nikyyo
Contributor
Well, after much time spent reading posts from this board I believe I have finally came down to two models of gear for each function. I would like to run them by you guys and see what you think. My decisions were based on a combination of quality and value. My diving will be exclusively tropical, with eventually some trips to North Carolina perhaps. Most, if not all, of the items will be purchased at LP. Well here it goes:
Regulator: Atomic Z-1 (SP R-380 octo) or SP MK25/S600 (SP R-380 octo). I read lots of good stuff on both Atomic and SP. It just seems that most think the Atomics just breathe better. The Z-1 is the most reasonably priced Atomic while still maintaining most of the features they are known for (don't see any reason to look into the B-1 (titanium second stage) or M-1 (monel internal parts).
BCD: ok guys......don't yell at me......I've decided not to go the BP/wings route at this juncture. I've narrowed it down to two sequests: the pro Q D+ and the Balance. Both are similarly priced. The decision is weather or not I want rear inflation. I'm leaning towards it as it seems it will be better for maintaining trim and less drag. I've also read that there isn't too much "forward push" at the surface with the Balance which would be inportant to me I think.
Computer: After reading many posts I've decided on a wrist computer for all the reasons already listed on the board. I've narrowed it down to the Oceanic Versa Pro or the Aeris Atmos 2. Very similar in function and a reasonable price, $290 and $250 at LP respectively. I know they are liberal, but I can dive them conservatively if I wish.I looked at the Stinger but it is just too expensive. I will get an analog spg, not sure if it will contain a compass or I will wear the compass on my wrist as well.If I decide to wear a wrist compass I will probably get only a pressure guage and have my buddy for a redundant depth monitor.
Well there it is. I appreciate all the info I have garnered from this board and look forward to hearing what you guys have to say about these final choices. Thanks again. Oh one more question, will LP put this stuff together for me, i.e. the hoses and reg or am I on my own? Also I won't have an opportunity to test dive this stuff in a pool so do I just take a very shallow easy dive the first time? or perhaps have everything checked out by someone?
Regulator: Atomic Z-1 (SP R-380 octo) or SP MK25/S600 (SP R-380 octo). I read lots of good stuff on both Atomic and SP. It just seems that most think the Atomics just breathe better. The Z-1 is the most reasonably priced Atomic while still maintaining most of the features they are known for (don't see any reason to look into the B-1 (titanium second stage) or M-1 (monel internal parts).
BCD: ok guys......don't yell at me......I've decided not to go the BP/wings route at this juncture. I've narrowed it down to two sequests: the pro Q D+ and the Balance. Both are similarly priced. The decision is weather or not I want rear inflation. I'm leaning towards it as it seems it will be better for maintaining trim and less drag. I've also read that there isn't too much "forward push" at the surface with the Balance which would be inportant to me I think.
Computer: After reading many posts I've decided on a wrist computer for all the reasons already listed on the board. I've narrowed it down to the Oceanic Versa Pro or the Aeris Atmos 2. Very similar in function and a reasonable price, $290 and $250 at LP respectively. I know they are liberal, but I can dive them conservatively if I wish.I looked at the Stinger but it is just too expensive. I will get an analog spg, not sure if it will contain a compass or I will wear the compass on my wrist as well.If I decide to wear a wrist compass I will probably get only a pressure guage and have my buddy for a redundant depth monitor.
Well there it is. I appreciate all the info I have garnered from this board and look forward to hearing what you guys have to say about these final choices. Thanks again. Oh one more question, will LP put this stuff together for me, i.e. the hoses and reg or am I on my own? Also I won't have an opportunity to test dive this stuff in a pool so do I just take a very shallow easy dive the first time? or perhaps have everything checked out by someone?