steveann
Contributor
Definitely some good advice here, so far. I'll add my opinions in, at least on some gear types (the ones I know most about).
Regs: Get a good environmentally sealed reg. Get an easily serviced reg. maybe even a reg you can learn to service yourself (at least minor repairs/adjustments for those Cuba trips). Look for one that breathes well at all depths you will use it. Get a reg from a reputable dive shop/retailer. Some brands that I have liked are Zeagle, Apeks, Scubapro.
BC: BP/W is the most adaptable setup, from tropical diving to cold diving, singles or doubles, drysuit or wet, DIR or non, cave, wreck, reef, etc. BP/W can be made up to be no different than a "normal" BC
(Look at Figure #5 on http://www.omsdive.com/backplate.html)
Cold diving up here in the NE/Quebec, you're looking at heavy wetsuits and drysuits, so get an appropriate amount of lift for all your diving needs. I personally like the 45# lift range, but some people will tell you it's overkill. I say you don't have to use all 45# all the time, but some day you might wish you had it. Look for a durable design, minimize the velcro attachments (velcro that's done and undone a lot will lose it's grip sooner or later). Look for good craftsmanship. Look for a setup with a good amount of D-rings (3-7 usually is best) and not so many gimmicks. Look for a BC with standard parts (I'm regretting my velcro proprietary weight posckets now that the manufacturer has stopped making them) and replacable components (things will wear out). Find one that fits you best. Fit is the key.
Computers: Figure out what you will dive in the future. If you see yourself doing more technical dives in the near future, a more robust computer might be your best choice. If you see yourself doing a lot of "fun" dives, a less robust computer is needed. Get a Nitrox computer at a minimum. If you like the idea of less hoses and the benefits of air integration (SAC rate calcs, tank pressure on your 'puter vice a seperate gage) look at those. I personally do not like Suunto, based on their over conservative algorhythm. My personal thought is to get a computer that allows you to selct the conservatency you desire, whether that be by changing some settings, or by diving the computer more conservatively (noone says you have to go into the yellow before you end your dive.) Look for a big display. Look for easily replacable batteries. Try using the buttons in heavy gloves.
Exposure protection: Get yourself a nice drysuit. Stay away from neoprene (except crushed) unless lead brings out the color in your eyes. Make sure the brand is durable. Ask around before you buy one. Tri-lams are nice because you can adapt to your dive conditions (more undies for colder water). Watch out for urethane coated bag suits, as the urethane likes to delaminate after a while (granted, it might be years.) I personally like DUI. Expensive, but worth it in my eyes. The CLX and TLS series are nice suits, comfy and durable. There are tons of other suits out there that are nice also, DUI just seems to be the nicest.
Accessories: Can lights are neat. Not necessary, but neat. I would get a light, though. Some sort of primary and then a smaller backup (I like the UK SL4 as my backup, any old multi cell (C or D) primary will do.) An SMB for the St. Lawrence or boat dives would be nice. A reel for the SMB. A good dive bag to carry all your gear in (Rubbermaid works great when you're not going on a boat). And don't forget the cool dive t-shirts.
In reality, $3500 US is way more than enough to get all this gear (including the lights.) As an example, my wife bought the OMS Comfort Harness, 60# "bungied wing of death", weight pockets, Zeagle 50D reg with Octo+, and an Aeris Elite air integrated comp for around $2000, including tax. And that's with the "bells and whistles" setup. You could knock $200-400 off for non-AI or a less expensive BC.
If that $3500 is CAD, well, you're still set pretty well (that $2000 US is only $2200 CAD as of today's exchange rates). That still gives you tons of room to play. Heck, it's enough to fund a season's dive trips.
As an aside, I would buy the gear as the right gear shows itself to you. Don't rush out and buy everything right now. Put the money in a good earning savings account, and by the time you get all your gear, you'll have made enough on interest to buy even more gear.
Regs: Get a good environmentally sealed reg. Get an easily serviced reg. maybe even a reg you can learn to service yourself (at least minor repairs/adjustments for those Cuba trips). Look for one that breathes well at all depths you will use it. Get a reg from a reputable dive shop/retailer. Some brands that I have liked are Zeagle, Apeks, Scubapro.
BC: BP/W is the most adaptable setup, from tropical diving to cold diving, singles or doubles, drysuit or wet, DIR or non, cave, wreck, reef, etc. BP/W can be made up to be no different than a "normal" BC
(Look at Figure #5 on http://www.omsdive.com/backplate.html)
Cold diving up here in the NE/Quebec, you're looking at heavy wetsuits and drysuits, so get an appropriate amount of lift for all your diving needs. I personally like the 45# lift range, but some people will tell you it's overkill. I say you don't have to use all 45# all the time, but some day you might wish you had it. Look for a durable design, minimize the velcro attachments (velcro that's done and undone a lot will lose it's grip sooner or later). Look for good craftsmanship. Look for a setup with a good amount of D-rings (3-7 usually is best) and not so many gimmicks. Look for a BC with standard parts (I'm regretting my velcro proprietary weight posckets now that the manufacturer has stopped making them) and replacable components (things will wear out). Find one that fits you best. Fit is the key.
Computers: Figure out what you will dive in the future. If you see yourself doing more technical dives in the near future, a more robust computer might be your best choice. If you see yourself doing a lot of "fun" dives, a less robust computer is needed. Get a Nitrox computer at a minimum. If you like the idea of less hoses and the benefits of air integration (SAC rate calcs, tank pressure on your 'puter vice a seperate gage) look at those. I personally do not like Suunto, based on their over conservative algorhythm. My personal thought is to get a computer that allows you to selct the conservatency you desire, whether that be by changing some settings, or by diving the computer more conservatively (noone says you have to go into the yellow before you end your dive.) Look for a big display. Look for easily replacable batteries. Try using the buttons in heavy gloves.
Exposure protection: Get yourself a nice drysuit. Stay away from neoprene (except crushed) unless lead brings out the color in your eyes. Make sure the brand is durable. Ask around before you buy one. Tri-lams are nice because you can adapt to your dive conditions (more undies for colder water). Watch out for urethane coated bag suits, as the urethane likes to delaminate after a while (granted, it might be years.) I personally like DUI. Expensive, but worth it in my eyes. The CLX and TLS series are nice suits, comfy and durable. There are tons of other suits out there that are nice also, DUI just seems to be the nicest.
Accessories: Can lights are neat. Not necessary, but neat. I would get a light, though. Some sort of primary and then a smaller backup (I like the UK SL4 as my backup, any old multi cell (C or D) primary will do.) An SMB for the St. Lawrence or boat dives would be nice. A reel for the SMB. A good dive bag to carry all your gear in (Rubbermaid works great when you're not going on a boat). And don't forget the cool dive t-shirts.
In reality, $3500 US is way more than enough to get all this gear (including the lights.) As an example, my wife bought the OMS Comfort Harness, 60# "bungied wing of death", weight pockets, Zeagle 50D reg with Octo+, and an Aeris Elite air integrated comp for around $2000, including tax. And that's with the "bells and whistles" setup. You could knock $200-400 off for non-AI or a less expensive BC.
If that $3500 is CAD, well, you're still set pretty well (that $2000 US is only $2200 CAD as of today's exchange rates). That still gives you tons of room to play. Heck, it's enough to fund a season's dive trips.
As an aside, I would buy the gear as the right gear shows itself to you. Don't rush out and buy everything right now. Put the money in a good earning savings account, and by the time you get all your gear, you'll have made enough on interest to buy even more gear.
