My Gear list thus far - tell me where I can save some money

[BluewaterSail]

On the subject of the comfort padding, I was convinced by the dealer to buy padding when I first bought my BP/W as a new diver. I stopped using it because it took so long to dry, and have not felt the difference. A basic back plate with harness is the way to go. I have Halcyon, which I am very pleased with, but I know that there are other good suppliers out there too.

 

[PfcAJ]

Don't bother with a Zoop or the facny Apeks harness (they use weird d-rings that are thicker than normal ones, and a standard hogarthian harness is cheaper and better). The Apeks wings don't impress me, either. Grab a Uwatec Digital Depth Gauge for 100 bucks and be set for life. You can find a good SPG for less, too, maybe 75 dollhairs. Your reg choice is good, but you can get them for less. Try e-bay and have 'em serviced. Take a look at Scubapro's line, too.

Steel plate is the move. I sold my Aluminum years ago and I haven't missed it.

 

[Seefourdc]

A wing is just a bag that holds air. Most of them appear to be made with extremely similar materials except oxycheq wings which seem to have decided to go another direction. I personally bought a hog setup from Jim Lapenta and got it cheaper than what you were looking to get by far. I paid somewhere around 1000-1050 from what I remember for my backplate/wing and a hog D1 cold water 1st/2nd stage setup with a SPG as well. I then bought a Shearwater Petrel. All told I paid around 2k for a top of the line computer and a wing/regs that work great under any circumstances. For what you are paying for your basic stuff I also managed to get in a wetsuit and accessories too. Just something to think about.

 

[Johanan]

Going the technical dive equipment route for OW diving isn't the most economical way to getting into diving. I would recommend that as a new diver, you spend your money on: 1) getting more dives under your belt, 2) continuing your training and 3) investing in equipment more suited for OW diving: a jacket type BC, an intermediate range yoke equipped regulator and octo, skip the computer and go the console route of SPG, Depth Gauge and Compass. Check out NESS, BeaverDivers, Leisure Pro, etc. for packages as well as your LDS for deals.

I would respectffully disagree, that a jacket type BC is in any way "more suited for OW diving". What is usually not mentioned, but what I enjoy most with my BP&W setup - it is blissfully easy to rinse, dry and pack compared to a jacket. Especially the DSS rigs with rubber locators instead of bolts. It is so easy to assemble and disassemble them. I also don't think, it is an up to date advise to skip the computer - should it be integrated in a console or not.

Tampa, Apeks regs are very good, that's a good choice, indeed. But you definitely can find a better price than you quoted. Look for a package deal and try to negotiate. I would avoid different "deluxe" harnesses, paddings, etc. They just increase your buoyancy, bulk and your expenses, and are of no advantage. Just an idea for a computer. But I fully agree with the USdiver1 that more experience in diving and more training will help you choose your equipment. Try before you buy - that is a good way to save money. Otherwise you may soon discover that you want to replace some things with other items.

P.S. If you choose the BP&W, maybe you should also explore weight pockets instead of a belt. Something like the Dive Rite Quick Buckle Weight System.

 

[koozemani]

You're getting quite a bit of good advice here.

$1500 should set you up with a great kit.

after some initial mis-steps, this is what I ended up with
DSS SS single tank plate with a 20# wing and a simple harness -$450ish
Hog spg and Edge (Hog rec. line) reg set $3-400
Oceanic Veo 3.0 $400

...and I couldn't be happier

 

[616fun]

In terms of computers for a new diver I would recommend the Seiko 3 gas
Computer. It's sold under several names (Dive Rite, Cressi, Zeagle, etc). Here is an example of the unit:

http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/divecomputersdivecomputers-diverite-nitektrio-p-3683.html

Before moving to tech, I used this computer and loved it. It also has a gauge mode so if you do move into tech at some point it's ready to support that as well.

In my opinion the padded harnesses are not needed and only requires more weight to sink it, but if you are dying for it they can be had for cheaper as well:

http://www.northeastscubasupply.com/store/index.php?_a=product&product_id=7109

 

[chrpai]

Oh and just shorts and boots in saltwater?

I think you are referencing my shorts and boots comment. That was fresh water. I'll be honest though.... I've done plenty of dives in just a t-shirt and swimtrunks (warm water fins) and never had a problem getting irritated by anything.

---------- Post added March 18th, 2013 at 06:38 AM ----------

@Tampa- It might seem like information overload but I think it's all there for you. Do you have someone to help you set up your rig? It helps to have someone show you how to assemble and adjust it, work on your weighting, buoyancy, trim and do basic drills like long hose deployment, switching to alternate and "cleaning up" the long hose after a deployment.

 

[Colliam7]

I will echo a number of comments. What I read in your post is a statement of the kind of rig you are planning to have, and a question of how to acquire it in a reasonably economical manner.

BCD:

Go with a steel BP. You are planning on ocean diving. You (should be) planning on a full 3mm suit (I fully agree with Jim’s comment on that!). Use a steel plate and you will have minimum weight to add. I only use my AL plate when diving doubles in a wetsuit. Even if you don’t know your precise weighting requirements right now, chances are a steel plate will work well for you. You can go new – a DR SS plate from Dive Gear Express runs $75 – or used, although it is getting hard to get much lower on eBay than the new price.

While I like the DR TransPac (and have several), given your desire to minimize added weight, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Buy a 6 ft piece of 2” webbing from a LDS, and a SS buckle (NOT Trident), 3-4 D-rings and set up you own harness. It is easy, there are several threads on SB to guide you, with links to Youtube videos and other websites. You simply don’t need padding. It adds to your weight requirement and is useless in the water when you are wearing a full suit. Too many divers are sold on the idea on the LDS floor.

Get a SS single tank adapter with a couple of SS buckle cam bands. Depending on the wing you choose, you may not need the STA, but having it gives you some additional flexibility in wing choice.

Wings: you will find little difference in wings across a variety of brands. I happen to use a Halcyon 30lb wing, but I got it at a shop staff (discounted) price so it was modestly priced. New H equipment is a bit pricey. A ~30lb donut should be fine. I really like the Oxycheq Mach V but don’t expect to ‘save money’ on a new one, and used ones are scarce. DSS markets a 26 lb Torus donut wing that is very nice as well.

Regs:

The Apeks regs are a very good idea. And, kudos to you for going with equivalent primary / alternate second stages. Scubapro is fine, too, no better than Apeks. You can usually find used ATX / XTX 50s on eBay if you are willing to be patient, and that would save some money. But, buying them new is also a reasonable investment. They will last a long time and accommodate your continued diving development.

Computer:

Don't bother with a Zoop . . . Grab a Uwatec Digital Depth Gauge for 100 bucks and be set for life.

In principle I agree with the idea of a digital depth gauge – it gives depth, time and temperature – which is really much of the value of a computer for recreational diving, anyway.

But, a new Zoop costs about the same as a new Uwatec DDG. Yes, you can wait and try to find a used DDG but generally the people that have them like them and use them, so they don’t come on the used market that frequently. Or, if they do they are either quite ‘mature’ or not fully functional (which is the primary reason someone gets rid of theirs). If you can find one cheap, fine. But $250 for a Zoop isn’t bad.

SPG:

I agree with the comments that $125 seems pricey, although that may be the price for a gauge AND HP hose. A simple XS Scuba 2” or Thin Line SPG should be fine. Don’t go console. Start out the right way and you won’t regret it.

 

[ajtoady]

I just put together a BP/W for a set of double 80's i had. Scored a Zeagle SS plate, harness, weight pouches, and cross strap for $99. Hardly looks used. Added a HOG 38lb wing from Jim Lapenta (UDM Aquatics) , had the bands ($30 ebay), I am using a set of Mares Abyss's first and seconds that I had but I also have a couple sets of HOG's D1s. that would also work quite well. The point being as stated by others, spending money or throwing it at an assortment of dive gear can be reduced greatly by giving some thought to the items you need. Check values that are out there and shop accordingly.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I think you are referencing my shorts and boots comment. That was fresh water. I'll be honest though.... I've done plenty of dives in just a t-shirt and swimtrunks (warm water fins) and never had a problem getting irritated by anything.

---------- Post added March 18th, 2013 at 06:38 AM ----------

@Tampa- It might seem like information overload but I think it's all there for you. Do you have someone to help you set up your rig? It helps to have someone show you how to assemble and adjust it, work on your weighting, buoyancy, trim and do basic drills like long hose deployment, switching to alternate and "cleaning up" the long hose after a deployment.

Nah dude, I was actually referencing the OP's plans to dive mostly in the ocean in shorts and booties. Some freshwater sites maybe it'd be ok. But not for me. We have too many sites with old cars, boats, sunken attractions, and even lines to the surface that could do some harm to exposed skin if accidentally contacted. And with a newer diver who is still admittedly working on their buoyancy and trim, and going to be ocean diving, likely from a boat - you want something covering most of you IMO.