and poorly, and tended towards freeflows. But anyway, with regs, very often you'll get what you pay for. If you know the regs performance and are happy using it to save a few bucks, no sense in discussing it much.

If your LDS is selling the SeaQuest for $500... well, that's the cost of a good backplate/wing setup. Especially if you're going to be needing to get to drysuit valves (not sure how your suit is setup), a wide-open front might be nice. There is a lot of information about this flexible, high-performance setup on the boards. It'd be a waste for me to repeat the themes (just click "search"), but if you talk to your shop about this option be prepared for some "its only for tech divers" "its too expensive" "its not as comfortable as a jacket" crap. Obligatory Note To Other Board Dwellers: I was just mentioning the option, I swear, lets not get into another long, drawn out, 10 page thread about BP/Wings vs. Jackets, k?

Will - another thing, since you've already committed to (or got) a drysuit, it sounds like you really want to be in this for the long haul. Lossage occurs in the crap gear->ebay->good gear cycle, so please really, really consider getting good gear first. Do it a bit at a time if it is too much of a financial pain (my purchases were spread over last dive season, and I'm not done yet), but you don't seem to be a warm-water reef-only diver who's just buying gear because he has too much money.

Just a thought,
jeff

[WillAbbott]

Fetch once bubbled...
Where to start...

Thx for the input. Yes we used the Titans in OW and I thought they worked good, they are my instructors and older model, so well used. As I said I might step up to the nicer Titan LX which supposedly breathes even easier (I didn't notice any wet breathing on the Titan)

It sounds like wrist mount is for sure the way to go. I hadn't even thought about ascents. Maybe for my next computer (later on down the road) I'll get a console one as I'd like to eventually carry 2 computers on every dive, and well 2 on your wrists is crazy :D

As for back inflate.... I have no way to judge other than knowing I didn't mind the jacket, I actually like it, except for a few minor problems that I feel are due to it being a Medium and I probably need a M/L. We used low end older SeaQuests. And I must say the Pro QD has me impressed (not sure thats a good word choice).

I know my LDS could set me up with a back inflate, and I know they actually do have a $1000 package with a tech/back inflate BC. I guess maybe I should try one on a rental sometime (if I can) and see. I belive the one they have in their package is infact the Black Diamond (don't quote me on that) as the Raider doesn't look like the one I remember and niether does the balance. It also had a few items like a knife I dont need/want as I have the same one already (and I'm sure they'd drop it from the deal for me, and take some money off)

I have read some of the posts here about back inflates... and yes they do get kind of flamey fast. Not to get on the subject (so please don't) but I had heard of a few problems with them, which my instructor as well as other places I've read info all said thats normal, and is a problem <b>IF</b> you over inflate them (that is a tendancy to float face down at the surface)

I personnaly don't see any true reason to get myself a back inflate at least not yet in the game. I do like pockets (gotta store crap somewhere) and D-rings for hooking lights, etc. Both BC's (the Pro QD, and whatever the tech/back inflate one was) have many D-Rings, and if memory serves pockets.

I did think $415 was a little high for the computer, but didn't think it was in the console. I may end up having to buy one online, and buy the rest of my gear from them (though I do feel bad about it)

Does anyone know/remember if my memory is serving me correct about buying Suuntos online ( I know many of you have bought them from leisurepro) is there any problems with warranty, or if i have a problem in getting it dealt with? Do I have to just deal with Suunto instead of the shop? and is this a big problem?

I've really shy'd away from online because of "problems" like this and the fact that I really like my shop.

I guess I'll do some checking and possibly dives with some back inflates as well as jackets (if I can) and see what I think. Feel free to give short reasons why I might lean towards back inflate, since it seems the cost for SeaQuest isn't much different actually.

I've just seen nothing that says to me get back inflate. The idea of keeping you in the swimming possition has yet to be a problem, and may actually prove to be one (dunno) I like to at times go almost vertical while diving (yeah I know I've only done 4dives so far, that probably will change)

Don't want this to turn into a back v jacket BC thread, I can look elsewhere for that, but feel free to give short reasons why I should try/buy back inflate (just don't flame ;))

OK I'll shut my mouth now... I know I talk too much but hey I wanna get it right... You're somewhat right on the money thing. I'm a full time student and well money is hard to come by (no real job, though I'm doing work for my dad right now to get more) I originnally planned on getting gear seperate, but the package deals do save some money, as well as if I were to get the console computer (most likely won't now, as a 2nd computer probably but not now) and so I was going to get the reg at the same time (and BC as the package would save money) to avoid dealing with rental regs and mounting the console.

Ok, enough already... thx again for all the great info, you've made me have to think, and deffinately reconsider as well as a little confusion in what to do now :bonk:

[ERP]

I don't think Fetch was really talking about Back Inflate vs Jacket BC's, but rather Back Plate+Wing vs Jacket BC's.

Just talking about BC's for a second Back inflate vs Jacket style is pretty much a question of preference IMO, I personally find back inflation doesn't feel as restrictive, and provides a better feel when diving, but your experience maybe different.

Once you've decided if you want to go back inflate or jacket it's a question of features and fit. Personally I like to keep the features to a minimum, how much stuff do you really need to drag around with you in those pockets? and clipped to those D-Rings?

BP+Wings are in a way the ultimate minimalist BC, they consist of a harness and a steel or aluminium plate that you connect the tank to. Personally I've never dove one and I don't have strong opinions either way, the minimalism is appealing to me, but it might not suit you. If I were buying my equipment again I would certainly want to dive one for comparison.

[WillAbbott]

ERP once bubbled...
I don't think Fetch was really talking about Back Inflate vs Jacket BC's, but rather Back Plate+Wing vs Jacket BC's.

Just talking about BC's for a second Back inflate vs Jacket style is pretty much a question of preference IMO, I personally find back inflation doesn't feel as restrictive, and provides a better feel when diving, but your experience maybe different.

Once you've decided if you want to go back inflate or jacket it's a question of features and fit. Personally I like to keep the features to a minimum, how much stuff do you really need to drag around with you in those pockets? and clipped to those D-Rings?

BP+Wings are in a way the ultimate minimalist BC, they consist of a harness and a steel or aluminium plate that you connect the tank to. Personally I've never dove one and I don't have strong opinions either way, the minimalism is appealing to me, but it might not suit you. If I were buying my equipment again I would certainly want to dive one for comparison.

You're right... My bad, he did say BP/Wings.

no I don't need to carry a ton of stuff. Hopefully I won't be carrying any more than 2 saftey sausages (my guess is a pocket is best for them) and 1 light at day, 2 at night. And possibly a reel or something for saftey sausages, etc, oh and my small otter box (I carry my spare car key in it). Other than that nada.

I was under the impression back inflate was the next best thing to BP/Wings. Guess I was mistaken. I personnaly (no flame or anything intended) see no reason for me to get BP/Wings. Least not yet. Though I might do cave/wreck dive spec. at some point. I don't ever intend to do Tech diving. And though the idea of less gear and more streamlined, better air consumption sounds nice. At the same time I see no real need or what not yet. Thus far I've been somewhat impressed with my air consumption for a new diver. Last OW dives I used a dry suit and 63 (might have been 73, I think 60 is right though) tank while my buddy used an 80 (alumiums). We both got almost identical time out of them. I typically ran lower on air, but he only had another minute of air time or more over me. It wasn't much different. and as it was my first OW dry suit dive (2nd total, pool and OW) I was using the inflator quite a bit. So I was kind of happy I got 25 and 28mins out of the smaller tank.

Anyways. I have some big thinking and decisions to do. As for the computer I've pretty much decided to go the wrist mount route. As for buying it from the LDS or online is still up in the air... still somewhat scared of buying online. And BC... I probably will still end up with the Pro QD, though I hear the Black Diamond (if thats the one they had) is nicer in access to pockets. Amount of weight, fit, and comfort... etc (though the Pro QD also recived excelent rating, with the pockets being slightly difficult to access as the only drawback.)

[Northeastwrecks]

Good choice on the wrist mounted equipment.

You will find that you look at your SPG far less often as you become more experienced. Eventually, you should be able to estimate your remaining gas fairly closely.

Wrist mounting is much easier on ascents and for navigation. You can see everything while keeping your hands and arms properly positioned.

This was illustrated nicely on my last trip. I was hanging out at 20 fsw with my arms out in front of me. I could easily watch my depth without referencing the line.

The divers I was leading had consoles. They needed to hold the console in order to watch their depth and ascent rates. In my experience, this is more difficult than watching your wrist.

As to carrying two computers on your wrists, that would not be difficult. I wear a bottom timer (measures depth, ascent rate, and time) on my right wrist. I wear my Mosquito as a backup bottom timer on my left wrist, along with my compass.

There is no reason why you couldn't wear a computer on each wrist, although you may decide that this is unnecessary. After all, if your computer fails, you should terminate the dive. You ascend at a safe rate, do your stops and surface. If you don't have a backup depth gauge (mine is the Mosquito, which backs up my bottom timer), you can always use your buddy's because you will ascend as a team.

Besides, a bottom timer is much cheaper than another computer. OMS and Uwatec make nice ones (they may even be the same unit with different branding).

[Fetch]

WillAbbott once bubbled...


You're right... My bad, he did say BP/Wings.

no I don't need to carry a ton of stuff. Hopefully I won't be carrying any more than 2 saftey sausages (my guess is a pocket is best for them) and 1 light at day, 2 at night. And possibly a reel or something for saftey sausages, etc, oh and my small otter box (I carry my spare car key in it). Other than that nada.

I wouldn't (personally) carry more than 1 safety sausage. If the conditions are just wretched, and there's no way you're getting on a boat without a working sausage, besides calling the dive ;) I'd recommend having your buddy carry one. And, what you'd want for deployment is a spool (smaller, much easier to work with, yada yada)



I was under the impression back inflate was the next best thing to BP/Wings. Guess I was mistaken. I personnaly (no flame or anything intended) see no reason for me to get BP/Wings. Least not yet. Though I might do cave/wreck dive spec. at some point. I don't ever intend to do Tech diving. And though the idea of less gear and more streamlined, better air consumption sounds nice. At the same time I see no real need or what not yet.

*chuckle* "Technical" is really in the eye of the beholder (although some people will try to set parameters, there's only so much validity). There's no "cave specialty", and if you get trained to dive in caves you'll be as close to as "Technical" as it gets.

The whole "not yet" thing is what is amusing me the most. Like I mentioned, the difference in price compared to the SeaQuest is minimal. You'll be more streamlined, which is noticeable in the water, gas consumption aside. A BP/wing isn't rocket science or complicated, in fact it is very simple. I dive a BP/wing in conditions much less demanding than what you are apparently planning on, and there are others who dive them in even nicer conditions.

I don't know if you're in a hurry to purchase, but http://www.extreme-exposure.com/ does a deal. They'll sell you a BP/wing setup, and if you decide within a month that you don't want it, you can send it back for a full refund. All you lose is the shipping cost (which comes out to about the same as a rental). Do, at least, give this option a consideration.

I'm being overbearing, so I'll make this my last post on the thread to avoid causing a longer-than-necessary discussion,

jeff



Thus far I've been somewhat impressed with my air consumption for a new diver. Last OW dives I used a dry suit and 63 (might have been 73, I think 60 is right though) tank while my buddy used an 80 (alumiums). We both got almost identical time out of them. I typically ran lower on air, but he only had another minute of air time or more over me. It wasn't much different. and as it was my first OW dry suit dive (2nd total, pool and OW) I was using the inflator quite a bit. So I was kind of happy I got 25 and 28mins out of the smaller tank.

[WillAbbott]

Fetch once bubbled...

I'm being overbearing, so I'll make this my last post on the thread to avoid causing a longer-than-necessary discussion,


LOL, not at all. I appreciate the advice. I don't plan to dive any "demanding" conditions. If I led that on in some way, I'm sorry my mistake. I do think I may take the wreck and cave diving courses some day, possibly, but will probably never use that knowledge (in practicallity) other than maybe doing some non-penetration wreck dives. But I think they might be fun and educational classes.

I keep screwing up I guess, I thought you said BP/Wing WAS more expensive. I'll deffinately check into them some more, and check out the link you suggested.

As for the 2 sausage, etc. I've been raised (part of having a dad who trains people in saftey for a living) to be super safe. That means never depending on anyone or thier gear, and doubling up on your own gear, etc. I most likely will end up being a "gear" a holic at some point because of this. And maybe I won't (hopefully, I'd hate to pack a ton of **** around, but it's in my blood ;))

Anyways, I will check out the BP/Wings some more. I would like to have at least 1 or 2 pockets. and do want weight integrated, dunno if BP/Wings can do that (I think they can) but I will deffinately look into it in more depth and figure out which route to go. Theres allways new toys to buy as well, and I can allways make my next BC purchase a BP/Wings or vice versa a Jacket Style. ;)

Never hurts to have 2 set's of gear :)

And yes Spool, thats what I meant... :bonk: couldnt remember the name of the smaller one ;)

[ERP]

Anyways, I will check out the BP/Wings some more. I would like to have at least 1 or 2 pockets. and do want weight integrated, dunno if BP/Wings can do that (I think they can) but I will deffinately look into it in more depth and figure out which route to go. Theres allways new toys to buy as well, and I can allways make my next BC purchase a BP/Wings or vice versa a Jacket Style.

IMO most BCD pockets are pretty much useless, they tend to be in inconvenient to reach locations and in some cases share their space with the weight integration pockets, leaving very little actual space. You can buy Pockets that fit onto the webbing of a BP+Wing if you want, I've heard of people using a pocket as a routing point for the long hose when they don't have a canister light.

I have 1 pocket in my drysuit leg and no useful BC pockets (I dive a balance), and that seems to be pretty much enough for me. I could see if I were doing more demanding dives where a second drysuit pocket would be desirable.

If you really want weight integration you can buy weight pockets for a BP+Wing, but most people seem to wear weight belts, since much of the weight can be in the BP, V-Weights and STA, you don't have to carry very much on your hips.

All Fetch and I are saying is try one out and see if it works for you, they are no more difficult to dive and you could end up saving yourself $500+ over buying a BC now and a BP+Wing later.

[WillAbbott]

ERP once bubbled...

All Fetch and I are saying is try one out and see if it works for you, they are no more difficult to dive and you could end up saving yourself $500+ over buying a BC now and a BP+Wing later.

Yep, I very much appreciate the advice. And I am looking into a BP/Wing much more than I ever had (hadn't even considered it other than curosity about them) I would rather the weight integration/pouches whatever as the belts bug me big time.

I considered possibly adding a pocket to the dry suit but I figured it might be too spendy. And items I plan to carry in the pockets hopefully won't be needed often, but are a saftey item to carry.

Anyway I do appreciate you'rs and Fetch's suggestions I'm going to try and see if I can get a closer look, and try one out (if theres anyone with one around here to try), etc. I'm looking into it seriously as an option now, not just out of curiosity about them.

[Scubaroo]

WillAbbott once bubbled...
I considered possibly adding a pocket to the dry suit but I figured it might be too spendy. And items I plan to carry in the pockets hopefully won't be needed often, but are a saftey item to carry.Do what I just did - $30 + shipping bellows pocket from Fifth Dimension, $4 tube of E6000 industrial strength glue. You've got a drysuit pocket for about $40. I now carry a (second) pair of EMT shears, safety sausage, storm whistle, wetnotes and a spool for my DSMB in there. And a surface strobe on nightdives - previously all stuff I was clipping off to my D-rings.

[crab]

I personally added a 5th D pocket to my drysuit for about $40. The funny thing is that the contents of my pocket are almost identical to Scubaroo. The really nifty thing is that each of these items is secured within the pocket via a gate clip to a loop of bungee that is attached to the pocket itself. That way, when you open the pocket and take something out you don't have to worry about all of your things heading for the deep.

By the way, I read this thread with a great deal of interest because about four years ago I made some purchases very similar to the ones you are now considering. All I can say now is, "Thank goodness for Ebay!"

To spare me the typing and you the monotony of reading my somewhat less than invigorating prose, I would direct you to the following: GUE (http://www.gue.com/equipment/jj-hogarth.shtml) and WKPP (http://www.wkpp.org/articles/Gear/newgeorge.html). After digesting that for a while, have a look at Fifth Dimension's (http://www.fifthd.com/h2oadventuregear/index.html) storefront website to peruse some of the gear in the aforementioned websites. I specifically mention Fifth Dimension because you are physically located (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&addtohistory=&address=&city=kent&state=Wa&zipcode=&homesubmit.x=0&homesubmit.y=0) close enough to one of their stores to make a drive, although not a quick one, worth your while vis-a-vis the amount of money you are going to spend.

One last thought... Something you must consider when making up your mind is that almost anyone you talk to on this matter has some sort of vested interest in the opinion they share. The dive shops generally want you to spend your money on the products that will give them best margin. People like me and others who offer their opinions on message boards have generally already invested in much of their own gear and, for various reasons, tend to have a propensity to hype or trump up their own ideas. On some levels, this plays out like a Chevy/Dodge/Ford argument. In other ways, it is far more serious than that. The most important thing you can do is consider possible motivations of those giving you advice and weigh it against what you know.

May the force be with you...

[Ari]

And compare the specific equipment prices to what you got through your LDS. It will give you some perspective.

As for a computer. Take one that does Nitrox as well. you can get a Vyper for less than $300. It is much more of a comuter than the Favor.

Ari :)