kgallowaypa
Registered
I have a few questions regarding an article on GUE’s website for DIR equipment. I know some of these questions might be more basic than others but I am trying to figure out what my equipment list for shopping should be and what would benefit me first in my buying timeline. Here is a list of what I currently dive with and my diving situations:
Diving environment:
Miami, Florida
Salt Water with warm temperatures
Wreck diving no deeper than 100ft
Average SAC rate: 0.85ci/Min
Average dive times: 45 minutes
Average times: Morning-Afternoon dives
Method of Access: 2004 27’ Grady White
Number of Dives: 33
Certification: SSI Open Water
Current Equipment:
Mares Syncro tech BC
Aqualung Titan LX
(3) Catalina AL80 cylinders (air)
3mm full wetsuit
Weight belt
Atomic Split fins
Low-Profile mask
Stainless Steel Dive tool
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I currently dive with a single tank setup on a jacket BCD with no dive computer, just tables and planning. DIR appeals to me and seems in-line with how I want to dive. This is the equipment setup I am looking to purchase with 1 being the first and in descending order. I am not rich but I don’t mind spending money on good quality gear that I can grow with and supplement my learning experience.
1.) Shearwater Petrel
2.) Dive Light (main backup DIR) (unknown brand/model)
3.) Suunto Wrist Compass
4.) Scubapro jet fins
5.) Advanced Open Water PADI
6.) Scubapro Mk25
7.) Halcyon Explorer BC
8.) Similar quality but low-performance regulator for backup (performance as in diaphragm vs piston)
9.) Doubles Manifold (unknown brand/model)
10.) Goodman Light w/ Canister (unknown brand/model)
There are plenty of wrecks off Miami and the Keys in the 100-150 range I want to explore so this is my interest in doubles and streamlined setup. My long-term goal is to get full wreck penetration certified but I want to start with equipment I can lay a good foundation with until I am ready to take the steps to get there. Cave diving doesn’t interest me at this time albeit being a few hours away from some great locations in North Florida.
What I have questions about:
A. Is my purchasing timeline appropriate? Should some equipment I am looking at be changed? (I chose the petrel at the top of my list because I want a computer I can grow with in regards to supplementing practical knowledge of deco and dive planning, I also like the feature of logging my dives and viewing statistics on a desktop application such as DivingLog)
B. When diving in the ocean with doubles and wetsuit, the article mentioned a doubles setup with twin aluminum 80’s as the weight of the combined tanks and setup will offset the positive buoyancy. I was always under the impression that steel HP80’s would be more beneficial but considering my location, should I stick with my current cylinders or get the twin steel HP60/80 for doubles?
C. The halcyon Explorer seems extremely expensive for what it is worth. Although price is a minimal factor because I don’t mind spending money on quality gear, would it just be better to get a SS BP with harness from halcyon and maybe a similar quality wing for a doubles configuration?
 
Thanks for your guys’ help!
Diving environment:
Miami, Florida
Salt Water with warm temperatures
Wreck diving no deeper than 100ft
Average SAC rate: 0.85ci/Min
Average dive times: 45 minutes
Average times: Morning-Afternoon dives
Method of Access: 2004 27’ Grady White
Number of Dives: 33
Certification: SSI Open Water
Current Equipment:
Mares Syncro tech BC
Aqualung Titan LX
(3) Catalina AL80 cylinders (air)
3mm full wetsuit
Weight belt
Atomic Split fins
Low-Profile mask
Stainless Steel Dive tool
---------------------------------------------------
I currently dive with a single tank setup on a jacket BCD with no dive computer, just tables and planning. DIR appeals to me and seems in-line with how I want to dive. This is the equipment setup I am looking to purchase with 1 being the first and in descending order. I am not rich but I don’t mind spending money on good quality gear that I can grow with and supplement my learning experience.
1.) Shearwater Petrel
2.) Dive Light (main backup DIR) (unknown brand/model)
3.) Suunto Wrist Compass
4.) Scubapro jet fins
5.) Advanced Open Water PADI
6.) Scubapro Mk25
7.) Halcyon Explorer BC
8.) Similar quality but low-performance regulator for backup (performance as in diaphragm vs piston)
9.) Doubles Manifold (unknown brand/model)
10.) Goodman Light w/ Canister (unknown brand/model)
There are plenty of wrecks off Miami and the Keys in the 100-150 range I want to explore so this is my interest in doubles and streamlined setup. My long-term goal is to get full wreck penetration certified but I want to start with equipment I can lay a good foundation with until I am ready to take the steps to get there. Cave diving doesn’t interest me at this time albeit being a few hours away from some great locations in North Florida.
What I have questions about:
A. Is my purchasing timeline appropriate? Should some equipment I am looking at be changed? (I chose the petrel at the top of my list because I want a computer I can grow with in regards to supplementing practical knowledge of deco and dive planning, I also like the feature of logging my dives and viewing statistics on a desktop application such as DivingLog)
B. When diving in the ocean with doubles and wetsuit, the article mentioned a doubles setup with twin aluminum 80’s as the weight of the combined tanks and setup will offset the positive buoyancy. I was always under the impression that steel HP80’s would be more beneficial but considering my location, should I stick with my current cylinders or get the twin steel HP60/80 for doubles?
C. The halcyon Explorer seems extremely expensive for what it is worth. Although price is a minimal factor because I don’t mind spending money on quality gear, would it just be better to get a SS BP with harness from halcyon and maybe a similar quality wing for a doubles configuration?
 
Thanks for your guys’ help!
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