Hi all
I know there's lots of threads on this but thought I would post my own. I was looking to purchase my first BCD a while ago and got sucked in to the bp/w route. And I'm so glad I did!
I ended up purchasing a package of all Apeks stuff. (1) Stainless steel backplate, (2) WTX 30 wing (prob could have survived with the 18), (3) 'deluxe' harness (which oddly is actually more simple and cheaper than the non-deluxe version), (4) 2x surelock cam bands, (5) 2 x book screws (only mention this because as a beginner I could have overlooked the need for this).
I decided to just go all Apeks as I understand that mixing and matching brands can cause difficulties. For example, I was going to get a cheaper different branded backplate, but was told I'd need to buy a single tank adapter if I did that, but could do without it if I stuck with the apeks stuff.
I also purchased it as a package, with some regulators (Apeks XL4) online from a shop in the Netherlands (I'm in the UK). I then added two cheap trim pocksts.
If you are a beginner, I'd highly recommend just going down the 'package' route like this, as it takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.
Putting it all together was easy. It still needs small adjustments but I've just done my third dive with it and couldn't be happier. It feels nice and streamlined.
If you are a beginner and weighing up going down this route but are a bit daunted, don't be, just do it and keep your first set up simple by using the se brand (IMO).
I also considered Xdeep but decided to opt for Apeks instead.
I know there's lots of threads on this but thought I would post my own. I was looking to purchase my first BCD a while ago and got sucked in to the bp/w route. And I'm so glad I did!
I ended up purchasing a package of all Apeks stuff. (1) Stainless steel backplate, (2) WTX 30 wing (prob could have survived with the 18), (3) 'deluxe' harness (which oddly is actually more simple and cheaper than the non-deluxe version), (4) 2x surelock cam bands, (5) 2 x book screws (only mention this because as a beginner I could have overlooked the need for this).
I decided to just go all Apeks as I understand that mixing and matching brands can cause difficulties. For example, I was going to get a cheaper different branded backplate, but was told I'd need to buy a single tank adapter if I did that, but could do without it if I stuck with the apeks stuff.
I also purchased it as a package, with some regulators (Apeks XL4) online from a shop in the Netherlands (I'm in the UK). I then added two cheap trim pocksts.
If you are a beginner, I'd highly recommend just going down the 'package' route like this, as it takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.
Putting it all together was easy. It still needs small adjustments but I've just done my third dive with it and couldn't be happier. It feels nice and streamlined.
If you are a beginner and weighing up going down this route but are a bit daunted, don't be, just do it and keep your first set up simple by using the se brand (IMO).
I also considered Xdeep but decided to opt for Apeks instead.