Equipment advice

[large_diver]

Just remember to take LDS recommendations with a grain of salt.

It could be that he/she really believes that the Dacor regs are the best for your needs. Then again it could be that the LDS makes the biggest margin on Dacor or has a big inventory that they have been urged to sell off.....

As with anything else -- it pays to get multiple opinions, especially when you are talking about underwater life support equip.

Lots of folks love Scubapro and Apeks around here, including many tech folks who are doing much riskier diving than you and I will ever attempt.

Bottom line -- for regs, I would buy the best you can afford and then take good care of them. It will give you piece of mind vs. buying the cheapest.

If I were looking at new regs, I would consider the following:

- Apeks -- they have the ATX line and the TX line. I think the prices have dropped somewhat for the TX's, since they are no longer the latest and greatest (the ATX line is now their "premier" line -- main difference vs. TX = smaller and lighter second stages)....but these are still great regs and worth a look. Take a look at the TX40, 50 or 100.

- Atomic -- new M1 or the Z1. I've heard good things about the M1 so far.

- Scubapro

Good luck.

 

[kyleterry]

Thank you for all the information. I am heading out tommorrow to a shop that carries Scubapro and Oceanic.

I am also looking at the on-line stores I found recommended here.
I believe a have good info on the reg. I also looked at Rodale's latest issue (thanks for that advice).

On the BC I have a stupid "newbie" question. Why would I use back-buoyancy vs jacket style. The jacket style is all I have ever used (rental gear).

 

[Fetch]

Much easier to obtain and maintain proper trim in the water column.

If you're pondering cave training, go with the backplate, there will be fewer gear changes in your future.

jeff

 

[Wreck/Tec]

Leadweight
Not so fast my recreational friend. Much of what you have described about a harness and back plate is some what true! Wearing minimal thermal protection, and, for lack of a better description, a technically oriented rig, isn't as comfortable as a recreational BC, in some respects. However, for those of us who carry a multitude of gear, it's invaluable. A technically oriented rig is not necessarily a novices first choice, nor should it be. It's true that IF YOUR TRIM ISN'T CORRECT, at the surface you have a tendancy to plunge face first in the water, not good! It's also correct that the webbing is of a heavy duty variety and prone to pinching and chafeing with minimal protection. BUT........if you want a versitile tool that does singles, doubles, can be equipped with greater lift, and carry hordes of gear and spare air mixes at the same time, this is the specialists choice! This isn't unlike any other tool. You have to know how to use it correctly. Entry people should consider recreational gear, for it's simplicity, as a safety consern. There's always the exception to the rule, this stuff is expensive. If you're able to manage it propperly, and know what direction you want to go, rec and or tec, this will do both. As I stated these rigs are different for a reason. Once you consider a tec oriented unit, seek someone who has one, someone who can verse you in it's neuances, or a form of training with this in mind, it can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Getting the CORRECT information can save your life, money, time, and peace of mind.
Wreck/Tec

 

[Wreck/Tec]

While we're on the subject. I can't hold it in any longer. I see lots of entry people turned loose with all this new gear. Shops obviously want and deserve to make money, or they wouldn't be here for air and service. However, I have to comment that selling entry people ( this is a tough one ) gear that is too complex, and or confusing is unethical. One of the first things that comes to mind is the safe second on the inflator deflator hose end. That combination octo, inflator, deflator. I see more confusion surrounding it's use in practiced emergency situations. If it's that difficult to figure out what buttons to push in drills imagine a real emergency. Is an entry person going to be able to manage a controlled ascent with another diver sucking on their primary while his deflator is in his mouth?
Selling all kinds of Certifications with minimal dives! Hawking computers without knowing the tables first. I suppose you have to give them what they want or someone else will. For all you entry people, it was new to me once as well. Don't you see this as somewhat commercial though. I had to watch some in my class who should have had more instruction pass any way. This isn't a reflection on all shops. It's only an observation, and my opinion. Safe diving everybody, and happy hollidays.
Wreck/Tec

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Wreck/Tec,

Are you suggesting that there is something inappropriate about entry-level divers using a BP/wing? Too complicated? Unsafe?

SA

 

[MechDiver]

Wreck/Tec once bubbled...
However, I have to comment that selling entry people ( this is a tough one ) gear that is too complex, and or confusing is unethical Wreck/Tec

Although I agree with most of your position here, and agree with this point "in principal", I have to disagree. A certified diver is/should be responsible for their own equipment selection and choice. You are, in effect, saying the LDS should specify what a diver can buy and dive with.

That would be scary and totally out of line.

Phil

 

[Wreck/Tec]

Steven Ash
If you read the passage correctly you will note several things.
1) You have to know how to use it, back plate and wing, propperly. Not just strapping it on and going under.It's different than a rec type BC. Example, threading it is complicated if you havn't done it before. Doing it correctly is essential! Your knowledge is crittical here.
2) This obviously this is a safety concern!
3) As for entry people being incapable of manageing a tec type rig, that's crap. I said earlier there are exceptions to the rule. There are always people who are capable. I think you would agree though, if your honest, when you don't have a through handle on basic skills, much less basic equipment, why complicate things with a piece of equip. like this. It boarders on the irresponsible. I appreciate your response. I'm not all knowing....I use this stuff. When partial truths, or inaccuracys are put on the board the responsible thing to do is give the correct answer or find it. That's what this site is all about.........
Wreck/Tec

 

[kyleterry]

Thank you all for the education.

I believe what I am going to do is go with scubapro mk25/s600. There is another LDS here that will service it. I am looking at purchasing it through Leisurepro, which seems to be about $200 less.

I bought the computer and BC today from another LDS.

I went with the Genisis Phantom. My main reason was comfort. I was looking for something that was (1)sold locally so I could try on several, (2) recommended by folks here, (3) recommended by Rodale's, and (4) fit well - I have large shoulders and am 6'2", 250lbs. I was looking hard at the back inflators and wings, but I have never used one and I could not find one that meet my other four guildlines. I decided I could just pass it down if I bought another one...two of my sons dive and two more will be following them.

I also bought today the Genesis ReAct computer. It seemed to rate well, was easy to read, and was a good price.

I hope I did well.

Thanks for the help.

 

[pescador775]

The Genesis Phantom looks to be a comfortable and solidly constructed BC. It's weight integrated which is interesting. Lotsa pocket room. From the pictures reminds me of a Beuchat Masterlift. Take a look at the lower fringe of the plasic frame and see if there is a small slot for a crotch strap. Suggest you buy a small piece of soft 1" webbing and two small buckles from a marine hardware store. Carry the strap with you in case of ride up (reg hits back of head). The SP regulator is top of the line and as good as anything the majority here use ( I use a SP G250HP). Scubapro has some pretty rigid warrantee policies. It would be helpful (I think) if Leisurepro could warrant the unit. Parts are free but labor costs about as much as parts and work time combined. Annual 'checkups' are required to maintain the warrantee.