Going back to diving after 15 years off!

[sixt3denied]

Hi all,

So I am PADI open water diver. Did the usual vacation dives throughout the Caribbean. Then had kids and that was it with my diving hobby. So now I am just recently divorced. It's time to live for myself. My kids are pretty much grown up (both in College), the wife got the house, the car, the dog, even my big-screen TV and surround sound system! But she didn't get all of my Paycheck or my PADI certification card! So i'm planning on taking the plunge and going back into diving (which I loved). I have booked a solo one week trip to Key Largo Florida for the beginning of April. I'm scheduled for a refresher course next month at my LDS. I'm about to buy all new equipment -the best I can afford, for my week long Scuba vacation. So after combing the internet, I have stumbled upon a package from dolphinscuba.com . The package seems to have everything i'm looking for: Scubapro MK25/S600 regulator (i've read its one of the best) - Scubapro Knighthawk BCD with integrated AirII Octopus, Oceanic Pro Plus 2.1 dive computer with quick compass and quick disconnect. Asking price $1499.97. Scubapro MK25/S600 Pro Plus 2.1 SCUBA Package

Also looking at a mask, fin, snorkel package from scubatoys.com: Oceanic Vortex V-16 Split Fin, Oceanic UltraClear Pioneer Mask, Oceanic Ultra-Dry Snorkel Oceanic Ulta Dive Package discounts on sale Oceanic

And lastly Henderson Thermoprene 3mm Wetsuit.

I was back and forth on purchasing split fins. After reading a million reviews I figured i'll give them a shot. Worse comes to worse i'll buy a full fin in Key Largo if I dont like the split fins.

Any thoughts on the equipment above? I appreciate any feedback you guys have. I have been out of the loop for a while, but I'm going back in full throttle! LOL

Thanks!

[Wolfie]

Welcome Back, FWIW as you're not that active in the sport yet you may want to hold back a touch to make sure you get the equipment that is best for you. Your choices are all pretty much top of the line and good equipment (except for the split fins) Would just hate to think of you parting with the Knighthawk in 6 months because you realized you really want the ranger...... and why get a $750 regulator when a $300 one is more than adequete for the diving you do? BTW If you still have some of your old gear. Have it serviced. Use It.

[sixt3denied]

Welcome Back, FWIW as you're not that active in the sport yet you may want to hold back a touch to make sure you get the equipment that is best for you. Your choices are all pretty much top of the line and good equipment (except for the split fins) Would just hate to think of you parting with the Knighthawk in 6 months because you realized you really want the ranger...... and why get a $750 regulator when a $300 one is more than adequete for the diving you do? BTW If you still have some of your old gear. Have it serviced. Use It.

I understand your comments - especially about the cost of the regulator. However, honestly the cost is not a factor. So that being said I want the best quality equipment possible. I have tried on the Knighthawk and loved it. I was looking at both the Scubapro MK25/S600 or the Atomic ST1 regs but i'm leaning toward Scubapro. The package that Dolphinscuba offers seems to have everything i am looking for. As far as the fins go, I was considering buying the Mares X-Stream fins, if I don't go with the Oceanic Vortex split fins. Maybe i'll buy both and use the split fins for calmer water dives, and the Mares for more aggressive diving. I am getting my Advanced Open Water Diving Cert while i'm on my April Florida trip, and then I have another dive trip set up for August in the Caribbean. Although I have been out of the loop for a while, I LOVE diving, and expect to be traveling extensively with the focus on diving vacations.

[gypsyjim]

Sounds like you weathered your divorce in far better shape than some of us! I too got back into diving after the big shark fest, and had to settle for well serviced used rentals that I purchased for myself, and my kids.

I too would suggest easing back into purchasing, as what is considered "top of the line" by some, is not desired by others in the same sport. Pays to try a few different styles and types of gear, and get a chance to see what others are using, before expending a lot of $.

[cardzard]

Welcome to the place for everything scuba.

[Greenrob]

Hi - nice to see I'm not the only one decided to ease back into the dive world after an extended hiatus. Married for 23 years and now divorced, and working in Saudi. There was nothing for my ex to get as I was capsized by the mortgage meltdown!! I hear that the Keys are very nice and I wish you the best on that excursion.
Personally - I am not going back into the game as quickly as you are. I dove a lot prior to my marragie and a brief 4 year stint with the USAF. I had multiple certifications and was considering getting my instructors cert before deciding to work on fighter jets.Now...some 31 years later, I find myself in a spot where they say the diving is unlike anywhere else. The west coast of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea is virtually untouched...or so I hear. I live an hour and a half away and plan to get back into the dive. If you ever make it to the middle east, look me up!!! Happy Diving!
Sounds as though you have selected some very high end gear...I would suggest the same as the others but then what the hey...if cash is not an issue...go for it. Bottoms Up!

~Bob~