Rukkian
Contributor
I am still reading through many of the posts, and one thing keeps coming up- people say you should try something to figure out what you want. I am looking to purchase my first set of gear, to stop renting.
I have heard good things about a BP/wing, but nobody around me has them in stock, and definitely doesn't rent them. How can I know if it is for me, if I cannot try them? I have tried a few different jackets through my rentals, never really noticed a huge difference.
My local shop suggests the aqua long basic package with the pro he, Titan reg, and i300. I had another shop suggests the oceanic open water package.
I know some will say the packages aren't always the best, but when I price out the items, they are quite a bit cheaper than piecemeal, but that is obviously buying those same items.
I like to do research, but it can be daunting when there is no real way to try different things to know what works for you.
Anybody have a suggestion for a first setup to get started that should work for most people? Is a BP/wing usually the way to go, or do you really need to try it out first?
Looking to keep it around$1k for bcd, reg, gages, and maybe a computer. Already have a mares puck plus pro I picked up used, but a backup would always work.
Info- live in Iowa, so do some colder water, not planning any ice dives or dry suit at this one, but did get to 47° and was fine in a 765 wetsuit. Have 25 dives, and have aow, eanx certs. Might be working towards rescue in a year or two. Probably only diving 10 or less times a year. Some local, some flying or in a cruise.
Thanks for any advice.
I have heard good things about a BP/wing, but nobody around me has them in stock, and definitely doesn't rent them. How can I know if it is for me, if I cannot try them? I have tried a few different jackets through my rentals, never really noticed a huge difference.
My local shop suggests the aqua long basic package with the pro he, Titan reg, and i300. I had another shop suggests the oceanic open water package.
I know some will say the packages aren't always the best, but when I price out the items, they are quite a bit cheaper than piecemeal, but that is obviously buying those same items.
I like to do research, but it can be daunting when there is no real way to try different things to know what works for you.
Anybody have a suggestion for a first setup to get started that should work for most people? Is a BP/wing usually the way to go, or do you really need to try it out first?
Looking to keep it around$1k for bcd, reg, gages, and maybe a computer. Already have a mares puck plus pro I picked up used, but a backup would always work.
Info- live in Iowa, so do some colder water, not planning any ice dives or dry suit at this one, but did get to 47° and was fine in a 765 wetsuit. Have 25 dives, and have aow, eanx certs. Might be working towards rescue in a year or two. Probably only diving 10 or less times a year. Some local, some flying or in a cruise.
Thanks for any advice.