I did not know selecting gear (BCD+REG) would be so confusing???

[Brian Robinson]

I can not seem to get a general consensus on the best manufacturer or model of equipment to get??
I just want to spend my hard earned money properly. Have the equipment work properly, and get a lot of use out of it. I see dive packages for sale but most have a dive computer included, and I already spent $300 on a new Suunto Zoop. Can anyone help me. And i do not want any Deep6 (Costs To Much)stuff either.


Yep, It is the prices that vary so much. That worries me. I hate when I go out a spend $500 or more on something and then someone says to me "I got something twice as good for Half as much" I just hate getting Ripped Off and being a Sucker. Man, I work Hard for my money. and I just like to make Good Informed Intelligent decisions, when I spend it.

 

[Brian Robinson]

Heck, I do not even care if the Scuba gear dealers contact me directly. I just want to get this done.

 

[uncfnp]

The easiest way to get this done is to go to your local LDS and find a BCD that looks good to you and fits well. The name on the label is pretty much meaningless.

For the reg set, go to your local LDS and find a set in your price range and looks good to you then buy it. They all do the job and if your LDS sells it service will not be an issue.

 

[tilikum]

Ok, first things first. There is no general consensus. Multiple threads exist on what piece of equipment is best. Asking your instructor or the shop owner may very well result in the used car sales treatment and you getting unnecessarily oversold. Start with a friend that is diving and ask what they have and why. Check around your local dive sites and ask them. Treat this like your first car after getting your driver's license. It doesn't matter how fancy or what brand, as long as it works and is safe.

 

[Pkishino]

why not deep6? if I was going to get stuff I would def look at those regs, beautiful and I can service myself.
regarding bcd I would also look at second hand stuff initially and try out a few..and probably end up getting a cheap bp/w

 

[redacted]

There is no best gear. But you can often identify plusses and minuses when you compare options. For example, you bought a computer that tends to have a price advantage over other options but also tends to be more conservative so it may limit your dive times in some conditions.

 

[Marie13]

I like AquaLung and Apeks for regs. The version you get will depend on if you will be diving colder water or not.

 

[Brian Robinson]

Yep, It is the prices that vary so much. That worries me. I hate when I go out a spend $500 or more on something and then someone says to me "I got something twice as good for Half as much" I just hate getting Ripped Off and being a Sucker. Man, I work Hard for my money. and I just like to make Good Informed Intelligent decisions, when I spend it.

 

[dmaziuk]

I just like to make Good Informed Intelligent decisions, when I spend it.

Just to make it even more fun: regulators need to be serviced. You should factor in the cost: e.g. Deep 6 and Hog will let you service your own, but I think they expect you to drop half a grand on their reg technician course. Then there's ones that offer "free parts for life" but you have to pay to have them serviced every year -- even if they don't need servicing.

 

[guruboy]

Might be easier for you to post a target price. That will help limit the range of options.

I've sent you a few setups to consider at prices I consider competitive. You definitely won't find "twice as good for half the price" on what I'm offering.