I’m new, meaning brand new, to diving and I am looking for differences on diving gear. From regulators to BC’s, you name it.
TSandM:
There is no one place that does a side-by-side comparison.
As Lynne points out, you may have to sort through a number of threads on gear to get to the level of detail you appear to be seeking. Having said that, there are quite a few SB threads on BCDs - covering not only style (jacket, back-inflate, plates/wings) but manufacturers as well - and quite a few threads on regulators, covering design, brand, model, etc. But, what the majority of threads ultimnately boil down to is fairly straightforward: for simple recreational diving, there are not huge differences in gear performance and functionality. But, there are some differences in cost, and some BIG differences in personal preference among SB members (and we are all happy to share those with you). What matters to many divers is availability of local service and support.
It might help SB members help you if you could distill your confusion down to a series of more specific questions, such as the one you asked about piston versus diaphragm regulators (although I wonder of you meant to say '1st stage' not '2nd stage' in your post). Then, we can either direct you to one or more previous posts covering the specific question, or offer thoughts.
SHAWNFROMMOIGH:
I did look around on the board here some to see if there was a section that compared different types of equipment / manufacturers and didn’t see anything that jumped out at this noob saying that’s what was discussed.
SHAWNFROMMOIGH:
And I HAVE looked at my LDS and, well, let’s just say they are the only one’s in town and only want to sell what they might happen to have…right now.
But, that doesn't mean they cannot help answer a number of questions you may have. And, just because they are 'enthusiastic' about what they have does not mean that what they have is not necessarily useful for you.
iztok:
Where in NC are you? There are options for you within relatively short drive I am sure.
Agree. Even in the western mountains - far from the coast - that is the case. Certainly in the larger population areas (Charlotte, W-S, Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham, Wilmington, etc) you have quite a few options. If you can ID your general location, we may be able to suggest some sources of good information. Yes, shops exists to sell gear, which is how they make their money. But, there are a number of very good, and financially sucessful, shops in NC that can appropriately help a new diver 'take the plunge' into gear.
DevonDiver:
Novice divers need to be careful with 'reviews'. Many such reviews are not much more than paid advertising, not offering an unbiased and critical evaluation
VERY good advice.