Are you doing this solo, or do you have a buddy or buddies that are already CCR or going to do it too?
There is no one "best" unit and many may suit your needs, each with advantages and disadvantages. Assuming you have buddies diving one of the units that meets your needs, it is a big advantage diving the same unit as at least some of your crowd. Is it the biggest thing? No. But, there is a ton of informal learning and information sharing that goes on, well after your classes are done. It's good for spares, trying different configurations, diagnosing issues, tips, etc.
A CCR is not like a set of regs, where it really doesn't matter whether you and your group dive the same brand. I happen to dive a Meg and I have benefited, hugely, from being around a dozen other folks that dive them.
There is no one "best" unit and many may suit your needs, each with advantages and disadvantages. Assuming you have buddies diving one of the units that meets your needs, it is a big advantage diving the same unit as at least some of your crowd. Is it the biggest thing? No. But, there is a ton of informal learning and information sharing that goes on, well after your classes are done. It's good for spares, trying different configurations, diagnosing issues, tips, etc.
A CCR is not like a set of regs, where it really doesn't matter whether you and your group dive the same brand. I happen to dive a Meg and I have benefited, hugely, from being around a dozen other folks that dive them.