First set of equipment

[poidda]

I am relatively new to diving and am moving to the Caymans for work and will be doing plenty while there. I am currently looking at buying all my equipment. At this stage I am looking at :

Seaquest Pro QD+

Scuba Pro MK 25AF - G 250
Scuba PRo R190 Octopus

Suunto Instruments - Suunto CB Double in Line (compasson rear)

Am I on the right track hear, or should I be staying away from these? Also,anything else I need to consider?

Cheers

[NetDoc]

and serviceable and would be a great set for a "first timer". You lost me with this though...

Suunto Instruments - Suunto CB Double in Line (compasson rear) Please 'splain...

[poidda]

This is the instument I meant.

Suunto CB Double in Line (presr, depth & comps)

http://www.divebooty.co.uk/equipment_details.asp?pid=354

[NetDoc]

have fun learning to use it!

[roturner]

poidda once bubbled...
I am relatively new to diving and am moving to the Caymans for work and will be doing plenty while there. I am currently looking at buying all my equipment. At this stage I am looking at :

Seaquest Pro QD+

Scuba Pro MK 25AF - G 250
Scuba PRo R190 Octopus

Suunto Instruments - Suunto CB Double in Line (compasson rear)

Am I on the right track hear, or should I be staying away from these? Also,anything else I need to consider?

Cheers

You have good taste.

You're going to need some flippers. Mares Quattro Avanti are good.

And it's a good idea to buy a mask. TUSA and Scubapro make nice ones. The Cressi Big-eyes (or horizon) is also excellent if it fits you.

And even in the Caymans a small light is a good idea. The UK SL4 is a nice one.

R..

[poidda]

Also, I have been looking into the the difference between DIN and A-Clamp Regulator fittings.

So what is the best way to go and why?

Cheers

[Diver Lori]

you've got to look for what is readily available where you'll be traveling.

[herman]

poidda once bubbled...
Also, I have been looking into the the difference between DIN and A-Clamp Regulator fittings.

So what is the best way to go and why?

Cheers

Kind of depends. Not knowing what part of the world you are diving it is hard to say which is best. Based on the "Cheers" in the post I am guessing that you are not from the US. There is a big debate on the pros and cons of each from a technical point of view and I am going to stay out of that. On the more practical side, in the US and the Caribbean it is hard to find rental tanks with DIN valves at a lot of locations. That's the main reason I use Yoke. I get the impression that in other parts of the world, the opposite is true. So, if you intend to travel in the US/Carib either go Yoke or at least purchase a reg that comes with a DIN to Yoke adaptor. If your diving is elsewhere in the world, go with what is most common locally.

[NetDoc]

I dive DIN, and I reccomend that most people should use a yoke. If you plan on doing cave/wreck/technical, then DIN is the way... you are not, so stick with the yoke... for it is light and easy and you will have rest for your tanks.

[ElectricZombie]

poidda once bubbled...

Am I on the right track hear, or should I be staying away from these? Also,anything else I need to consider?



The ScubaPro regs are an excellent choice...I would reconsider on all the other stuff though.

Here's my opinion on the other stuff:

Look into a Backplate and Wing before making a decision on the BC. You might just find out that you like it. At least try one out.

Maybe a console isn't such a good idea. Have you thought about just a pressure gauge and having the computer/bottom timer and compass wrist mounted?

Just some thoughts...

[WJL]

Along the lines of what EZ is saying, experienced people have devoted serious thought to what gear configuration is best and have settled on the backplate/wing setup. Check out this link: http://www.gue.com/equipment/jj-hogarth.shtml. Although the comments on that page are directed at cave-diving, if you dig around on the site, you'll see that GUE recommends the same basic equipment for all types of diving.

Many think that the DIR style of equipment too rigidly controlled, leaving insufficient leeway for individual needs and preferences. I disagree with them. Check for yourself, and make your own decision.

[cstreu1026]

I just went through a similar situation...unfortunately I am not lucky enough to be moving to the Caymans. I went with a Scuba Pro reg. I looked at the Mk 25 with the G250, S550, and S600. In the end I chose the S600 do to its more compact design and adjustability and the price tag isn't a whole lot more. For a BC I bought a Seaquest Raider with the Air Source integrated inflator/octo. It actually wasn't my first choice, but I got a great deal on a barely used one so I really have nothing to complain about. I bought a simple pressure gauge and went with a wrist mount Uwatec Smart Pro computer. Again, it was only a little more money for soemthing that seemed to be far superior in technology at this point. Of course maybe it was just a good salesman. If I were in your shoes, I would probably skip the raider as it is a little bulky and offers tons of lift which you shouldn't need in the warm water. You might want to look at the Aqualung Malibu becuase it is very reasonable and seems to be a very nice piece of equipment. Right now I have my eye on a Deep Outdoors backplate, harness, and wing....just in case anyone was looking for ideas for late xmas presents.