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As the majority of respondents have already indicated, it is both possible, and very appropriate, to make a slow and deliberate transition to technical diving. And, even if you have the training, and equipment to dive deeper / stay longer, that doesn't mean that your future dives will all become decompression dives to 180 ft. 'Technical' diving is about equipment, AND skill, AND attitude, AND the training that supports you in acquiring and using all three elements. I will share my personal path from new OW diver to technical diver, as one example of a slow transition, but not necessarily as the only, or even best, path. In terms of gear, I bought a drysuit a year after OW certification. A year later, I bought a 40 cf pony bottle, and also switched my backgas regulator hoses, to a 7' primary hose with a bungeed back-up. I then bought a Vytec computer (to get multi-gas capability in a wrist-mounted unit), later a (used) BP/W. I practiced breathing off the pony on deep (130') dives, to get used to switching regulators underwater, I worked on becoming comfortable with depth, diving a drysuit in the ocean (not just a controlled quarry environment), finning techniques, etc. When I bought the BP/W, I knew I was going to pursue technical training, and bought the PADI Tec Level 1 / Tec Deep materials (and found the manual to be an excellent teaching aid). By that time, I had about 180 dives, additional training through Rescue Diver, and fairly competent buoyancy control with my drysuit, which later helped me immensely during tech training. I then doubled up two HP 120s and dove them in the local quarry, then on several ocean drysuit dives, before I actually started tech training - 4.5 years after my OW certification. So, I think I made a gradual transition, adding gear along the way, developing skills, acquiring knowledge (gas planning, decompression theory, etc.) and preparing for the training.
I am a bit curious about the tank selection. For someone who might be interested in pursuing technical dive training in the future, you might think about a HP130, or a HP100, instead. The 130 because, if you want the extra gas that a 120 provides, why not go ahead and accept a little extra weight and get a little more gas. Plus, you can add a second 130 later to set up backmount double 130s - a very nice set. The 100 because, as a single tank it is very comfortable to dive, and as a BM double tank set, it has particular appeal, in terms of gas supply, moderate total weight, and very nice trim characteristics. My first HP steel was a 120, and I later bought another one and doubled them as I mentioned, so I wouldn't say there is anything wrong with the tank. But, I have a set of double 130s, and double 100s, and slightly prefer both to my double 120s. Just a thought.
I understand the light comment at this stage in your diving. Having started with a good handheld primary light, and having waited until I was in the second part of technical training to get a canister light, that is one decision I regret. A can light is MARVELOUS, for all kinds of wreck diving. I am VERY glad I bought my drysuit early. I just wish I had bought a can light that soon. It is so much easier to use than a handheld unit, and provides much better light.
Are you planning to add a pony bottle as a redundant gas supply? I would recommend you consider it. If you do, I also suggest you go ahead and get a 40 cf tank, and sling it, to get comfortable with diving deco/stage bottles. You mentioned an H valve in commenting on possible tank purchase. I wouldn't spend (aka 'waste') the money. It doesn't offer a redundant air supply. Yes, you have back-up in the case of regulator malfunction. But, if you have a pony, you have both. And, a pony is something you will actually use in pursuing technical dive training, and technical diving, unlike an H valve.
Very reasonable statement. Taking Intro to Tech will at the very least allow you to interact with an instructor, to whom you can address a lot of questions that may help guide gear and training decisions in the future. It appears that you are already taking advantage of that opportunity and getting some good advice (even if not all of us would agree that a Halcyon rig is the only, or the best, gear approach
).
Excellent. Very good wreck opportunities in both areas. As several posters have suggested, gain as much 'real world' diving experience as you can. There is a big difference, at least for me, between donning a drysuit on shore and walking into a quarry, and donning that suit on a rocking boat, jumping off into 130' water, dealing with low vis and current, then having to get back up the boat ladder, etc.
Again, a very reasonable position, and you can do just that. You are in the not uncommon situation of having purchased some good recreational diving gear that is, in at least two cases - the Balance and the Cobra 2 - not optimally suited for technical diving. And, as you may have already discovered, there isn't much of a market for a used Balance, even in almost new condition, and the gap between what you probably paid, and what you could sell it for on eBay is significant. Selling it to buy a BP/W isn't an appealing option, unless you want to take quite a loss. Maybe, you want to keep it for recreational diving. (In fact, I have a very nice Zeagle Ranger, that has been sitting unused in my closet for several years, since I added a BP. I just don't dive it any more.) Likewise, it is very unlikely that you will find a lot of use for a console computer in technical diving. But, it is what it is, and you can't change the past (unless you are an historian).
Ok,I think you're giving yourself the answer here.Forget that "technical" stuff for the time being.With just a one year old certification and 21-49 dives it's just not the case as yet.Dive for a few years and enjoy it and once you have at least 300-400 dives under your belt you might think about upgrading for "technical",it will come natural.At that stage a BP/wing is mandatory.Forget that canister light.
Sorry,but regarding technical,only experienced divers need to apply IMO.Besides,you can very much enjoy your diving as a so called "rec" diver.
Another thing:I would like those terms "technical" and "recreative" to be banned by law
And yes,those "Intro to Tech" courses are just one of the many,too many,rip offs.Diving as much as possible is your "intro" to tech.
