View Full Version : Please Comment on my first Setup. Plan to buy tomorrow !
Dxtreme
January 23rd, 2003, 05:40 PM
1) Mares Syncro Power Tech BC
2) ScubaPro MK 25/ S600
3) Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus 2
4) COmpas for the Computer above
5) ScubaPro R180 Octopus
6) Case for the Reg
Brand New all for $1170
This is going to be my first setup and i plan to dive a lot this Summer.
Please let me know.
Should i get Scubapro R380 Octo instead of the R 180 Octo ??
What about the new ScubaPro second stage the X650 ??? should i get the X650 or the S600 ??
MechDiver
January 23rd, 2003, 05:49 PM
Dxtreme once bubbled...
1) Mares Syncro Power Tech BC
2) ScubaPro MK 25/ S600
3) Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus 2
4) COmpas for the Computer above
5) ScubaPro R180 Octopus
6) Case for the Reg
1) Sigh
2) Very good choice
3) I would buy wrist mount, I don't like consoles
4) Wrist mount
5) I would necklace a G250. Low perf regs are only good for deco tanks
6) waste of money
There ya go.
MD
cyklon_300
January 23rd, 2003, 05:54 PM
You'll have no use for it, I received one as a gift and it's never been out of the box...
Agree with the suggestion for wrist mounts....
Rush
January 23rd, 2003, 06:02 PM
Dxtreme,
I posted my input on your other thread, but wanted to add this:
While working on my DM training, I use a Scubapro R190 octopus, but it frequently free-flows, so if I had to do it all over again, I would spend a little more for a better octopus.
DiveTub
January 23rd, 2003, 06:02 PM
1 will do the job with no problems, but I prefer BP and wings
2 Top of the line Reg will never leave you wanting for gas
3 Hmm not my first choice but will do the job
4 Prefer Wrist mount than consoles
5 No worries on that piece of kit
6 why ?
Overall looks like a tasty package for the price, do you have a tank to go along with it ?
MechDiver
January 23rd, 2003, 06:23 PM
Rush once bubbled...
Dxtreme,
I posted my input on your other thread, but wanted to add this:
While working on my DM training, I use a Scubapro R190 octopus, but it frequently free-flows, so if I had to do it all over again, I would spend a little more for a better octopus.
It should be somewhat difficult to get an R190 to ff. The more performance, the easier a reg will flow, so going "up" would make it more likely, not less. If the 190 is giving you problems, it most likely needs servicing.
MD
AzAtty
January 23rd, 2003, 06:59 PM
My thoughts:
1. Tell us what kind of diving you plan to do, and that will help with recommendations.
2. Mk25/S600 is great. X650 = Darth Vader Designs, Inc.
3. Uncle Pug says computers rot your brain. I use a wrist-mount Suunto in gauge mode.
4. Compass: Suunto SK-7 wristmount. Great compass.
5. R190 is an O.K. backup. You can spend the money to get a higher-end backup if you like.
6. Kinda indifferent on the case.
Dxtreme
January 23rd, 2003, 08:44 PM
I plan to do warm water / summer/fall diving
the reg case is actually thrown for free . I dont have to pay for it.
Yeah i probarbly pay the extra $ 20 for the R380 Octo
THe whole setup (brand New) costs me $1170
I know about the MAres syncro power tech but i dont want to spend $500 for a BP/WINGS setup !
ElectricZombie
January 24th, 2003, 02:32 AM
Dxtreme,
Hey, are you the same guy that sent me several PMs asking questions about a DIR setup as your first set of gear?
What happened? You did a complete 180.
Don't be fooled by the local dive shop, do it right the first time.
I would personally reconsider my gear selection if I were you. Check out the BP one more time before making a final decision.
1) Bad idea. You can do a lot better.
2) Great choice.
3) If you get a computer, get a wrist mount.
4) Wrist mount compass
5) R190 or R380
6) Waste of money
Rush
January 24th, 2003, 02:40 AM
I have to agree with ElectricZombie; since learning about DIR, I wish I would have done it right the first time. Too bad for me that DIR wasn't around when I started diving. If only I had purchased BP and Wings years ago.....it would have saved me from having bought a jacket BC, then a bondage wing BC and IQ pack.
lanun
January 24th, 2003, 09:14 AM
1) Mares Syncro Power Tech BC - there was a thread once about BP/Wing for a hair under $300 - PM FredT for ideas.
2) ScubaPro MK 25/ S600 - :drool: based on board comments
4) Compass - SK7 wristmount (a bit bulky but since it might be difficult at first to be perfectly horizontal, you won't have stuck needles since this unit it 'tilt tolerant').
Dxtreme
January 24th, 2003, 12:45 PM
I really like BP/WIngs but the Haylcon will run me at least $500 !! while the mares syncro can be owned for around $ 260
:(
Also, i like the idea of AI computer ( i am a geek :D )
Can some one tell me the advantage of a wrist computer vs. console computer ??
what do u guys think ???
Wendy
January 24th, 2003, 01:02 PM
You can get it cheaper than $500! At the most if you got everything Halcyon, you would pay around $400, but if you got your backplate and harness from Fred T I'm sure it would end up cheaper. The pioneer 27# wing from Halcyon is about $275, maybe $40 for the webbing and all the hardware (d-rings etc) and then a backplate. You said you really liked the bp/wing. If you really meant this do some research on prices and see if you something you wouldn't mind paying.
And also keep an eye on ebay for gear:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2702276380&category=16053
lanun
January 24th, 2003, 01:04 PM
:geek: :confused: :lol: :sorry: i am too :D
i switched to wristmount because when my vyper was in a console it's a drag (and i don't know enough to get a shorter HP hose and i don't 'feel' safe strapping it across my chest).
PM FredT about the ~ $300 BP/Wing or search in the BC section.
MechDiver
January 24th, 2003, 01:11 PM
Dxtreme once bubbled...
Also, i like the idea of AI computer ( i am a geek :D )
Can some one tell me the advantage of a wrist computer vs. console computer ??
what do u guys think ???
I also use an AI computer on my single rig, but have a wrist mount computer or b/t regardless. The wrist mount is easier to "find" and easier to use, especially when ascending.
MD
ColdH20diving
January 24th, 2003, 01:35 PM
See other post
ColdH20diving
January 24th, 2003, 01:49 PM
I use the Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus, it's works great and it's easy to use. My only recommendation would be to add the quick disconnect and forget mounting the compass to the computer. I've tried it and it's not user friendly. Put your compass on your wrist or on a retractable mount. You might thing about using one of the Octo's that's intregrated to your BCD inflator .
Dxtreme
January 24th, 2003, 02:08 PM
Ok i postponed the purchase. I PM FredT about the stuff that he can sell to me cheaper than X company.
Apart from the uncertainty from Ebay which Wings would be a good combo for FredT SS BP ??
I am always into a Bp/WIng concept; the modularity & simplicity of it. HOwever $500 for comple Halycon vs $250 mares syncro power Tech is a big incentive for me to go with non bp/wings
I know that there have been issues on the durability on the Mares syncro power tech and also the weight (~ 10 -12 lbs ! )
Hopefully i got good news from fred
PastorJeff
January 24th, 2003, 02:14 PM
I really appreciate this thread! I have been scouring over the Scuba Mags trying to figure out what is what, and this helps alot!
I don't plan on purchasing now, but I want to be well versed before I purchase!
Thanks!
Jeffrey
Wendy
January 24th, 2003, 02:15 PM
You might also want to check www.diveinn.com and see if there are any regs on there that you like. The usually have good prices.
Where are you located anyway?
MechDiver
January 24th, 2003, 02:30 PM
Dxtreme once bubbled...
Ok i postponed the purchase. I PM FredT about the stuff that he can sell to me cheaper than X company.
I am always into a Bp/WIng concept; the modularity & simplicity of it. HOwever $500 for comple Halycon vs $250 mares syncro power Tech is a big incentive for me to go with non bp/wings
Hopefully i got good news from fred
Good man. On the $500 vs $250, you have to look at how long you will use the equipment and prorate the cost over that time. If you keep the bp&w for even 5 years, the cost difference is zip. Don't let yourself buy "less than stellar" equipment due to a small difference in price.
I'm sure FredT will give you good news :D
MD
MechDiver
January 24th, 2003, 02:32 PM
Wendy once bubbled...
You might also want to check www.diveinn.com and see if there are any regs on there that you like. The usually have good prices.
Where are you located anyway?
Now, we already got him convinced on the Scubapro, don't go backwards :D =-)
MD
Dxtreme
January 24th, 2003, 02:43 PM
dang, i smell a DIR operative here ...............
seriously, i couldnt care less about non DIR, DIR ......... etc.
All i need is something that works great.
I have seen a lot of toys gadgets that works great on paper but not on real world.
one example, on mountain bike they have integrated brake levers and the gear shifters. Now if you crash on amountain bike (in which if u really bike, you will crash :D ) one bent from the brake levers and you have to replace the whole thing with the shifters. That is why i opt for seperate brake shifters and and seperate gear shifter.
same goes with BP/Wings
i really like the concept, simplicity and modularity of it ( ss plates + 36 lbw for cold diving, 27 lbs alloy for tropical, heck it can also be upgraded to double tank should i dare to explore caves in the future).
Now why people associate too much of BP/Wings to DIR, that i dont know and do not care to know.
I just want what works best !! :D
also i understand that while ascending it is a pain to have to hold the console while maintaining your speed. It is way easier to just look at your wrist mounted computer. BUT I want AI and hoseless AI is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
so i have to stick my guns on the DataMax Pro Plus 2. :doctor:
ElectricZombie
January 24th, 2003, 02:46 PM
Question: Is FredT now making wings to go with his fantastic BPs? Anyone have any specs? For $300.00 I might pick up an extra rig.
Thanks
buff
January 24th, 2003, 02:53 PM
ElectricZombie!
Great personal photo! Is that "The Abomidable Mr. Vibes"
So cool.
ElectricZombie
January 24th, 2003, 04:36 PM
Buff,
Yep, Dr. Phibes it is. You're the first one to notice. Kind of an obscure movie, some people probably think that's really what I look like. Great movie.
Oh, it's Dr. Phibes not "Mr. Vibes"
buff
January 24th, 2003, 04:42 PM
Well,
it might be "Phibes" but to me Vincent Price will always be the "Vibe"
V.P. was so good in "Edward Scissorhands" I thoght he deserved an award for his performance.
I have to rent "Mr. Phibes" tonight!
did you see Vincent Price when he was in Mask of the Red Death? I think that's the name. So good, so scarey. Not like today's crap.
ElectricZombie
January 24th, 2003, 04:47 PM
V.P. was great, I love his films.
I almost rented "Mask of the Red Death" a few days ago. I'll have to check that one out.
Edward Scissorhands was such a great movie, I have the poster framed over my couch.
buff
January 24th, 2003, 04:51 PM
"I almost rented "Mask of the Red Death" a few days ago. I'll have to check that one out."
My GOD!!! I was going to write about that movie but I couldn't remeber for sure the title "Mask of the Red Death". So wonderfully macbre(sp?)...nothing like that today.
IT's a goodie! I'll rent that tonight too.
buff
January 24th, 2003, 04:53 PM
Seeing that we have so much in common, ElectricZombie, you should invite me down to N.C. for some wreck diving!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best dives I have ever done are in N.C.
-Mike
ElectricZombie
January 24th, 2003, 05:10 PM
As soon as it warms up (was about -2 here last night with wind chill), you are more than welcome to come join me for some dives!
Lots of good wrecks here in NC. Can't wait for summer.
Dxtreme
January 24th, 2003, 06:47 PM
$555 for halcyon complete 36 Lbs Setup from halcyon !!!!!! ;-0
lets hope with Fred's bp and harness the price will be down a little.
otherwise hello Mares Syncro Power Tech
Northeastwrecks
January 24th, 2003, 10:26 PM
I believe that Spectre dives a FredT mated to a Halcyon rig. You might consider PM'ing him to ask how he likes it.
Dxtreme
January 31st, 2003, 09:11 PM
dang !! a brand new Halcyon 27 lbs pioneer setup is $425 and that is more than $175 than the SYNCRO MARES POWER TECH !!!
;-0
Dryglove
January 31st, 2003, 09:20 PM
Dxtreme once bubbled...
dang !! a brand new Halcyon 27 lbs pioneer setup is $425 and that is more than $175 than the SYNCRO MARES POWER TECH !!!
;-0
Remember you get what you pay for.Halcyon may not be cheap but is very high quality.
ScubaDan
January 31st, 2003, 11:23 PM
I wish I would have waited to buy gear. Now I have to do it all over again.
Dryglove
January 31st, 2003, 11:28 PM
ScubaDan once bubbled...
:off: good reading until the last few post.
How is it off topic.Dxtreme is the original author of this thread and made the statement about halcyon.Since he is the original thread starter i dont consider it getting off topic.Let me guess your part of the i hate halcyon club. :confused:
ScubaDan
January 31st, 2003, 11:41 PM
you got to that to quick:) after I posted that, there were more post that were on topic so I changed it. but if you look back a few it was off topic. they were from Buff and EectricZombie.
And by the way my next purchase will be fredt BP and Pioneer Wings.
Dryglove
January 31st, 2003, 11:47 PM
ScubaDan once bubbled...
And by the way my next purchase will be fredt BP and Pioneer Wings.
Well i guess your ok then :D Glad to see your not a hater,we have enough of those trying to beat up on us bp/wing users ;)