Another Thread on Gear Recommendations - Reg Package / Octopus / BCD - California Diver

[ahoogeveen]

I know a lot of people recommend renting gear before purchasing, but I have a lot of dive trips coming up and with the cost of rentals I could practically pay for a dive kit like this Aqua Lung Pro HD since our LDS charges $50 to rent a BCD, reg, computer.

Outside of my OW class in October 2017, I've only dove a handful of times. My Dad has a boat we can dive Catalina with and we would like to start diving 1-2 times a month. On top of that I'm going to Key Largo for 10 days in April ($30/day to rent not terrible) and potentially a 7 day live aboard ($50/day to rent) trip in August.

All that said, I'm looking for recommendations on gear. I will primarily be diving in California, but will try to do a minimum of 1 dive trip a year to a tropical location.

Budget: would like to stay under $900-$1000

New/Used: Open to suggestions - my LDS has their certification kits for sale (EX100, Atomic reg (don't remember the model), Atomic console computer?) for $750 which I think I can do better than that.

Maintenance: Hoping to find something that won't be an arm and a leg to service every time

Looking for (in this order):
- 1st stage / 2nd stage / octopus (Aqua Lung Titan, Deep 6, Atomic etc.)
- SPG
- BCD (trained in jacket style Oceanic EX100, open to suggestions but for first one probably stick with jacket style)

I already have:
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Wetsuit (3mm and 7mm)
- Fins (wetsuit boots)
- Suunto Zoop Novo wrist computer
- Dive light
- Dive knife

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[TracysaCADiver]

I know a lot of people recommend renting gear before purchasing, but I have a lot of dive trips coming up and with the cost of rentals I could practically pay for a dive kit like this Aqua Lung Pro HD since our LDS charges $50 to rent a BCD, reg, computer.

Outside of my OW class in October 2017, I've only dove a handful of times. My Dad has a boat we can dive Catalina with and we would like to start diving 1-2 times a month. On top of that I'm going to Key Largo for 10 days in April ($30/day to rent not terrible) and potentially a 7 day live aboard ($50/day to rent) trip in August.

All that said, I'm looking for recommendations on gear. I will primarily be diving in California, but will try to do a minimum of 1 dive trip a year to a tropical location.

Budget: would like to stay under $900-$1000

New/Used: Open to suggestions - my LDS has their certification kits for sale (EX100, Atomic reg (don't remember the model), Atomic console computer?) for $750 which I think I can do better than that.

Maintenance: Hoping to find something that won't be an arm and a leg to service every time

Looking for (in this order):
- 1st stage / 2nd stage / octopus (Aqua Lung Titan, Deep 6, Atomic etc.)
- SPG
- BCD (trained in jacket style Oceanic EX100, open to suggestions but for first one probably stick with jacket style)

I already have:
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Wetsuit (3mm and 7mm)
- Fins (wetsuit boots)
- Suunto Zoop Novo wrist computer
- Dive light
- Dive knife

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

I got this one with an Oceanic Pro Plus 3 computer... it was about $1350 or so, total. Link here: Scubapro Equalizer BC, Reg and Computer Package | Dolphin Scuba Center

 

[NorCalDM]

The Aqua Lung package you are looking at is the exact same package we use for rentals at the shop I DM for. The BCD for a jacket style is decent, the reg is decent but I would toss the octo it is touchy and free flows easy every class I'm taking one apart and fixing at the beach. Also that flat style students always seem to get it in upside down with the purge facing down. Don't get sucked into the "package" or everything being one brand you could piece it out and maybe by a used higher end regulator cheaper.

 

[ahoogeveen]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I guess I should've been clearer. I'm not necessarily looking for a package, but I was trying to point out that with the amount of diving I'm planning on doing this year I can buy a package like the one I had linked.

I'm most interested in what 1st and second stage I should look into. I've been reading a lot of the forums and sites that have actually rated them and wanted additional opinions. I keep looking at the Deep 6 gear that @cerich makes.

After that any suggestions on BCs and SPGs. Also anything else I'm missing that I should be looking for?

 

[SoFlaDiver954]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I guess I should've been clearer. I'm not necessarily looking for a package, but I was trying to point out that with the amount of diving I'm planning on doing this year I can buy a package like the one I had linked.

I'm most interested in what 1st and second stage I should look into. I've been reading a lot of the forums and sites that have actually rated them and wanted additional opinions. I keep looking at the Deep 6 gear that @cerich makes.

After that any suggestions on BCs and SPGs. Also anything else I'm missing that I should be looking for?

What kind of info are you looking for that wasn't covered in the myriad other posts looking for gear recommendations?

Also check the equipment forums.

 

[runsongas]

Dgx deep six reg package or the deep six signature

DSS plate and wing

7mm semidry for local

Only downside is the deep 6 regs aren't on sale right now

You can also see if a bpw and some regs pop up on local Craigslist for a low price

 

[ahoogeveen]

@runsongas - thanks for the suggestion. How much of a discount are we talking about on the deep 6 regs? Is it worth waiting a few months to see if they go on sale? I'll have to do a bit more research on the whole BPW setup. If I were to go jacket style for my first BC has anyone had an issues with the Aqua Lung Pro HDs or a different one they would recommend? Seems @NorCalDM has used them and hasn't had any problems

 

[Bob DBF]

I would also call leisure pro and find out their best price on that gear, if you like it.


Bob

 

[runsongas]

i remember the deep six signature regs were 250ish for black friday. about 125 dollars less than they are currently, and roughly 400 for the single tank package, so about 165 less than currently. not sure if you want to wait that long or if chris is going to do a sale before thanksgiving. the dgx package would be the same price as the signature on sale, just not as nice.

Deep 6 Signature Single Tank Regulator Package - Regulators

DGX Custom - Deep Six DGX Single Tank Reg Package

 

[outofofficebrb]

Do you have a local dive shop where you can get in the pool and try different BCs on before buying? Fit is really important and when I bought my BC, I found that the fit topside translated differently to the fit and feel when I was in the water. Since it also sounds like you will likely not be servicing your own gear (I don't, either), ensuring there is a local network of shops that will service your gear is important, specifically your regs. If you get SP, you want a SP tech or dealer that will service it, an AL one for AL, Atomic for Aromit, a Deep 6 for Deep 6, etc. I'm not familiar with Deep 6 and what their dealer network is like but have read many people raving about it here. I'm sure you could also send them in the mail to get them serviced if you really wanted to. Just some things to think about, including turnaround time.

Another thing you may want to think about is whether you also want a piston or diaphragm reg. Buying new is an option but there are also some amazing deals in Classifieds here as well as Facebook's Scuba Swap and Shop. Lightly used or new available at great prices!

I suggest figuring out exactly what you want by piece that is within your budget then proposing your own package with your LDS. My LDS did that with me and I am still very happy with my gear. I got exactly what I wanted!