Asking for recommendation on dive gear

[White Line Divers]

Dive computers for beginners: I always recommend to buy the cheapest model you can find on the market which has a Nitrox Mode. These days 90% of all computers do have that Nitrox Mode. If you really want to think about the future than spend a bit more money on a computer which also has a gauge mode. The gauge mode is to tell you only time and depth while diving and like this it can be used as a backup computer for technical diving. Because as soon as it comes to tec diving you want to have a more complex computer with different gas switches and so on. But you will still be able to use your very first computer as a backup, if it has that gauge mode. If you do not plan to get into tec diving the next few years, just forget about the gauge mode. The Leonardo Cressi is a very nice beginner computer and i do recommend it. Other users mentioned that there is a difference on algorithm. Yes there is, but i also use to say that a computer can not be to conservative, especially for beginners...

My recommendations: Cressi Leonardo (with NX and gauge mode), Suunto Zoop Nuovo (with NX), Suunto Vyper Nuovo (with NX and gauge mode), Mares Puck (with NX), all models have an easy battery change mechanism.

For the fins i recommend the "Mares Avanti Quattro Plus". For me definitely one of the top 5 fins worldwide. I tried and dove maybe 30 different fins so far, not many can reach the level of this one. It is a very good, solid and almost everywhere available fin which will last for years for a reasonable price. You simply can't go wrong with it and is a fantastic all-round fin for almost any kind of diving. It also allows you to learn and perform advanced finning techniques. I would also recommend to buy the open-heel version. This is personal preference, but i like booties, diving is just so much more comfortable with booties on and gives you also a nice grip on the boats and/or docks and you can use it for cold water diving too. On the other hand, i never had a problem with too warm feet, even in warm water.

 

[dmaziuk]

Hi all,

I am a relative Novice in diving and I want to seek your advice on certain matters on gear since I have mind to purchase them myself.

1) I have my eye on the Cressi Leonardo dive computer and I want to get it via scubastore. Does anyone has any experience with this site?
2) Is annual testing required for dive watches? I have done some research but them I keep getting conflicting answers. It seems that the test on watch cost something like 70 USD.
3) For a beginner, is there any recommendations on fins? Not sure if this information helps but I will be diving in warm water.

Thanks in advance

1. I've nothing against scubastore, but right now you can get a leonardo + download kit from leisurepro for $10 more, or from Planet Multi Store (who I believe is an authorized cressi reseller -- not sure about LP) for... well, go check for yourself. Their current sale is better than what I got for our leonardos, and our was a very nice deal.

2. If by dive watch you mean leonardo, I've replaced the batteries after 2 years, that's all the testing/servicing/maintenance there is.

3. How good are you at finning and are you planning to dive in currents? If you plan on currents/chasing fishes and have the legs for it, look at something along the lines of Cressi Ara or even freediving fins (Makos are reasonably priced). If you're more concerned with luggage size and weight, Accels are a popular option. However, the real deal with fins is fit, they're really worth buying where you can try them on or better yet: in the water.

 

[Lifelyjump]

wow, thanks for all the responses. The prices of those online stores are more customer friendly than Amazon, which is quite a surprise for me.

 

[Neilwood]

wow, thanks for all the responses. The prices of those online stores are more customer friendly than Amazon, which is quite a surprise for me.

You will tend to find that - Amazon is not the best for diving gear.

 

[gopbroek]

You will tend to find that - Amazon is not the best for diving gear.

Have to disagree, Amazon has become a market portal for many other shops and actually they will act as an arbitrator in the event of problem between you and the actual seller.
As for computers, the Aeris A300 is the discontinued equivalent of the VEO 3.0 and they can be had off Amazon (Prime Scuba) for $199. That's a lot of computer for the price and Oceanic still supports and warranties them. I sent one back to them that was having problems with the select button, after 623 dives, last week and they warrantied it without any problems. It is dual algorithm so if you are worried about liberalism it can be set to the more conservative Pz+ algorithm. While I often hear folks express frustration that their computers are to conservative, I have yet to hear complaints of to liberal during actual diving.
Amazon.com: Aeris A300 Wrist Computer ~Includes now FREE the Digital online class to get the most out of your dive computer.: Sports & Outdoors

 

[Neilwood]

Have to disagree, Amazon has become a market portal for many other shops and actually they will act as an arbitrator in the event of problem between you and the actual seller.
As for computers, the Aeris A300 is the discontinued equivalent of the VEO 3.0 and they can be had off Amazon (Prime Scuba) for $199. That's a lot of computer for the price and Oceanic still supports and warranties them. I sent one back to them that was having problems with the select button, after 623 dives, last week and they warrantied it without any problems. It is dual algorithm so if you are worried about liberalism it can be set to the more conservative Pz+ algorithm. While I often hear folks express frustration that their computers are to conservative, I have yet to hear complaints of to liberal during actual diving.
Amazon.com: Aeris A300 Wrist Computer ~Includes now FREE the Digital online class to get the most out of your dive computer.: Sports & Outdoors

You can find the occasional deal but in general I have found that you will most of the time pay more for the same product through Amazon than you would in a dive shop or online dive shop such as Leisurepro. Also the selection is fairly limited compared to specialist dive shops.

 

[gopbroek]

Actually Leisure Pro also uses Amazon to sell some of it's produsts. My actual favorite online retailer has to be Dive Gear Express. They sell quality products at a very fair price and their product support is second to none.

 

[stuartv]

Actually Leisure Pro also uses Amazon to sell some of it's produsts. My actual favorite online retailer has to be Dive Gear Express. They sell quality products at a very fair price and their product support is second to none.

As is their return policy. Who else has an unlimited time return policy? After one month, returns are for store credit only, but anywhere else I know of, you wouldn't even be able to return an item after a month.

Returns & Refunds | Dive Gear Express®

 

[tcphil]

Agree on the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus. If you don't have the ability to try out fins in a pool, this is a great start that just may also be your go to fin. Not as stiff as some paddle fins that will leave you really tired if not in shape, but still good control underwater unlike some split fins.

 

[Scuba Legends]

Hy,

I would like to share with you my experience.

First of all about the Leonardo, i was selling and testing it and seems a very good option for any diver qualitywise. I have to say that i had Cressi Archimedes 1 that lasted me 2000 dives and a Eddi that lasted me 1000 before i messed it up changing the batery. For my experience Cressi build very resistent computers. So i will say go for it.

I am using a Mares Matrix now, it is a very good option and so far it has around 800 dives, but unluckily.it had to be repaired twice in two years...

I never did any kind of test to any of my computers.

It is very interesging that you learn about algorithms, but not not necessary. You are just starting and the moment that algorithms are important for you is very far away yet.

All the computers are safe, some more conservative some less.

This comment that some could be unsafe is totally wrong

When they could be unsafe is at the momments you are diving into deco, wich as a recreational diver you should never do. And if you want to... then just get your Technical diving course and buy a Technical diving computer like sheawater or liquidvision.

About the fins, well.... experience will help you decide what you like most. I totally agree avoid split fins... they suck.

Some that you could like now and maybe while you get experienced are the mares avanti 4 and the cressi reaction.

Doesn't matter how warm is the water, buy the open.

As you can see, in the world of diving often there is many different answers for one single question. All of them are right. Like everything in life... different people, different likes.

My tip, try and get experienced and decide what is the best forr you.

Happy Bubbles

Gery #ScubaLegends

http://www.scubalegends.wordpress.com