I need advice, What is the top scuba gear for the money is the question? I find numerous opinions when I search the web. I want to use this comparison for better clarification. As with cars. I know the Ferrari is the best, But To Expensive for a regular (none rich) guy like me.
Ferrari is best at what? Perhaps it's because I spent a lot of time in rural settings (e.g.: dirt roads), or am fairly tall, broad and chunky (& don't like cars that sit low), plus I'm not a millionaire (out of my price range), but when I see a Ferrari, I see a hideously-priced glitzy foo-foo car that can't go places a 4-WD SUV can, so it's functionally impaired. Of course, if you're trying to look rich, then I guess it's the bomb.
If I wanted
expensive gear, I'd start my search like this...
1.) Regulator - I'd look at the upper tier Atomic Aquatics reg.s. Not that I'd expect them to breathe better than my B2, but for several hundred dollars more they be
a little lighter weight!
2.) BCD - If I wanted a jacket, long as I was perusing Atomic Aquatics, I'd check out their new BC1 (
thread on that). If I didn't choke on the price, the advantages might be nice. Of course, I might consider BP/W, in case IIRC, Halcyon is the prestige brand.
3.) Fins - I don't know a prestige brand, although I'd want spring straps of course; probably order a pair of Eddy fins; if I liked Ferrari red, I might like Eddy orange. (Disclaimer: I recently ordered a pair of Eddy 2XL soft material black fins, for practical reasons, not glamour).
4.) Mask - since the Oceanic 'with computer built in' mask hasn't been updated in quite awhile, I'd go for a high end Atomic.
5.) Computer - well, Shearwater is both impressively reputable
and well-regarded for capability and value. For a console computer, perhaps an Atomic Aquatics Cobalt 2 (which I have and love!). Get both for maximum bling!
To me, that's a Ferrari style set of dive gear and unlike the car, it should serve in a broad range of diving environments. But I don't think all those choices are significantly functionally superior to alternatives. My point is, don't waste your money on prestige branding.
For value, I'm happy with an Atomic B2 reg., my old Sherwood Avid jacket BCD works fine (but Sherwood BCDs have been in the news in a bad way lately on Undercurrent; whatever I got, I'd want rear weight trim pockets, weight-integrated system and steel d-rings), AquaLung SeaQuest Visage mask (seals well on me, which is rare; way cheaper than my Atomic, though frameless backup masks would be easier to stuff in a BC pocket for solo diving), Eddy fins on order, like my Cobalt 2 but if buying new would seriously consider a Shearwater Perdix AI.
But value is relative to what you want to do. A drysuit diver might want heavier fins, like ScubaPro jet fins. Many people like BP/W, & I haven't tried one. Some folks want a cheaper wrist unit like a Geo 2.
Richard.
