Gear Sanity Check

[SeasideNomad]

Hi all, first time posting here but hoping to get some opinions/advice. For back story I've been diving for a while and have nearly 500 dives around the Caribbean, but have never owned any equipment as I've mostly been diving with local operators as a summer job, so just used the rental equipment for free. As a result I have a lot of experience with rental level kit and am REALLY ready to own my own stuff, but wanted to make sure I'm not making mistakes with it before I pull the trigger. I will also be starting to dive in the UK so I'm wanting some kit that will hold up under tougher conditions, and that I'll be able to grow into future technical diving (mainly talking about the regs/computer).

Current list:
- Apex XTX200 1st & 2nd with XTX40 octo (£375/$450 for the set)
- Apex Double Console (pressure/depth) (£100/$120)
- ScubaPro Hydros Pro (£425/$500)
- Perdix AI (£840/$1000)
- Mares Quattro Plus

My thoughts on the kit:
- Regs are overkill but they were only £35 more than the XTX50 and I'm a sucker for a bit of chrome.
- I like having mechanical backup for my computer so got the gauges. For compass I'll use the perdix.
- In advance of the BP/W advice, I know, I agree and am looking forwards to building my own BP/W setup, but it unfortunately isnt a possiblity for what I need my bcd for at the moment. Requirements were that I could teach in it, would be durable enough to survive DM/Instructor level usage, and that I could travel wtih it easily. Hydros Pro seemed to tick all these boxes and it seemed like a good price for a top level back inflate, BUT i've never seen it in the field so first hand opinions on it would be really valuable! I should also be able to resell it later for most of the purchase price if I want to.
- Perdix is a bit overkill for what I'm doing at the moment, but I'm working on my tec diving and will eventually be able to make use of its more advanced features. I like the design and company ethos
- Good fins

This got long so just to summarize I'm a fan of buy once cry once. I saved up to get good kit and I believe this should last me a long time, if you think its overkill or a good buy I'd appreciate the opinion and reasoning! Opinions on the price are also appreciated. I think I'm just getting weirded out at the thought of owning awesome kit and second guessing myself lol. Thanks in advance!

 

[rongoodman]

If you want a backup for the AI(probably unnecessary at this point) get a bare SPG, not a bulky console.

 

[SeasideNomad]

If you want a backup for the AI(probably unnecessary at this point) get a bare SPG, not a bulky console.

I thought about that but for when I'm working and tailing a dive it wouldn't really be feasible for me to call the dive if my computer went, so I'd like to have the backup depth gauge in case I had to go grab someone! Also cant afford an AI module yet .

 

[DBPacific]

I've never dove the ScubaPro Hydros Pro but some of my buddies have them. They're effective, work great, and from what I've seen and heard, completely worth it for the price. It's still a back inflate so not too far from a BPW. If you haven't used it before, try to get to a dive shop or a friend and try getting dressed in it and get a feel for how it's arranged - just classic BCD advice.

Beyond that, I've neither seen nor used anything else on your list except for the Quattros. They're my first fins and by far the most common model I've seen instructors use. They've served me pretty darn well in high and low current areas and don't get terribly in my way for frog and back kick - they are floppier and longer than I imagine more technical fins to be but I love my bright white babies all the same. If you are intent on going tech, I might suggest trying out different fins designed for back and frog kick like force fins, but the Quattros are good all-rounders

Welcome to the insanity of buying gear.

 

[rsingler]

Not much of an argument re: any of your choices. Am familiar with all but the fins. Two substantive comments:
The Hydros is an odd duck. The monoprene really sticks to you, which is either good, or bad. I think you may be disappointed when drysuit diving. You got a good price, but you'll dump it when you start flying a BP/W. You seem to have anticipated that recommendation. But I'd still get the cheapest bcd for teaching purposes while you build your BP/W. Lots of good used, or new old stock available.

Still think you should have a bare SPG on a bolt snap. Less clutter, esp for an instructor, and for tec. Buy a £10 eBay used depth gauge and stick it in a pocket for your hypothetical failure. If your computer dies you won't want to continue much longer anyway, whether you know your depth or not.

On the whole, great choices! Apeks and Perdix? A+!
Welcome to ScubaBoard!!

 

[Satrekker]

ditch the console. brass and glass spg w/ bolt snap all that's needed for mechanical backup.

 

[SeasideNomad]

I've never dove the ScubaPro Hydros Pro but some of my buddies have them. They're effective, work great, and from what I've seen and heard, completely worth it for the price. It's still ....

Thats great to hear some affirmations about the Hydros! It matches what I've read so thats reassuring, I've had a look at it in the shop and it feels great, I'm looking forwards to trying it underwater! Yeah the Quattros I chose as I've used and quite like them so I'm grabbing them as theyre a great all rounder, but up for suggestions as I also find them a bit floppy.

Not much of an argument re: any of your choices. Am familiar with all but the fins. Two substantive comments...

I agree about the Hydros being a bit different and I have never tried drysuit diving so you are probably correct there. Honestly though the price was really close to what a second hand Hydros goes for here, so I'm not too worried about it if it doesnt work out long term, I'm planning on eventually building a BP/W anyways and I think this should be great for instructing in warm single tank diving. I'll have another look around for a cheaper bcds, are there any you'd recommend that are well built?

Regarding the SPG, getting a cheap secondhand depth gauge is a great solution I hadnt thought of! I didnt think the console was particularly bulky but can always go smaller, again any suggestions for brands for this?

Thanks very much everyone for the suggestions and welcomes, really appreciate it and looking forwards to getting the kit!!

 

[The Chairman]

No console. Use a PDC or two, but no console.

 

[SeasideNomad]

No console. Use a PDC or two, but no console.

Thanks for the suggestion! I am curious though, how come the universal dislike for consoles? The size/bulk? I've very rarely seen anyone dive without one so just wondering.

 

[rsingler]

Hey, if you liked the Hydros Pro, go for it! It's a good bcd. If you see a great deal on a Knighthawk or Seahawk for teaching, use the savings for your BP/W.

Re: the spg, just make sure it's a metal housing, for durability. And since you're thinking used, make sure your purchase rests at zero. Bourdon tubes that are fatigued have stretched a little, and the gauge will sit at 100 psi. That's telling you you're more at risk for failure. But I have old gauges from the 70's that are still going strong, so don't worry too much.

I dive SP Seawing Nova's. Fairly stiff, tho' not as stiff as the JetFin, and they float.

But this is all Scubapro stuff. There are lots of great brands out there.

Why do consoles get no respect?
Yeah, bulk. But there's a bit of tec bleed-over going on here. With all the capability that's appeared in newer wrist computers, there's just no need for the other two parts of the console. As a result, carrying a console now is a bit of a label, unless you're promoting them for your shop. My 2¢.