Getting back in the water, new gear?

[LowFin]

Ok, it has been a long time, I'm talking the Carter administration, that I had to buy any dive gear. So here is my list. I would like to hear the opinion of anyone regarding my current choices. I'm trying to buy good value and I based it on my research so far.

Currently have Adv. OW certification and I figure I will dive in PA quarries, NJ, NYC area, OBX and the occasional vacation to someware hot. No tech diving. I would say the usual boat, shore, wreck recreational diving for now and maybe someday continued education..

BCD: Tusa BC, Platina Evolution with Duo Air Combo inflator

Reg: Oceanic GT3 CDX5 with Environmental Seal, (think it is going to be hard to avoid diving in cold water living in PA)

Computer: Sherwood CG7125 2008 Wisdom 2 (not even sure I need one, back in '76 we did not have computers on our laps, on our desks, or in our cars, let alone diving with one).This is starting to sound like I should have posted on the Grumpy Old Man:( forum.

Some sort of 5mm or 7mm wetsuit package, with booties, and hood.

Already have new mask, fins, and snorkel and a shortie.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[fisheater]

It would help to know your diving goals, conditions and expectations.

[keithdiver]

Ok, it has been a long time, I'm talking the Carter administration, that I had to buy any dive gear. So here is my list. I would like to hear the opinion of anyone regarding my current choices. I'm trying to buy good value and I based it on my research so far.

Currently have Adv. OW certification and I figure I will dive in PA quarries, NJ, NYC area, OBX and the occasional vacation to someware hot. No tech diving. I would say the usual boat, shore, wreck recreational diving for now and maybe someday continued education..

BCD: Tusa BC, Platina Evolution with Duo Air Combo inflator

Reg: Oceanic GT3 CDX5 with Environmental Seal, (think it is going to be hard to avoid diving in cold water living in PA)

Computer: Sherwood CG7125 2008 Wisdom 2 (not even sure I need one, back in '76 we did not have computers on our laps, on our desks, or in our cars, let alone diving with one).This is starting to sound like I should have posted on the Grumpy Old Man:( forum.

Some sort of 5mm or 7mm wetsuit package, with booties, and hood.

Already have new mask, fins, and snorkel and a shortie.

Any comments would be appreciated.

What is your budget?

[boulderjohn]

I would not get too hung up on specific brands at the moment. Almost all major brands have good quality equipment. If I were you, I would look at the characteristics of the gear you will need. Here are some examples:

1. BCDs: There are essentially 3 kinds: jacket style, back inflate, and back plate and wing. Check around to find the differences among those styles. Choose a style, then start looking at individual models.

2. Regulators: It is important to know how deep you will be going and how cold you will be going. IMO, a lot of the most expensive models have features that make them expensive without providing any real benefit for the cost. Most of the really experienced technical divers with whom I dive use regulators for their most challenging diving that are middle of the road in price.

3. Computers: Again, many of the most expensive ones have features most divers will never need. A good example is computers that allow you to program three gasses (but not helium). I don't know a single person who has the training and certification to dive three gasses without needing helium. Decide what kind of diving you will be doing and then select from those that have those features. It sounds like you will only need a very basic computer. It also sounds as if you need to look into why you would use a computer to decide if it will be helpful.

4. Thermal protection: You are talking about a 5-7 mm suit. You may want to consider a dry suit instead. Things have really changed with them since the Carter administration, and you may find the added comfort well worth the additional cost.

[ptyx]

Brands don't matter much.

If you *need* a sealed regulator, then a 5mm suit won't cut it. If you want to dive cold water, consider a drysuit (I know I'm not going back to 7mm).

In green water, a compass might be an excellent idea (compared to clear tropical water with infinite visibility where it is merely a good idea).

Even if you don't need a computer, you'll need a depth gauge and a timer. Entry level computers do the job as well and might be cheaper.

[LowFin]

1500 budget to get started.

[LowFin]

fisheater
Thanks for the reply, Goals would be to mostly recreational dives for now, say less than 100 feet mostly in the northeast with some resort diving in warmer climates on vacations. Ultimately once I am back up to speed with that level of diving, perhaps more challenging diving in a couple years. Say, cave, wreck and perhaps tech. Ultimately, I think teaching would ultimately be rewarding. But first things first, recreational diving in the northeast, less than 100 ft.

[Trixxie]

whatever you decide to go with... be sure to buy from a brick and mortar dive shop, not the internet. :D

I recommend to my students to get a good regulator/computer first before wetsuit & BC but if you can afford all at once that works too. I have Sherwood and used that reg for 10 years and still would have kept using it but....it was not the latest and greatest. I also Scubapro and Tusa regs and to be honest I can not tell the difference between them when diving although the price difference between them are quite significant. Just make sure you buy something and keep the service on it up, most mfg offer free parts for life as long as you maintain service to their specifications and have made your purchase at an authorized dealer (dive shop).

safe diving!

[Mattleycrue76]

Considering the type of diving you plan on doing I'd say do yourself a huge favor and check out some backplate wing systems like this

Golem 35 Lbs SS Combo (http://www.golemgear.com/p-165-golem-35-lbs-ss-combo.aspx)

there are other similar good quality systems, but this one is a pretty darn good value.

No matter what loose the inflator integrated octo. They're a PITA solution to a non existant problem.

I wouldn't budget much for a computer. I spent a buttload on mine and only use features that I could have gotten with a $200 unit. You can dive just fine with an SPG and a bottom timer and your budget is better allocated elsewhere for now.

If you're gonna be diving locally I would consider spending the money for at least an entry level or if necessary used drysuit. You'll be amazed at how much it expands the possibilities.

For things like tanks and weights, Craigslist is your friend.

If you take your time and do your research you can actually buy a pretty good setup within your budget.

[Becca_007]

Everyone has an opinion. right?

I really like my back inflate BC and love my integrated air. Never do I have to worry about an octopus floating around out there and if my regulator is knocked out I can simply reach down and use my secondary until my primary is recovered. I will never understand the hate associated with the integrated air but I know a lot of people will steer you away from it.

My computer I bought a decent model then ended up upgrading to the top of the line a year later. I just couldn't swing buying the Sol out the gate but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

For the colder diving I'd suggest looking at perhaps a semi-dry. While not as warm as a dry-suit they are more affordable and warmer than the 7mm wets. Harder to get on, but worth it.

While I'd consider buying some things used now I'm glad I bought new from a reputable LDS for my first set of gear. After all, humans aren't meant to be underwater and I wanted the assurance of top quality equipment for my adventures.

[LowFin]

Everyone has an opinion. right?

I really like my back inflate BC and love my integrated air. Never do I have to worry about an octopus floating around out there and if my regulator is knocked out I can simply reach down and use my secondary until my primary is recovered. I will never understand the hate associated with the integrated air but I know a lot of people will steer you away from it.

My computer I bought a decent model then ended up upgrading to the top of the line a year later. I just couldn't swing buying the Sol out the gate but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

For the colder diving I'd suggest looking at perhaps a semi-dry. While not as warm as a dry-suit they are more affordable and warmer than the 7mm wets. Harder to get on, but worth it.

While I'd consider buying some things used now I'm glad I bought new from a reputable LDS for my first set of gear. After all, humans aren't meant to be underwater and I wanted the assurance of top quality equipment for my adventures.

Becca,
Thanks for your input. And your photos are great!!!! If you have time tell me what photo equipment you are using to take that high quality of pix's.

Your right about the opinions. I guess that is what makes this Board so good. I am really glad folks are responding, eventhough this was a question that no doubt was asked many times before. (What is the best BCD, best Reg, best octo etc.) I was a little too lazy to go and read all of the previous threads, plus I am trying to avoid the SB addiction that is setting in.


There are alot of folks with good ideas, not always in agreement, but serioulsly good ideas.

I'm am just waking up from my very long surface interval and getting more involved with SB. The information on this site is amazing. Also, it is apparent some issues spark contrivorsy like bp w/wings vs vests; on line stores vs LDS; and the integrated air vs separate octo.

On the topic of the integrated air, I was thinking along the same lines as you, less clutter. A second reason was, and I did not mention this, I have an old SP Mark V regulator that some day I will service and/or have serviced and use again. It only has 2 LP ports. (We did not use octopye (sp?) back then. Thought the integrated air setup was an efficient way to solve that problem.

Again, great photos and thanks for the input.

[Mattleycrue76]

One of the main reasons why air integrated inflators are a bad idea is that they're very difficult to breathe off of while simulainiously controlling your buoyancy on an ascent. Not a situation you want when your buddy's out of air and possibly panicked, breathing off your primary. I have had a number of buddies try this and go straight out and buy a regular octo (or even better a longhose and a bungied necklace). They cost somwhere around $250. For that you can buy a regular first and second stage.

[fisheater]

One of the main reasons why air integrated inflators are a bad idea is that they're very difficult to breathe off of while simulainiously controlling your buoyancy on an ascent. Not a situation you want when your buddy's out of air and possibly panicked, breathing off your primary. I have had a number of buddies try this and go straight out and buy a regular octo (or even better a longhose and a bungied necklace). They cost somwhere around $250. For that you can buy a regular first and second stage.

I'm one those folks. Had a buddy go OOG and, by the next dive, I was sporting a long hose and bungied octo.