Cressi-Sub

[viceroy]

Hi All.

I've just started diving last November and I've decided that while i have some extra cash I should get myself some scuba gear.

Our local dive shops have a few specials going firstly

a Cressi-Sub S102 BC packaged with a Cressi-Sub XS1 2nd stage and Octo, a 2 piece console and although I'm not sure what the first stage is, I do know that it is balanced (I heard thats good) All this going for R5999.00 (approx. $760)

The other special is a Scubapro X-wing BC, R380 2nd stage and Octo and Mk2 1st stage and a 2 piece console for the same price (to get the weight pockets is an extra R1150 (approx. $145)

They are also having a special on some Poseidon equipment although I didnt take too close a look at that stuff so I dont remember the actual models but that stuff would come to a total of about R4800 (approx. $607)

I've tried both the Cressi-Sub and Scubapro stuff on and out of water its comfortable, and the regulators were nice to breath with, althought thr Scubapro 2nd stages seemed a bit fiddly.

What would you guys recommend?

so far we both seem to like the cressi gear, but I'd like to hear what you guys can say about the actual performance in real conditions like depth, currents, reliability, etc.

Much Appreciated

 

[bio guy]

Viceroy

I'm surprised you haven't had any responses so far, so I'll just jump in and say something about Poseidon. I am a diehard Poseidon fan and love it, but they aren't for everyone. There are some things you should know before you consider their regs. They have certain "charming" characteristics you need to be aware of. At least with the odin, above 30-40 feet, there is a very mechanical feel. It is just the mechanism working..some people call it a mild flutter. HOWEVER, if the mechanical feel bothers you in ANY way be very carefull. I have friends that try mine and are simply driven stir crazy by it.
If that isn't a problem though, you will find the odin is a great deep, cold water reg that is very dry in almost any position. Lots of air too. You do need a good Poseidon tech.

Bottom line is simple..try out the gear as much as the shop will let you. Not just a quick dip in the pool, but if they will let you, try the different sets out at different depths (the depths you will most likely be diving in). You will quickly figure out which set is right for you...

There are quite a few Scubapro people on the board, so they should be able to tell you everything you need to know.

Cheers

 

[viceroy]

Well yesterday was the day.

I went out with my friend and we bought our first set of gear.

We decided that to go for the Cressi-Sub Gear based on the following criteria:
- Every review we read about the kit didnt have a sad thing to say about it

- The BC fitted great with only minor adjustments to straps

- Every review we read stated it as very comfortable gear

- We didnt like the mechanical feel to the Poseidon regs we tested

- The Scubapro gear was marginally more expensive and the BC didnt fit quite comfortably

- The Scubapro 1st and 2nd stage didnt seem as good as the Cressi-Stuff

- The Cressi Stuff looked the coolest

Well after bargaining with the owner of the shop for a little while he decided to throw in a free purchase of R300 ($40) for each of us which translated into a dive bag for me and a torch for my friend.

I also got a 10% discount on the Cressi-Sub Lontra 5mm one-piece.

We went off for a quick pool session to just check everything is working, and I must say that so far I love the gear.

Going too to Bass Lake on saturday for a proper dive. woohoo

 

[Bookgrl]

Viceroy-

Just curious how you like your Cressi BC? I used one on a recent diving trip and it was the most comfortable BC I'd tried yet in terms of fit- and I loved the way it worked. I am considering buying the Cressi S111- but I see so little info on Cressi BCs on this board.... I was wondering what you think about yours now that you've had it for a while.

 

[BSH]

Viceroy and Bookgrl,

I use a Cressi S103 and it is very comfortable. I would definitely recommend it. Note that the 103 does not feature the integrated weight system. Personal preference, cause I still like the belt for it is quite simple and do not have to worry about getting used with the weight pockets of the BC.

If you like jacket style BCs rather than the wing+harness, then Cressi is very good.

Good dive.
BSH

 

[Ex Con]

I have been diving the Cressi S104 for about 5 years now and I can't say enough about the quality and comfort of the jacket. ALL BC'S should be made this way!!!

 

[viceroy]

Wow, talk about the past coming back.

I've just done a search on the forum, and low-and-behold, my first and pretty much only thread, appeared in the results, so I thought I might as well comment, even if I am bringing back the dead.

I kinda fell out of diving for a few years, but am back now and my girlfriend is in the middle of doing her course.

To keep with the relevance of my first post, i'm still using the same Cressi gear I bought back in 2002, and despite it being in storage for a few years, it still works as good as new, and my girlfriend even commented that it the XS1 seemed to breath easier than the Mares stuff she's using for her course.