buying the lot tommorow, are these good choices?

[theslyfox01]

hi guys, this is the line-up I'm going to be buying tommorow, mostly scubapro and uwatec gear, has anyone had any experience with it, or have any opinions on it?

Scubapro RecTek BCD with 'Air 2' system
Scubapro MK16 first stage, R380 second stage.
Uwatec digital depth guage
(...lots of other rubbish but since thats all under $100 I won't lose sleep if I miss the chance to get opinions on it :out: )

oh, the diving conditions are cold/temperate conditions, average depth 30-40metres, some light wreck penatration

[Mverick]

I'd get a 600 second stage and forget the Air 2 if your going to be wreck diving. Keep the 380 for a octo or get a second 600.

I've heard good things about the 16 first stage. But I've always dove a MK20 or MK25. And never had a problem. Use it in Aruba or Under the ice. Never froze or free flowed. But now I'm using my Apeks for the cold stuff. TX100 or TX50/DS4.

I have a octo bunjeed around my neck now. I have an Air 2 but don't ever use it. I removed it from the BC when I put on the other second.


And I'd try a Backplate and harness from Halcyon instead of the Rectec BC. I have a Dive Rite Transpac 2 and would prefer that over the Rectec too. But now it hangs in the closet most of the time. I always use my backplate and wing.

Digital gauge is neat. But I'd buy a good brass and Glass gauge. Batteries on those never wear out. Since they don't have them. spend the money saved on the 600 second stage for you reg set.

But I'd still say try them all out. I don't think you'd be unhappy with what you're getting. But you will be looking to upgrade. So why not start that way. Instead of buying another set of gear later....

Especially if you want to go towards Wreck diving....

[chuckrt]

I agree that you should get a sp600 or 250hp for a reg and use the 380 as a bungied backup while wearing your BP wings. The SP bc is alright and over here way overpriced, you can get a BP/wings cheaper. The air2 is alright for some but I only use mine for bc inflation when I have to dive my jacket. This does not mean you have to go DIR but this equipment is more comfortable and lets you use less weight and enrgy to propel you thru the water. As also said you will plrobably want to upgrade to this system eventually so why not start there.

chuckrt

[metridium]

If you haven't already done so, I'd advise checking the archived posts on the Air2. There seem to be several good reasons for avoid it.

[WillAbbott]

I too would highly reccomend a BP/Wing set up.

I have no experience with that BC, but know that after using a BP/Wing for about 10dives and using another BC after I hated the other BC. Of course if you're dead set on the ScubaPro BC, buy it then, but if you can, try out a BP/Wing first just to see... and do at LEAST 4-6dives with it before saying you like it or not... Most everyone takes at least that many dives to get used to it.

The Regulator... I have no experience with the Mk16 first, but I just bought the Mk25 and the way I understand it, they breathe the same, if memory serves the Mk16's major differences from mine are non-swivel, and diaprham instead of piston (features which I had sort of wanted, over the swivel and piston, but really didn't care too much about.)

I would deffinately get the G250HP, S550, or S600 for the primary however. I have the S550 and R380 as my 2nd stages (bungeed backup as well) and though I didn't notice MUCH of a difference in breath-ability in the two second stages, I noticed enough more difficulty in the R380, that I know it wouldn't be as nice to breathe at depth of 50+ feet. Sure I only have used mine in 14' of water so far, but I've used enough regs at this point to make an educated guess on how the pool performance will compare to that at depth. I personnaly could probably live with the performance of the R380, but I'd rather have the nicer regulator... Think back to what you used in Open Water, probably VERY similar in performance, my best comparission would be the Aqualung Titan (best direct comparisson reg I've used) which works fine in the pool and shallow water, but take it past 40-50feet and you will notice the difference.

My S550, and Mk25 cost me about $403, and the R380 cost me $177 ish... Last I looked a "Safe Second" or "Air2" (whatever you want to call it) costs a little more than that, and probably doesn't perform anywhere near as well... I too have read many a threads of guys getting them, and throwing them out later... but I've seen a few people who actually use the things too (maybe they've never tested it)

Nothing wrong with the depth gauge for the most part... I bought a used Sunnto Eon Lux (air integrated Computer, with compass) a while back, before my decision to go more the DIR approach, and like it, I secure it the same way I would if it were just a brass SPG, and haven't had a problem with it. That said, if I could do it all over again, knowing what I know now, I would have bought a wrist mount computer/bottom timer (I would do the computer personally, one which could doulbe as a bottom timer if I get into DECO diving) and the SPG. It shouldn't cost much more to go that route (with wrist mount compass) than the digital gauge, if you don't go with TOP of the line computer (just a mosquito or something)

Not that I want to discourage you from your choices, or anything, but this is what happened to me when I first thought about buying gear, people encouraged me to change my choices, and I'm glad I did... I've maybe spent $200 more on the reg than my 1st choice, and $50 more on the BC, both of which I'm already MUCH happier with.

My biggest concern in your choice would be the regulator... if you buy that, you will probably end up ditching the Air2, and buying a new 2nd stage to use as a primary, very shortly, the rest of the gear, I know many people who use thoose types of configs and are VERY happy, I personnally feel however that there is a better way.

[leadweight]

Skip the Air 2, get a real octopus.

BC and regulator are OK, but the MK25 with g250HP or S600 would be better.

Buy a computer with a guage mode. It is more versitile than a bottom timer.

[cyklon_300]

you'll need a real backup reg instead...

Check into a BP/W...especially if you plan on doing more intensive wreck dives with doubles.

[francr]

theslyfox01, I wouldn't recommend the Air 2 for your kind of diving. I would recommend a Halycon BP and Pioneer Wing. Also, Apeks TX100 on a long hose (5ft) and TX50 DS4 bungeed around the neck. I've use the Air2 for a long time, but it started acting up even after I sent it for maintenance. Also, in your kind of diving, it would be difficult to deal with emergencies while sucking air from something like the Air 2. For apeks regulators, check www.diveinn.com, they are authorized dealers for Apeks and you can get them at 2/3 the price here in the US. They will ship DHL and you'll get them in 3-4 days. Good luck and be safe...

[ElectricZombie]

francr once bubbled...
I would recommend a Halycon BP and Pioneer Wing.

Agreed. Go with a BP/Wing setup.

ScubaPro regs are really nice but, I would use the R380 for a backup reg and get a G250HP or S600 as the primary.

Buying an AIRII is a horrible idea...you can do a search as to the multiple reasons why.

[Jonathan]

my RecTek and if I am not diving doubles I use that rather than BP/Wings - but then I got diving on the train so it is much easier to cart around rather than BP/Wings/STA.

Don't like the Air2 - looks too awkward to me if you need it in an emergency. Remember you are going to be the one using it and can you do that calmly and effectively when someone has just pulled your reg out of your mouth and is probably thrashing around - just MHO.

380 - damn fine reg I use them as an octo and for stages. Look at the SP 250HP or my favorite the S600.

I use a bottom timer and aladin air z nitrox.

It really all comes down to what you think you will be doing in your diving future but what you have are pretty good "recreational" choices.

Jonathan