Opinions on my purchase
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SandyRobinson
Contributor
Looks like a good purchase. You have a solid regulator. I would add an octopus to the reg but after talking to your instructor. If you want to stay with the SP line, consider the R095 or a R195 which would be the most economical route. Or you could use the 550 as an octopus and buy another second stage to use as a primary. You can also go with another brand - most will be compatible. Just ask your shop.
At the same time, ask about the air2 as it may need to be serviced. For me personally, I would rather have an octopus/secondary second stage on my reg and a basic inflator system on my BC but YMMV.
If possible, test some standard fins and compare them to the split fins and see which ones you prefer. Buy your mask at your local dive shop. The most important consideration is fit and you cannot do that online. Forget about price and looks and go for the fit. A $50 mask will be as good as a $200 mask.
Tanks appear fine assuming they were not made prior to 1988 or so. You may want to ask the seller if the valves have been serviced - maybe during hydro. If not, just something to watch for. Not a big deal to service them and they can take some abuse.
I know nothing about the computer other than it being a quality brand but check the battery life. You may or may not want to use the pressure gauge in addition to the AI computer - maybe another question for your instructor.
Rinse your wetsuit after use
Also, a lot to be said about supporting your local dive shop as they are the ones who will service your gear, give advice, give something a quick look, etc.
Enjoy and welcome!
At the same time, ask about the air2 as it may need to be serviced. For me personally, I would rather have an octopus/secondary second stage on my reg and a basic inflator system on my BC but YMMV.
If possible, test some standard fins and compare them to the split fins and see which ones you prefer. Buy your mask at your local dive shop. The most important consideration is fit and you cannot do that online. Forget about price and looks and go for the fit. A $50 mask will be as good as a $200 mask.
Tanks appear fine assuming they were not made prior to 1988 or so. You may want to ask the seller if the valves have been serviced - maybe during hydro. If not, just something to watch for. Not a big deal to service them and they can take some abuse.
I know nothing about the computer other than it being a quality brand but check the battery life. You may or may not want to use the pressure gauge in addition to the AI computer - maybe another question for your instructor.
Rinse your wetsuit after use
Also, a lot to be said about supporting your local dive shop as they are the ones who will service your gear, give advice, give something a quick look, etc.
Enjoy and welcome!
Hydros were done in 2019. Clearly visible in pics. If they were 6351, they would have a nice VE stamped alongside. No need to worry about that!
SandyRobinson
Contributor
Looks like a good purchase. You have a solid regulator. I would add an octopus to the reg but after talking to your instructor. If you want to stay with the SP line, consider the R095 or a R195 which would be the most economical route. Or you could use the 550 as an octopus and buy another second stage to use as a primary. You can also go with another brand - most will be compatible. Just ask your shop.
At the same time, ask about the air2 as it may need to be serviced. For me personally, I would rather have an octopus/secondary second stage on my reg and a basic inflator system on my BC but YMMV.
If possible, test some standard fins and compare them to the split fins and see which ones you prefer. Buy your mask at your local dive shop. The most important consideration is fit and you cannot do that online. Forget about price and looks and go for the fit. A $50 mask will be as good as a $200 mask.
Tanks appear fine assuming they were not made prior to 1988 or so. You may want to ask the seller if the valves have been serviced - maybe during hydro. If not, just something to watch for. Not a big deal to service them and they can take some abuse.
I know nothing about the computer other than it being a quality brand but check the battery life. You may or may not want to use the pressure gauge in addition to the AI computer - maybe another question for your instructor.
Rinse your wetsuit after use
Also, a lot to be said about supporting your local dive shop as they are the ones who will service your gear, give advice, give something a quick look, etc.
Enjoy and welcome!
Really appreciate it! I will definitely be supporting my local dive shop going forward!
You will hear a lot of negatives on the split fins and inline air source. The problem with the fins is that they require a different kick to be efficient, The inline air source is just not what people are used to seeing but if I'm not teaching it's my preferred set up because it's more streamlined.
Just got back from the dive shop and that’s exactly what they said. He said he recommended keeping the air2 because it’s streamlined and the source in emergency is right there and ready. He said it’s all on preference. He did say he would recommend going with the hinge fins, I forget the name, but the split fins are ok. He looked over everything and said it was in great shape and ready to go. Was even able to pull all the service records. Overall it made me feel a lot better talking to the dive shop. Appreciate everyone’s suggestions on taking my gear in there for a visual inspection. Will be starting my classes in two weeks.very pumped!
Welcome to diving! Looks like you did pretty well for the price. The computer is the same brand I used for years and now it's been handed down to my son so you should like it. The only thing for me is the fins and not because they are splits but two things, one they are full foot which I prefer for boat diving in warm water but if shore diving or cold water I like a boot and open heal and two they are floppy and don't do well in current or swell so it depends on were you dive. Just my two cents hope you enjoy your class.
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