Okay, possibly my setup (not yet)

[smartdog126]

okay so these are the things i've finally came down to that i really like and the shop is making a package for me or they have this in a package i could say i guess

AquaLung Balance BCD
AquaLung Titan LX Regulator
Oceanic Veo 100NX Nav

tell me your opinions please and rate things that you own.

 

[ScubaInChicago]

3 or 4 out of 10.....

Don't be too blindsided by what your LDS is trying to push on you......90%+ of the time they push what they stock, have overstocked, or what their profit margins are best on.....not what's best for you.

If you are truly open minded and listen to some of the comments on this board you should be able to find a very happy fit.

Try to avoid the temptation to buy what's readily available before giving in to instant gratification.

Search threads like;

Jacket BCD vs BP/W (Backplate & wings)

Bottom timers, SPG's, and streamlining

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/314141-piston-vs-balanced-diaphragm-1st-stage.html




Most everyone who owns a particular brand or type will swear it is the best....you really need to try (before you buy) a variety of gear and make an informed decision.

 

[smartdog126]

i dont like the backplate wing or the jacket bcd im a back inflation person i like that BCD alot and several stores have recommended it. and couple people on this forum as well..

 

[Jim Lapenta]

A BPW is a back inflate bc. Only it does not have bunch of useless padding that adds to the amount of lead you need to carry, can be fit precisely to you, and puts the weight where it needs to be from the get go. Over the largest air spaces in your body. Just looked at the balance. Way too "busy" for me. But if you are set on it why ask? You must still have doubts. Have you ever tried a plate and wing?

 

[smartdog126]

no i have no it just doesnt interest me. its like walking into a grocery store there migh be a fruit but it just doesnt interest you like other things

 

[keyshunter]

Smartdog,
Balance is a very good bc.
Titan LX is an excellent reg.
Oceanic computer should be ok too. Be sure you get the warranty with it.

 

[rrweather]

Do you have the ability to dive any of the gear before you buy? If not, will the LDS (or wherever you are planning on buying from) allow you to return/exchange it if you don't like it? Things may fit or feel great in the shop and drive you nuts in the water. Try to eliminate this by diving with the gear before buying it. All that matters is if YOU like the gear and YOU think you paid a fair price. If you answer yes to both of those questions, then you have succeeded in buying gear. If you answer no to either question, keep shopping and keep trying different setups. I probably dive a piece of gear that someone else wouldn't be caught dead with. I may dive a piece of gear that someone else thinks I paid way too much for. In the end it doesn't matter because I am happy with the gear I dive and the prices I paid.

 

[ScubaInChicago]

Do you have the ability to dive any of the gear before you buy? If not, will the LDS (or wherever you are planning on buying from) allow you to return/exchange it if you don't like it? Things may fit or feel great in the shop and drive you nuts in the water. Try to eliminate this by diving with the gear before buying it. All that matters is if YOU like the gear and YOU think you paid a fair price. If you answer yes to both of those questions, then you have succeeded in buying gear. If you answer no to either question, keep shopping and keep trying different setups. I probably dive a piece of gear that someone else wouldn't be caught dead with. I may dive a piece of gear that someone else thinks I paid way too much for. In the end it doesn't matter because I am happy with the gear I dive and the prices I paid.

Any luck with your BP and harness search??

 

[smartdog126]

okay, well as of now im still saving for teh gear i have about 500 bucks need 1200 so 700 more bucks prob month or 2 im a teen so money doesnt come from tree's nor does it for anyone else but you get the point. and i kno someone that has that bcd but not sure if they would let me try it im going to try.


and to the quesiton about them letting me return it i do not know that answer


but i mean computer isnt something you try i would say its something that worked wonderful and suits what you dive for but you want to find a awesome one but cheap if you kno what i mean

 

[RJP]

I started out with a Balance, and loved it. Loved it a lot. In fact the only person I know who loves diving with a Balance more than I did is the guy who bought mine from me when I switched to a BP/W.



Do yourself a favor, evaluate ALL the options available to you when buying your gear. In fact, this may well help you buy your SECOND set of gear FIRST!

"Buy it right, or buy it twice."