Newly Certified Advice on Equipment

[skb0203]

Hello all I just earned my PADI open water certification in Mexico this month at age 53 Im addicted for sure. we live on the Ga coast and travel to Florida many times a year. Most of my diving will be in warm water. A dive master friend suggested a tek style bcd as it can grow with me as my skills and needs grow. I have the basic gear. I just purchased an atom 3.0 dive computer. Seeking advice on the bcd and regulator. Im looking at a scuba pro mk25/s600 regulator and possibly a zeagle stilleto or ranger bcd to start with. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Jim Lapenta]

Check out HOG regs and Back Plate and Wings. Especially this weekend. I will be running black friday sales and can put you in a reg set for what you'd likely pay for just the SP first and second stage. A Tech style BC may not always be the answer.

The Ranger and Stiletto BC's are nice but more pricey than a BPW and while they can be configured many different ways, IMO they do not beat a BPW for versatility, fit, and ease of packing when traveling. And the BPW with HOG harness once set up will fit you perfectly, every time. No trying to fit into a mfg's idea of what size you are or should be.

HOG regs have a two year service interval. SP is one and they no longer offer the parts for life. Unless you drop BIG bucks on a BC/Reg Package. I have more than a couple customers dumping their ScubaPros in favor of HOG's. Price, availability of service kits, and reliability are often cited.

Should you ever decide to try doubles the BPW will only require you to buy a new wing. A tech style BC may need extensive mods and still not be as stable as a plate and wing. I have more than a couple set ups and even when switching the fit and function are the same whether in single tanks with warm water or doubles and a dry suit under the ice.

[SeaCobra]

The scubapro reg is bulletproof and an excellent performer, if you take good care of it should last 20 years. I have a scubapro mk10/g250 that is still going strong and outperforms most of the new ones. That is usually the difference between a high end reg and a "value" reg, longevity. Brand new regs right out of the box will most all do a nice job. You can buy a brand new car for $9,999, its not a Mercedes, but will start and drive you to work each day. But, this is life support equipment, I buy the best because I am worth it.

Depends what your friend means by a "tec" bc. Often that means a bc that is loaded with clips, d-rings, fandoozles and buckles, most of which is not necessary. The Hollis Ride bc is a nice back inflate wing style that travels nicely. The Halcyon Infinity is another excellent one to take a look at.

But before doing so, make a list of your diving needs today, where do you see yourself doing most of your diving? How often? Then take a look at where you might grow towards? Do not be in a hurry to grow, enjoy the diving. Above all, be sure to meet YOUR diving needs, not someone elses.

[Malpaso]

Hello all I just earned my PADI open water certification in Mexico this month at age 53

Congratulations. Glad to see someone else my age certified for the first time

My noob suggestion on the reg is this; what brand did you use in class and open water, and what did you like/dislike about them? I'm probably going to buy a more expensive Aqualung reg as my first because of all the brands/models I was loaned, it was the one I liked best.

[skb0203]

Thanks for the imput. My friend was refering to a harness and backplate setup as the harness is a better fit as you said. He explained that it can be configured to the dive at hand. Also that it could be configured with different backplates and wing styles and sizes for different tasks. He was trying to get me to look at all options not just the basic big name mfg bcd's. I was the one that saw the zeagle and it seemed to be a bridge between the basic bcds and offer a bit more flexability. To Jim's first reply Im gonna research his suggestions as well. Im a bit ocd and dont jump into things quickly with out doing some homework & research. Most of my diving will be warm water in 40 to 60 feet for awhile. As for travel we spent a week or 2 a yr near Playa del Carmen Mx. I intend to advance to advanced open water this spring. But i'm in no rush to get alot of different certifications. I'm plannig on working toward a dive master in the future but will take my time learning and enjoying the steps along the way. Also I heard a bit about dive rite systems. They seem to be really configurable. I live about 10 min from the local dive shop and they are pretty good. Its a big world and alot if people have alot of knowledge thats why I'm here. Right now I'm seeking a good reg and a good bcd that I can grow with and be comfortable in.

[skb0203]

I dove with all scuba pro equipment. The reg worked great. Hmmmm well with my little knowledge it was great to me. Wasnt thrilled with the bcd too cumbersome. A standard back inflate got it balanced pretty well but the shoulders we a bit long and it rode up when on the surface.

[dbulmer]

To the OP,
If I were you I'd listen to Jim Lapenta.
The Scubapro kit is nice = it's decent kit and would serve you well but Jim's recommendations and reasoning are well founded. The BP/W (backplate and wing) is easier to maintain in the long run and easier to travel with. The main advantage of the BP/W combination is that it is easier to customise particularly if someone who already uses one can help you - the disadvantage is that because you are new to BP/W it appears to be daunting. If you can get your head around asking for help BP/W is a superb option.

Now having praised BP/W don't think it's the only solution - it's not ! You can find good BCs that fit you it's just it might take you longer to find what you want. A BC might fit well in a shop but feel awkward in the water.

While you are skimming threads on BP/W vs BCs you'll hear about how BP/Ws trim better. While I am an advocate of BP/Ws bear in mind that trim is all about technique - you can be well trimmed in any gear providing you know how.

Good luck with the research.

[fisheater]

Listen to Jim. You'll be glad you did.


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[SeaCobra]

backplates (BP's) come in all varieties; stainless steel, aluminum, abs plastic and soft. If travel is your gig, then 6 pounds of stainless steel may not be how you want to go through the airport. AL or a soft harness may be preferable. Again, be sure to meet your diving needs.

[Mndiv]

First off I just want to say that I second what James Lapenta said about the regs, I bought them from him and they are phenomenal, I am convinced that there is no better deal out there. For the bcd consider the the Mares Icon (originally like 500-600) but right now I think you can get it on Leisure Pro for like 350.00 which is what I got it for. Absolutely awesome BCD, 5 steel d-rings, 45 lbs of lift, back inflate, roll up pocket, can fold to less than half its size for travelling and is very light, holds 36 lbs of weight (including trim weight pockets), and has Mares Back Protection System (BPS) which makes it extremely comfortable. I highly recommend it.

thats my two cents, cheers and happy thanksgiving!