Equipment purchase inevitable!!!!!

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CincyDave - 26 Jan 2005 02:27 GMT

Hi all,
Myself, wife, brother, brother and other brother are new to scuba and needs
some help.

After reading much information about BCs, Regs and Computers I am now very
confused.

I think I have narrowed it down to SeaQuest Balance with integrated
2nd/knife, Black Diamond with integrated 2nd/knife or the Zeagle Ranger.
For my wife SeaQuest Libra XL with integrated 2nd and knife.

For the reg I think we have been talked into the ScubaPro MX25S600. What do
you experienced divers think?

The Dive computer is the Sherwood AI Wisdom with QD, Compass and software
package. Is this a good computer?

The total package price including tax for the Black Diamond or Libra is
$1727. Is this a good price?

The total package price including tax for the Balance is $1679. Should I
choose the Black Diamond for such a little difference?

We are new to diving and for now are doing rec stuff only. However; I want
very good equipment that works well and will last a long long time and also
expand with my skill level. Is this going to fill my wants/needs or am I
spending alot of additional money for nothing? Also, all of this equipment
is from a Dealer with full warranties.

Thank you very much for any information you may have to help me.

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Richard Faulkner - 26 Jan 2005 03:08 GMT

>Hi all,
>Myself, wife, brother, brother and other brother are new to scuba and needs
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>
>Thank you very much for any information you may have to help me.

Before you buy anything, read the Newbie Advice thread which is ongoing
at the moment .

Signature

Richard Faulkner

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Lee Bell - 26 Jan 2005 03:25 GMT

> I think I have narrowed it down to SeaQuest Balance with integrated
> 2nd/knife, Black Diamond with integrated 2nd/knife or the Zeagle Ranger.
> For my wife SeaQuest Libra XL with integrated 2nd and knife.

I used to use a SeaQuest BC with a SeaQuest Air Source. It was decent
equipment and the older SeaQuest integrated inflator/alternate was my choice
after trying pretty much all available units of this type. The new ones are
different. They may, or may not, be as good. Integrated units are not
currently in favor with the technical crowd, but that need not bother you.
If you go that way, make sure you get a good one. That alternate is what
you'll use if/when your buddy needs to use your primary. Make sure you
don't save money at the expense of your own safety.

Another alternative, one that's been popular lately, is a necklaced
alternate, a second stage on a slightly shorter than standard hose, that is
held directly under your chin by a thin bungie necklace. More than any
other configuration, you always know exactly where your alternate is. Most
that use the necklaced alternate, also use a long primary hose, 6, 7 feet or
more. Unless you learned with one, I don't recommend a long hose just yet.
I suggest getting used to everything else and then giving the long hose a
try. Hoses are cheap enough that most can afford to make a mistake or two.
Other equipment isn't.

The Black Diamond is sold as a tech BC. Most people I know who are
technically oriented think it's mostly flash with little substance. By a
substantial margin, the technical or near technical people I know either use
a late and rear inflation wing or some other form of rear inflation buoyancy
device/harness. You probably owe it to youself and your family to try a
plate and wing setup (Halcyon, Dive Rite, OxyCheq) or other minimal type
rear inflation system (Dive Rite Transpak).

> For the reg I think we have been talked into the ScubaPro MX25S600. What
> do
> you experienced divers think?

I think that's a good choice. So is Apex. I use a MX20/G250/R380. The
R380 is my alternate and it's on a short hose and necklace.

> The Dive computer is the Sherwood AI Wisdom with QD, Compass and software
> package. Is this a good computer?

I use Oceanic Computers, which means I don't know squat about Sherwood
computers. Do some homework if you consider either a Suunto or Cochran
computer. There are issues with both and an informed decision is likely to
be better than an uninformed one. I'm not saying not to buy either, only to
do some research into them before you do.

> The total package price including tax for the Black Diamond or Libra is
> $1727. Is this a good price?

It sounds high, but it's been quite a while since I last bought equipment.

> We are new to diving and for now are doing rec stuff only. However; I
> want
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> equipment
> is from a Dealer with full warranties.

Check the sarrantees carefully. Scuba Pro, for example, used to warrantee
parts normally replaced during annual service. They may still do so.
That's a substantial savings.

> Thank you very much for any information you may have to help me.

Good luck.

Lee

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Tony Howard - 26 Jan 2005 20:29 GMT

You probably owe it to youself and your family to try a

> plate and wing setup (Halcyon, Dive Rite, OxyCheq) or other minimal type
> rear inflation system (Dive Rite Transpak).

Absolutely correct, as once you have a backplate & wing you willnever need
to change your configuration again. Plus its also the most rugged and
simple kit to configure and maintain

> > For the reg I think we have been talked into the ScubaPro MX25S600. What
> > do
> > you experienced divers think?
>
> I think that's a good choice. So is Apex. I use a MX20/G250/R380. The
> R380 is my alternate and it's on a short hose and necklace.

Both Apeks and Scubapro are good regs, certainly better than much of the
alternatives, however my preference is for the Apeks,as, not only are they
less expensive to but, as the 1st stage is a simple sealed diaphragm
(compared to the Scubapro's piston ported 1st stage) it is also cheaper to
maintain and is cold-water sealed from the factory. The best Apeks VFM is
ether the TX or ATX100 or the new ATX200 which is a bit smaller & lighter
but otherwise the same basic product. Between my wife & I we have nine
Apeks regulators, a mixture of TX40/50/100 units. All work perfectly.

> > The Dive computer is the Sherwood AI Wisdom with QD, Compass and software
> > package. Is this a good computer?
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> be better than an uninformed one. I'm not saying not to buy either, only to
> do some research into them before you do.

I've used Suunto computers for years without any problems, the same can also
be said for fellow divers who use the Aladdin / Uwatec units. Its often
down to choice and features. I prefer to have a wrist mounted unit with
proper buttons not wet-finger contacts and also I need both a computer that
can have more than one Nitrox mix and can be used in Gauge mode. The Vytec
is therefore my choice, but I am also hearing good things about the new
Apeks Quantum, which I believe is also sold by Diverite as the Nitek Duo.

> > The total package price including tax for the Black Diamond or Libra is
> > $1727. Is this a good price?
>
> It sounds high, but it's been quite a while since I last bought equipment.

Shop around and consider buying good second-hand (especially suits and
regulators, as long as they're well looked after they can always be
serviced).

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