Looking to buy some gear and wanted some opinions of two different choices.
#1:
Used equipment bought in 2001, 2002 has only been in the water a
couple of times.
Scuba pro MK20 regulator with Scubapro G200B octopus
Zeagle Ranger BC with integrated weight system
(weights included 40 lbs, 5 & 2.5 lb increments)
2001 Oceanic Datamaz Pro Plus with compass (Nitrox compatible)
$800.00
#2:
Brand new equipment
Zeagle Escape BC with 36 lbs of soft weights
Aeris Atmos Pro Regulator with Mares Brigade Viper Octo
Oceanic Datamaz Pro Plus II with compass and quick disconnect
$1250.00
Thanks
Well, this is only my two cents, and I'm definitely no expert on the subject, so take it for what it's worth....
As far as the used gear goes...when was the last time it was serviced? Even though it was only used a couple of times (for a couple of trips?), if it wasn't properly cared for, there's still the potential for corrosion to build up inside it. Is this gear that's owned by a friend of yours, or is it being bought sight-unseen? If you don't have any pictures of the gear, and you don't know the seller, I'd be concerned about making sure it's in the condition the buyer claims it to be. You'll have to get the gear serviced before you use it, so mentally add that cost onto the package price. On that note, do you know if your local dive shop can service Scubapro?
Do you know if the gear fits you? Have you ever used a Zeagle BC before? Good things to consider before you plunk down that kind of cash
Have you ever used a back inflate BC before? Most people seem to like them, but some people prefer a jacket BC. What kind of diving do you intend to do? The Zeagle Ranger doesn't exactly pack up light or small. If you're planning on flying to your dive destinations, you might consider a lighter, easier to pack BC. If you see yourself maybe getting into technical diving (deco diving, cave diving, etc), you might consider getting a backplate/wing/harness instead of a standard BC, and a wrist mounted computer with a gauge mode instead of an air-integrated console.
As far as the new package goes, you might consider making your primary and your octo the same brand, unless the dive shop you're purchasing it from services both brands. If you go with two seperate brands, it can be a bit of a pain to get them serviced once a year, because not every dive shop services every brand. I think the Zeagle Brigade is a bit less bulky than the Zeagle Ranger, so it might pack up a little smaller if you intend to fly. There are other Zeagles that pack up smaller, though, so if you see lots of destination diving in your future, you might want to look at the Zeagle Stilleto or the Zeus.
Truthfully, I wouldn't go with either package, because I prefer wrist mounted computers and a simple SPG instead of air integrated consoles, and I'd rather have a backplate/wing/harness instead of a standard BC. However, those are just my preferences, and if having a Zeagle BC and an air intergrated computer works for your style of diving, then that works for you!
Hope this helps~