What gear for advanced

[BouzoukiJoe]

Hmm. That Princeton Tec light set that I bought for AOW is probably the purchase I regret the most. I wish I had spent a couple hundred more and got a better primary light. The backup light (small LED) and tank marker are just fine. Everytime I am in a dive shop I find myself in the light section. The Princeton Tec light cannon would be fine if I dove in clear bright sunny water. But for my diving, the primary light is too yellow and not bright enough.

[malley1717]

Are you talking about the regular or the LED?? I hope you are talking about the regular, as i am planning on geting the LED. Thanks

[scubasamurai]

always have a good primary and secondary light. but i would invest in a good surface signal device. my advance course had it a mandatory requirement along with a signal mirror and whistle. ( most of the courses were out in open gulf water) i have the standard small sauage but after reading an articile about "size "does matter i went with the extra large dan sausage which had the whistle and mirror and glow stick stowed in a pocket. this freed up some space on the bcd because i have it clip to a back d ring. also if you do alot of open water a dye marker would be good and a small mesh pocket to put things even a small packet of sunscreen .

[diver 85]

Originally Posted by russp

I received my open water card last summer and plan on advanced this spring. Other than a wetsuit, I only bought what was need for the open water (mask, fins, BCD, reg with standard guages, etc). What would be good gear to add to the arsenal for advanced certification?

I would add 1st a compass(wrist), then a good lite, also a computer is probably on the very short list althought not 100% necessary(but does extend your B.T alot)......

[dannybot]

Originally Posted by fisheater

Check with you instructor as what specific gear you need for AOW. That is, what stuff they won't supply (for free or a fee).

Then, you can make your decision about what is the highest priority for your next purchase(s).

[Only 9 more posts to grouperhood!]

I agree, I have not yet had to use a compass, since I only do travel diving. Also many people do not like night dives, so you might not need a light of your own. Besides, when I took AOW, the LDS provided absolutely everything.

[diver 85]

Originally Posted by dannybot

I agree, I have not yet had to use a compass, since I only do travel diving. Also many people do not like night dives, so you might not need a light of your own. Besides, when I took AOW, the LDS provided absolutely everything.

Needs to check into getting a computer(I don't remember him saying he had one).......

[Sasha_K]

Originally Posted by jbres1

I would have to say a good compass, (wrist mounted) and a computer that works for both air and Nitrox.
Jim Breslin

Compass is a must in the AOW class I am taking now. However, I wouldn't recommend wirst mounted, but gauge mounted. It's easier to work with in my opinion.

[zahgurim]

Compass for sure, as the nav dive is mandatory.

Do you even need lights? Night dive is optional for the AOW; what dives are you planning on doing?

Other than a compass, I say look into computers, preferably one that is Nitrox capable. You don't need it now, but will be great for when you want to start doing nitrox dives after you complete your AOW.

[caroln]

I would not recommend buying a light. I bought a pack with 3 lights, and ended up hating the big one the first time I ever used it, so it was a waste of money. Usually the LDS will have those to rent, so you can make sure you like it before you shell out the cash.

I definitely recommend a compass, and specifically the Suunto SK-7. I thought I just could not navigate period until I got this, and all of a sudden things fell into place.

[LRDWILDER]

Like everyone before me has said a compass is an absolute must, and most importantly when taking your class make sure you practice with it and really understand how to use it to set courses I practice with mine almost every dive. It can be an invaluable skill that alot of divers gloss over!

As for lights, I would much rather have a dive computer than a light right at first. I did many a dive on a borrowed or rented light that basically all work the same....One way on One way off! A computer is a totally different story, very few of them have the same controlls and it would be beneficial to have your own and know how to use it well in my mind.

Also for a fairly decent entry level computer you can pay about the same for a good light! LOL