Hey Coach Steve....
Most companies make good products. So here is my partial gear list:
Suunto Vyper and Alladin Tec 2 computers. I also have a Uwatek bottom timer.
2 Worthing steel cylinders with H-valves...although I am thinking of dumping them for a set of doubles.
I have 3 wet suits...Two Aquaflex...one 3ml and one 7 ml. I just bought a Waterproof 3 mm. Saw it at DEMA and it didn't let me down. It is a great suit. I also have a DUI TLS drysuit.
I have 2 buoyancy control devices...one is a Seaqest Pro QD for
teaching and an OMS bungeed bp/w for all other diving. I even use it for the open water sessions sometimes. The bp/w is by far my favorite rig.
I use Aquaflex fins and a small profile Technisub mask.
As far as regulators I have had an Aqualung Micra for more years than I care to admit and I use it to teach classes. It is still performs flawessly. I also have 2 ATX 200's and 1 ATX100 for the tec dives, which occur mostly in the late Fall and through the Winter.
I have an OMS Vega dive light as well as a Greenforce HID with a 50 watt bulb. Not gonna tell you the price. Wouldn't recommend even considering it right now
So the above is a partial list of the basic brands I use
I believe this approach by other members will set you off with their equipment and give you some perspective to help you to begin your search for your own stuff.
Wish you the best in that search...