I am sure that this has been discussed to death, so feel free to bash me if you wish.
My wife and I are beginning students who just started lessons in preperation for a trip to Fiji in 3 weeks. We decided to buy our own equipment if for no other reason... we want to train and then dive in good quality gear, and more importantly, we want to have familiarality with our gear from dive to dive. Our plans are to complete our confined dives at the LDS, and our open water dives at the resort in Fiji. We plan on taking a couple of trips/year to Hawaii, Cabo, Fiji, etc. which will be most, if not all of our diving. We will probably not dive here in the pacific NW.
In pretty much everthing that we do, we generally prefer to buy higher quality gear. Maybe we overbuy, but we would prefer to buy too high, rather than too low, unless it is detrimental in learning (ski equipment would be a good example where you can buy too high).
A friend of ours who is a good diver, and owns a dive shop (not local) strongly recommended ScubaPro equipment so that is where we are heading. So far, our equipment plans are as follows:
Mask: Best fit w/ good seal.. I forget which brand we got (bifolcals in my wifes)
Fins: SP twin jet
Snorkle: Generic dry
Regulator: SP MK25/S600
BC: SP Knighthawk/Ladyhawk w/air2
Computer: Uwatec SmartCom console
Boots/Gloves: Generic (not sure of brand)
Suit: Henderson trilam jumpsuit
Case: Hard plastic case for checking in air travel, and a couple of mesh bags to use on dives.
My biggest questions are as follows:
Should we get a a hyperstretch suit instead of the trilam? We didn't really discuss wetsuits much, and we got these on recommendation of the LDS. I am really tall (6'7"), and squeezing into my jumpsuit is tough. Maybe it is just because I am new and not used to it. Should I just grin and bear with this, and eventually get a custom suit?
Uwatec console: It seems that most people on this board prefer Suunto computers, and wrist mounts. As a novice, Uwatec seems more intuitive, and simple to use. Keeping it teathered seems like one less thing to lose.
Air2: Should we get this, or get a standard alternate? I have been advised that the Air2 is best of breed on the inflator/alternate combos.
I appreciate any comments... especially if we are making a big mistake on any items.
/Jim
bwerb
May 22nd, 2003, 05:02 PM
Here's a couple ideas.
1.) I'd recommend skipping the Air2...a whole lotta money for something of debatable use. A standard octopus regulator as a back-up is a less expensive and more versatile option. You can set it up either as donatable regulator (standard set-up) or put it on a short hose for your own use (donate your primary).
2.) I'd also recommend reconsidering purchasing the console mounted computer. Instead, I'd recommend a simple less expensive wrist mounted computer or bottom timer. I originally started with a wrist mounted computer and a pressure gauge/compass on a console. I have since stripped the console away completely (now it's just a pressure gauge) and put the compass on my wrist. Suunto is great in that most of their components can be swapped out from console to wrist mounts at any time. You can start with one configuration and adjust it later if you want.
3.) I'd think twice on the split-fins...if they sell the twin-jets, likely they can get you the old stand-by jets as well...totally indestructible!
I dive dry so I can't help on the wetsuit question...sorry.
Brian
PM me if you are interested in a hot deal on a Seaquest Raider BC
ElectricZombie
May 22nd, 2003, 05:14 PM
FLYNZ4 once bubbled...
My wife and I are beginning students who just started lessons in preperation for a trip to Fiji in 3 weeks. We decided to buy our own equipment if for no other reason... we want to train and then dive in good quality gear, and more importantly, we want to have familiarality with our gear from dive to dive.
In pretty much everthing that we do, we generally prefer to buy higher quality gear. Maybe we overbuy, but we would prefer to buy too high, rather than too low, unless it is detrimental in learning
Good idea. Always train with what you actually use.
Spend more and get the good stuff. Do it right the first time.
I would look here: www.halcyon.net for high quality gear. Do a search for "Halcyon" and "DIR" here on SB.
The Twin Jets do not work very well in my experience. I prefer the Jet Fins.
Nice choice on the regulator, I have one and like it a lot. You can get a R380 as a backup reg.
I would suggest a Backplate and Wing from Halcyon over the SP Knighthawk.
Stay away from consoles. Too big and bulky. Wrist mounts are nicer.
Uwatec console: It seems that most people on this board prefer Suunto computers, and wrist mounts. As a novice, Uwatec seems more intuitive, and simple to use. Keeping it teathered seems like one less thing to lose.
Air2: Should we get this, or get a standard alternate? I have been advised that the Air2 is best of breed on the inflator/alternate combos.
I appreciate any comments... especially if we are making a big mistake on any items.
Consoles are not such a great idea. Just wrist mount the compass and computer. Have a bare pressure gauge clipped off. Uwatec computers are ok and simple to use.
AIR2's don't work very well and are not very good as backup regs. You can do a search for the many reasons why. Get a regular backup reg.
Search for "DIR", "Halcyon", "Backplate", "Wing" to find a ton of good info on why your selections may not be all that appropriate. Weigh the options and make your own decision.
herman
May 22nd, 2003, 05:23 PM
Welcome to the board Jim.
I take a stab at a few of these but I can tell you that there a wide range of opinions on the board.
The mask needs to fit, period. A high cost one that leaks is not worth a dime, conversely a cheapee that fits and does not leak is worth a fortune. You may want to at least get a replacement strap for it. I like the padded ones with the nylon straps, they are more comfortable to me. A simple snorkle is fine.
I don't think you can go wrong with the ScubaPro regs or the BC's. Good quality, long service life and fairly easy to get serviced in most places (from what I hear). Personaly, I would drop the Air2. It adds cost but more importantly, if you have an out of air emergency, OOA, the operation of the Air2 is going to be a pain. Most likely, you will be taught to hold the deflator above your head while deflating (which you will need to do on an accent), kind of hard for the other diver to breath through the thing while you hold it above your head. It's also not very likely that they are going to be willing to remove it from their mouth to allow you to do so, remember THEY are OOA and most likely a little paniced. I would rather hand off the Octo and handle the inflator myself.
Split fins....well, as best as I can tell, there are 2 camps, those who hate them and those who love um. I don't like them. I don't seem to get the same power and speed out of them as I do my Mares. I am positive I don't get the same amount of control with them. But there are others who love them, the best advise is to try both while you are in class and see which you like the best. Most dive shops will loan you a pair or maybe another student will be willing to swap with you.
Computer. I don't know anything about the UWATEC. I use an Oceanic Data Plus. It's easy to read and fairly simple to operate. It can be used as a wrist mount or console by swaping it from one mount to the other (wrist mount is $12). I prefer a console myself, again, both have merit. I would suggest that no matter what brand/style you get, go ahead and get one that is NITROX capable. They usually are not much more expensive and if (when) you decide to go NITROX, you don't have to spend more for a new computer.
FLYNZ4
May 22nd, 2003, 07:55 PM
herman once bubbled...
Personaly, I would drop the Air2. It adds cost but more importantly, if you have an out of air emergency, OOA, the operation of the Air2 is going to be a pain. Most likely, you will be taught to hold the deflator above your head while deflating (which you will need to do on an accent), kind of hard for the other diver to breath through the thing while you hold it above your head. It's also not very likely that they are going to be willing to remove it from their mouth to allow you to do so, remember THEY are OOA and most likely a little paniced. I would rather hand off the Octo and handle the inflator myself.
Now I am a little confused. I thought that with an Air2, in an OOA emergency, you donate your primary regulator to the other person (who is OOA) and you breath through your own Air2. As far as holding it above your head... I thought that you can use an alternate air dump to ascend.
/Jim
docmartin
May 22nd, 2003, 08:20 PM
a lot of people on this board do not like the air 2 and they have valid reasons. i for one love it for recreational diving. much less hassle in my humble opinion and a nice and clean setup. as far as the arguments about out of air situations you are absolutely correct. the plan is that you would breathe from the air 2 and your buddy would use your primary reg. the alternate air dump works but may not vent as well because it is at a low point of the bc and you would be ascending vertically. in other words, depending on the bc some air might get trapped. however, when i breathe from my air 2 i do not have a problem venting. and if need be i could take it out of my mouth, hold it up and vent. no big deal but remember: don't hold your breath. if you end up deciding against the air2 just do the reefs in fiji a favor and don't become one of those divers that drag their octopus dangling 4 feet below them all over the place. there are numerous ways to keep it close. personally i like it around my neck using a bungee cord or surgical tubing. you should get the idea on the halcyon site.
in any event, none of the gear you are planning on getting is "bad". it's all nice stuff. but obviously different people have different preferences. don't let it confuse you too much.
Jeblis
May 23rd, 2003, 02:09 AM
I was in the same situation about a year ago. I tend to get into a hobby and research the hell out of equipment and options (for diving most of my research ended up being on this board). In the end I usually end up spending more cash than I really need to, but I end up with the best quality equipment.
For a recreational setup I ended up with:
Halcyon Back plate & wings (27 lb Aluminum backplate)
Idaho Sewing Mesh Weight Belt
Vytec
Apeks ATX 200 Regulator+First Stage
Apeks ATX 40 Octo
Two Wetsuits ( 1mm & a 5mm hyperstretch)
Hood
Beanie
Two Backup Lights (Princeton Tech Surge)
Princeton Tek Shockwave II light
Mask, Fins, Snorkel
Two AL 80 Tanks
Suunto Compass
Leg Knife
For me the best decision I ever made was to go with the backplate/wings (thanks Scuba Board). Many people associate this with an advanced/technical diver, but the advantages will help the beginner diver as well as the expert (No squeeze from the BC, more stable under water, streamlined) unlike skiing where expert skis may hinder the beginner.
The only things I regret:
-I should have gotten a smaller knife to mount on the belt or BC rather than a big leg knife.
- I probably just should have bought a HID light up front.
FLYNZ4
May 23rd, 2003, 02:19 AM
Thanks for the help so far :)
Debbie and I went to the LDS again tonight for some practice in the pool. I talked to our instructor about my wetsuit, and we changed from the Henderson Trilam, to the Henderson Titanium Hyperstretch. What a huge difference getting into the suit! The material stretches up to 250% and now I don't have to feel like Houdini to get into it anymore :)
As far as our masks... we tried on every mask in the store, and we picked the ones that gave the best seal. I have deep "smile lines" and a mustache, and I was amazed to find a mask that locked on to my face with a tight watertight seal. I had been to 2 other diveshops, and never found one that sealed at all. Debbie also had good luck. Mine is a H2O Odessy, and her's is a Seadive. We bought these completely on fit. I think that we are spot on with the advice given above :)
I went and studied the Halcyon site tonight based on your recommendations. It seems like very high quality equipment really designed for the pro. They did a good job of explaining why it is good for the recreational diver too. My concern is that we are running out of time, and I am not sure how quickly we could get them. Debbie is very timid when it comes to diving, and I think it is important that we train in the same equipment that we use on our open water dives. I do not think she would react well to change. We are on a plane in less than 3 weeks. I will talk to our instructor about Halcyon next week when we dive again, but I really doubt we could get the equipment in time.
Regarding the AIR2. I talked to my instructor about that tonight and he felt that it was a good system... better than a standard alternate. We can go with either the standard alternate (R380) or the Air2 for about the same price (I think that Air2 is actually a bit cheaper). I will try both and decide. Our equipment should all be here before our next dive.
The LDS is really good about letting us try anything that we want. So far I am happy with them. They are also doing a good job building Debbie's confidence. That is really important to me.
/Jim
Mverick
May 23rd, 2003, 08:36 AM
If you order, Halcyon equipment could be to you in 4 day's.
Lloyd Bailey's scuba sells them
Extreme exposure sells them.
And if you don't like it. They'll take it back. You get like a 2 week trial. Or they use to. Call them to find out.
http://www.extreme-exposure.com/index.shtml
I have an Air2. It was nice. But in an OOA situation. It's not fun. It works, but the standard second is easier. Bunjee it around your neck so it's easy to find...
I have Mares volo fins. Like them but use my Scubapro jets or Turtles more often. Volo's are like splits in that they are easy on the calves. But I get more thrust from my jets or turtles.
Never tried the Hyperstretch. I have a Henderson gold.
If you're going back inflate. I'd try a Halcyon. Get whatever you think your wife would like. And order a Halcyon for yourself...
But it's all good gear...
Jeblis
May 23rd, 2003, 10:59 AM
A word on the wetsuit. I have a hyperstretch 5mm and love it. Very comfy. But the hypersteretch suits will provide less insulation compared to a standard neoprene wetsuit of the same thickness. One of the major reasons for this is that a hyperstretch suit will compress more than neoprene at depth. No really a problem since even a 7 mm Hyperstretch is more comfy than a 3mm neoprene suit.
Also the hyperstretch wetsuits tend to "pill" so try to avoid scuffing it up or letting velcro touch the suit.
Good luck and welcome to diving! :hi:
large_diver
May 23rd, 2003, 11:56 AM
Jim,
A few words on the Air2...
Some folks like them due to the simplicity. You eliminate an extra hose and the "danglies" associated with having an octopus/back-up reg hanging from your BC.
Others are very anti-Air2 due to:
- Inflator/deflator is hard to use if you are holding it in your mouth
- Hose is short -- may restrict head movement
It sounds like you have the right attitude -- try both in the pool if you can. Pay close attention to the mechanics of one vs. the other while air sharing with your buddy and especially air sharing WHILE ASCENDING with your buddy.
Good luck.
-Chris
FLYNZ4
May 23rd, 2003, 03:08 PM
Jeblis once bubbled...
A word on the wetsuit. I have a hyperstretch 5mm and love it. Very comfy. But the hypersteretch suits will provide less insulation compared to a standard neoprene wetsuit of the same thickness. One of the major reasons for this is that a hyperstretch suit will compress more than neoprene at depth. No really a problem since even a 7 mm Hyperstretch is more comfy than a 3mm neoprene suit.
Also the hyperstretch wetsuits tend to "pill" so try to avoid scuffing it up or letting velcro touch the suit.
Good luck and welcome to diving! :hi:
We got 3mm hyperstretch for use in the South Pacific. This is replacing the trilam that I think is about 2 or 2.5mm.
After researching Halcycon more on this web board, and also their site, I think we are going to pass on this technology right now. Clearly, the members of this web board are very positive on Halcyon.. almost to cult status. I am sure that this is great stuff, but there seems to be a higher level of complexity and "techiness". I think this would be very beneficial if we were more serious divers, but I think that extra complexity will be counter productive right now. We are only going to be making a couple of dive trips/year and I think that using a simple, but high quality BC will be best for us.
In terms of the Air2... we will try it both ways, and make our decision in the pool. Swapping to an R380 will be trivial if we go that route.
I really want to thank everyone for thier comment and adivce... this is a great web board!
/Jim
jonnythan
May 23rd, 2003, 03:12 PM
FLYNZ4 once bubbled...
...
complexity
...
LOL.
Look at a set of bp/wings, then look at pretty much any other BC on the market.
Complex! :wacko:
wreckchick
May 23rd, 2003, 03:16 PM
I would wager he's talking about setting the thing up to begin with vs. buckling it on and adjusting a few straps.
I think a nice traditional BC is a fine choice for a diver who wants to do a couple dive vacations a year.
JMHO, of course.
Rachel
jonnythan
May 23rd, 2003, 03:18 PM
biscuit7 once bubbled...
I would wager he's talking about setting the thing up to begin with vs. buckling it on and adjusting a few straps.
I think a nice traditional BC is a fine choice for a diver who wants to do a couple dive vacations a year.
JMHO, of course.
Rachel
So do I. I just found the adjective funny. It's anything but complex.
FLYNZ4
May 27th, 2003, 12:21 AM
biscuit7 once bubbled...
I would wager he's talking about setting the thing up to begin with vs. buckling it on and adjusting a few straps.
I think a nice traditional BC is a fine choice for a diver who wants to do a couple dive vacations a year.
JMHO, of course.
Rachel
Rachel... you hit it right on the button. The "complexity" that I was talking about had to do with the initial setup... not continuous use. We are on a ticking clock here... just 2.5 weeks left before we get on the plane to Fiji... and unfortunately, learning how to scuba dive is just one of dozens of life's little challenges we have between now and then.
I am actually having a different set of questions now... should we stay with the back-inflate vests (KnightHawk/LadyHawk) or should we switch to a classic jacket style? I am worried that Debbie will be uncomfortable being tipped forward in the water. Also... I just finished the PADI videos and bookwork this weekend, and they keep talking about all of the things that you should keep in your pockets (divetalbes, slates, fish identifiers, knives, etc) ... but the LadyHawk/NightHawk dont really have much pocket space.
All of our gear should be here when we get into the pool tomorrow night. I will ask my instructor about the BC's one more time.
/Jim
wreckchick
May 27th, 2003, 12:32 AM
I have a back inflate and I don't get tipped over in the water as long as I keep a little weight in the rear trim pockets, don't over inflate on the surface and I lay back like I'm in a recliner, quite comfy actually. I find the back inflate far more comfortable than the jacket bc's and it's much better underwater and that's really where you want it to work.
In my pockets I have a tiny dive slate, when it's not on my wrist, a whistle, and a safety sausage. No tables, no fish id cards..... I do have a knife but it's on the back of my console boot. There are plenty of places to put a knife besides your pocket.
R
roakey
May 27th, 2003, 09:36 AM
FLYNZ4 once bubbled...
My concern is that we are running out of time, and I am not sure how quickly we could get them. Debbie is very timid when it comes to diving, and I think it is important that we train in the same equipment that we use on our open water dives.
This is the path that most diver's follow with the complete support of their LDS: Train, buy all their equipment, get experience, find out that the equipment isn't what they wanted and buy more equipment (can you see why that initial purchase is supported by the LDS?).
Just say no. You're in a hurry. RENT your equipment (which will be the exact same stuff you did your OW dives in) from the LDS for this trip and then between this and the next trip make an informed, not rushed, decision.
Rushed purchase == wasted money (much to the delight of the LDS!)
For the record, for recreational diving I have a FredT heavy BP and a Halcyon 18lb wing. My setup is a magnitude simplier than the "recreational" setups out there and will last much, much longer. I wish we could get rid of this so-called "technical" stigma that surrounds a BP and wing setup, it's not technical unless you want to make it technical, it's simply an excellent system that works well in all kinds of diving, from recreational through technical.
Roak
FLYNZ4
May 27th, 2003, 11:56 AM
roakey once bubbled...
Just say no. You're in a hurry. RENT your equipment (which will be the exact same stuff you did your OW dives in) from the LDS for this trip and then between this and the next trip make an informed, not rushed, decision.
Rushed purchase == wasted money (much to the delight of the LDS!)
Roak,
I've thought about that quite a bit as well... and after getting as much advice as possible (from multiple sources), I am pretty comfortable in my decisions so far. I think we are getting good, long lasting gear. The only item I am aprehensive about is our BCs, based primarily from the strength of the DIR opinions on this web board.
Debbie's confidence has been building in the pool during our confined water dives here in Portland. Our open water dives will be a PADI referral in Fiji. There will be enough "new things" going on in Fiji... language, salt water (vs fresh water pool), open water, etc... I think that owning our own gear that we did our local training in, will help lower the anxiety of transition.
/Jim
roakey
May 27th, 2003, 12:22 PM
FLYNZ4 once bubbled...
I think that owning our own gear that we did our local training in, will help lower the anxiety of transition.
I wasn't clear -- rent from your *local* LDS, not one in Fiji. Little difference between *owning* the gear you did your local training in and *renting* the gear you did your local training in.
Then take your time choosing what to buy with a few more dives under your belt.
Roak
Ps. Ok, I'll be a cold shower and just go ahead and say it though I hate to... If you end up as 80% of divers that take a class and go on vacation and then never end up diving again, renting will save you bundles. I hope that it doesn't happen to you, but it's always a possibility.
FLYNZ4
May 27th, 2003, 04:02 PM
roakey once bubbled...
I wasn't clear -- rent from your *local* LDS, not one in Fiji. Little difference between *owning* the gear you did your local training in and *renting* the gear you did your local training in.
Then take your time choosing what to buy with a few more dives under your belt.
Roak
Ps. Ok, I'll be a cold shower and just go ahead and say it though I hate to... If you end up as 80% of divers that take a class and go on vacation and then never end up diving again, renting will save you bundles. I hope that it doesn't happen to you, but it's always a possibility.
That makes more sense... I agree, if we rent the same gear we trained in, then took it to Fiji, there would not be much difference. I thought you were recommending that we rent in Fiji.
At this point, I think we are going to buy equipment. I sure hope that we are not in the 80% you mentioned... that would be depressing. Generally we do follow through with what we start, especially when we get equipment. At least this has been the case with other hobbies like skiing, golf, flying, etc... and the cost of buying scuba equipment pales next to the cost of buying a plane.
/Jim
Blue Space
May 27th, 2003, 06:48 PM
Here is the equipment I ended up with after many many people shoving DIR and bp/wing in my face.
Atomic Aquatics ZI 5' hose on the way and ZI backup (Bungied)
Mares Quattros fins (Spring Straps)
Sherwood Magnum Mask (Super low profile)
Atlan Hood 5/3 mil
O'neill 3mil and 7mil wetsuite
Henderson 3mil gloves
DeepSea 5mil Booties
Suunto counsel (pressure, depth, compass) Soon to be OMS SPG clipped off, wrist mount the compass, Suunto Vyper Wrist mount computer..
SeaQuest Balance BC. For a minute there you guys thought I was on the right track till it came to the BC. LOL
Actually if it wasn't for the DIR people on this board I would of never known how safe diving really can be. And no I'm no where near DIR I just think some of it makes a whole lot of sense and its not just about the gear config....
There's my .02 cents.
FLYNZ4
June 4th, 2003, 11:53 AM
Here is an update on our diving equipment and progress.
First of all, I have completed all of the skills work, and I am ready for the open water dives now, but Debbie is plugging along, building confidence and slowly but surely becoming accustomed to diving. One more week before we go to Fiji, and if she is not ready for open water, then she will do some resort dives (I think that is what it's called), while I do the open water dives. We have decided to go back to Fiji again in February'04 with two other couples.
I love my dive computer (Uwatec pro com) even though it is a console. I love the fact that it is so simple to use... in fact, I don't have to do anything for the recreational diving that I do. It turns itself on/off automatically, and requires absolutely no button pushes. The display is huge, easy to read/understand, has a replacable face protector, and I really like the air integration. I can see my progress in breathing as I get more and more used to diving in the pool, and the "lung" alerts have decreased considerably. I find the alerts a good reminder to slow down my breathing, and to relax. What I love the best is downloading the data to my laptop. The machine samples every 4 seconds, so I can see and analyze each breath if I wanted to (not that I do). In addition to the dive profile, the software recreates an exact duplicate of the computer's display on the laptop, and I can step through my entire dive, 4 seconds at a time and view exactly what my computer showed. I know that there is a huge preference toward Suunto on this board, and I am sure that you all have good reasons, but IMHO, the Uwatec SmartCom is unbeleivable. I think the simplicity is its best feature. I will probably prefer a wrist mount over console over time. Once Uwatec comes out with a smart-com writstmount w/wireless IA, then I will probably get one and sell the smart com on ebay. In the mean time, I think it is the perfect computer for us. Debbie also enjoys analyzing her dives... and when the computer profile shows up bright red... she talks through why she got nervous at that particular part of the dive.
Regarding the AIR2, I can't imagine that a 2nd source could be simpler to use. It is right there next to my mouth all of the time, and at least in the pool, it breathes extremely easily. I have been switching back and forth between my primary (MK25/S600) and the Air2 without effort... and for buddy air sharing, I have been donating my primary to my buddy, and then just slipping the air2 into my mouth. There is absolutely no issues with inflating or deflating the BC while using the Air2, since I have been using the shoulder dumps anyway. You can easily inflate the BC using the power inflate while breathing through the Air2, or you can inflate using your exhaled air since the regulator is already in your mouth. About the only negative that I can see, is that it does restrict head movement a bit since the hose is so short and stiff. It has not seemed like a major issue to me. Finally, I confirmed that the Air2 is less expensive than getting an independent second stage. When ordered already installed on the BC, it added $75 to the cost of the BC, which is cheaper than a traditional octopus.
Huge advantage on switching to the Henderson Hyperstretch suit. Thanks for all the input.
I mounted a UK Remora knife on our console hose... it seems to work just fine there. For now, I have no plans on getting us any larger knives. I read on the board that 'smaller is better". I might move the knives to a BC mount at some point.
I am not sure what a safetly saugsage is... and I keep forgetting to ask my instructor. Any input?
Pelican case is pretty awesome... Its hard to imagine a better case for shipping the dive gear as checked luggage. We have mesh duffles for use to/from dives.
SP regulator is smooth and easy to breath. I did put 360 degree swivels on 2nd stage. I know there is some controversy on that, but it makes it more comfortable in the mouth because the hose does not pull.
I am debating if I should buy a light or not before our trip. I doubt that we will do night dives... but i don't know for sure. I am postive that I want disposal alkaline batteries since we will only be going on a few dive trips/year, and I do not want to deal with the "care and feeding" that rechargeables require. Will I even need a light in Fiji? If I buy a light, should I just spend the extra money now and get a HID rather than a halogen? I was thinking that a UK light cannon might be a good choice since I have no interest in ever doing this more than at a recreational level.
One last thought... I think that Debbie and I having the exact same equipment is a plus. We are fully aware of each other's equipment, and we talk ourselves through each step of setup/teardown as well as maintenance and familiarity in an emergency. At least for a husband/wife team doing recreational only diving... I recommend it.
Thanks again for all of the input... this board is awesome!
/Jim
Mverick
June 4th, 2003, 01:32 PM
You've got a lot of nice gear.
Have fun on your trip..
You didn't mention what BC you got...
FLYNZ4
June 4th, 2003, 01:56 PM
Mverick once bubbled...
You've got a lot of nice gear.
Have fun on your trip..
You didn't mention what BC you got...
We got the SP LadyHawk/KnightHawk with Air2 pre-installed. So far, it seems good, but we have not spent time floating at the surface in choppy water, so we do not know for sure if the back-inflate will push us too far forward. The advice we have received is that it is not a problem unless we over-inflate. The BC seems really comfortable on and does not give the "boob squeeze" of a jacket style BC. It seems really easy to inflate/deflate in the water. The shoulder dumps seem to work well. It is pretty minimalist when it comes to pockets. Our dive instructor is advising us to minimize the use pockets (if even using them at all), but rather strap the crap to us. The integral weight system seems much more secure (they use mechanical clips) than the Seaquest vests we wore initiatlly (Velcro), but the weights are still simple to ditch.
/Jim
Mverick
June 4th, 2003, 02:45 PM
FLYNZ4 once bubbled...
Our dive instructor is advising us to minimize the use pockets (if even using them at all), but rather strap the crap to us.
Then you're basicly using a backplate and wing. They don't have pockets. You put your pockets on your suit on top of the thigh. They are glued on.
It is a nice BC. Some things I'm not comfortable with on them. But it's just personel preference.
It is a nice BC though.
Have fun...
mleong
June 10th, 2003, 11:36 PM
Get the Halcyon. If you need the pockets, add then later. Get the Halcyon Big Diver Alert Marker or the Surf Shuttle for safety. These can be stored in the MC pack that comes with the Halcyon. I have the Ranger, but would have bought the Halcyon if I had came across it before hand.
Maybe you can read up on the reviews at www.scubadiving.com before gettig the rest of the gears.
jeremyrfoster
July 29th, 2003, 12:26 PM
nevermind
FLYNZ4
December 1st, 2003, 07:35 AM
I have not been on the board in a very long time... and felt that I should reply.
First of all, Debbie and I are both certified divers now :) We had a great time in Fiji, and while it was a struggle for Debbie to get certified... we did make it :) I really had no problems at all. She had to do some additional pool work there after her first dive... she was too nervous in the open water. On her final dive... she finally had much better bouyancy control, and everything went a lot smoother.
All of our equipment worked very well... except my saftey sausage broke off the clip during one of my steps off of the boat. I stuck it in a pocket for that dive, and then re-attached it for future dives.
We have never planned to do any local diving here in the Pacific NW... but we are going back to Fiji for two weeks in February/March. I know that I am really looking forward to diving again! Debbie does not have the same passion, but she will probably dive more.
The dive company sure made it easy for us... they picked up our gear from our room, the day prior to our first dive. Each day, they would rinse all of our gear, and have it ready on the boat the next day. We only carried our regulators and computers to/from the boat each day.
This trip to Fiji was part of a summer-long sabbatical from work. Besides scuba diving, we also drove Debbie's sports car (BMW Z4) around the PNW... and we flew my plane around the country. If you are interested in seeing any of it... my sabbatical website is : www.pappasfam.com
Thank you to everyone who gave us advice on the board!
/Jim (and Debbie)
FLYNZ4
December 1st, 2003, 07:52 AM
I have not been on the board in a very long time... and felt that I should reply.
First of all, Debbie and I are both certified divers now :) We had a great time in Fiji, and while it was a struggle for Debbie to get certified... we did make it :) I really had no problems at all. She had to do some additional pool work there after her first dive... she was too nervous in the open water. On her final dive... she finally had much better bouyancy control, and everything went a lot smoother.
All of our equipment worked very well... except my saftey sausage broke off the clip during one of my steps off of the boat. I stuck it in a pocket for that dive, and then re-attached it for future dives.
We have never planned to do any local diving here in the Pacific NW... but we are going back to Fiji for two weeks in February/March. I know that I am really looking forward to diving again! Debbie does not have the same passion, but she will probably dive more.
The dive company sure made it easy for us... they picked up our gear from our room, the day prior to our first dive. Each day, they would rinse all of our gear, and have it ready on the boat the next day. We only carried our regulators and computers to/from the boat each day.
This trip to Fiji was part of a summer-long sabbatical from work. Besides scuba diving, we also drove Debbie's sports car (BMW Z4) around the PNW... and we flew my plane around the country. If you are interested in seeing any of it... my sabbatical website is : www.pappasfam.com
Thank you to everyone who gave us advice on the board!
