Newbie gear questions

[Kenney]

I am new to scuba and really would like to have my own gear as well. I have been leaning pretty strong toward the package deal with the mares rebel 2. For now I am strictley recreational and at this point will dive primarily on vacations and occasionally around Home, (Dallas area) so I don't really think I need something on the upper end for now anyway. The price tag on the Mares Rebel 2 from Scubatoys bothers me a little because it is cheap. Have you had a chance to use yours much and is there anyone that has an opinion on the rebel 2. I would like to find a good deal but, I also want one that is reliable for years to come.

Thanks for the help.

 

[shoturtle]

The rebel 2 is a common resort reg, it is a piston 1st stage. It a decent warm water reg. It is used by resorts in asia allot along with the rebel 12. The Rebel 12 has a balance diaphragm which I perfer and it is nitrox read out the box if you ever decide to go that route. So the 12 may have more growth room.

 

[plclark196]

I believe that needing a computer should be based upon your need ...(multi-level diving or not) ... not based upon fashion. Single level dives are easily and safely done by the tables - and kinda fun.
However, multi level diving - which is in reality most of our dives- will demand a computer ...especially if you are planning repetitive dives for that day as the tables will severly limit your time and depth on the repetitive dives.

 

[Fox-Cousteau]

I am new to scuba and really would like to have my own gear as well. I have been leaning pretty strong toward the package deal with the mares rebel 2. For now I am strictley recreational and at this point will dive primarily on vacations and occasionally around Home, (Dallas area) so I don't really think I need something on the upper end for now anyway. The price tag on the Mares Rebel 2 from Scubatoys bothers me a little because it is cheap. Have you had a chance to use yours much and is there anyone that has an opinion on the rebel 2. I would like to find a good deal but, I also want one that is reliable for years to come.

Thanks for the help.

I can't speak to that exact reg, however, I've been diving a Mares MR 12 III for about 20 years and loved it, still do!
I think you want to consider 2 things about the reg you purchase,
1- the manufacturer's reputation (be aware just because it says "Sears" on it doesn't mean it was made BY Sears).
2 - who can maintain / repair it, what does your local dive shop sell would be a good start. All of the companies spoken about in this thread are reliable, but you don't want a reg that you have to send to Houston or Ft. Lauderdale to get serviced every year. Also there is good advice in purchasing a reg that will grow as you develop as a diver (see shoturtle's advice, it's worth listening to).