Help with Equipment Selection

[arthur.hsieh]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie and have just recently got my PADI Open Water. I heard scuba gear in the US are way cheaper than here in Oz and since I'm heading over to Chicago in the new year, I'm thinking of picking up gear there.

This is what I'm thinking of getting:

Aqualung Legend LX ACD Supreme Regulator
Aqualung Legend Octopus
Aqualung Pro QD i3 BCD or Seaquest Black Diamond BCD
Suunto Cobra 2 with Quick Release

I suspect many of you would be wondering as to why a beginner like myself would want to get some of the higher end gear. The reason been the gear is way expensive in Oz and I would like to maximize the saving.

Also, I've really enjoyed my dives so far and am thinking of advancing to rescue diver certification and other specialties certs. Possibly even Divemaster/Instructor later on. Bottom line is, I want something that will allow me to "advance" with.

Also, I'm considering the Black Diamond because my understanding is that rear inflation is a real plus on deep dives.

Any comments/advices would be much appreciated - I have much to learn from the diving community. Thanks heaps.

[skdvr]

Seems to me that your gear selection is good. I have never personally dove any of that particular equipment but I have heard good things about The regs and the computer. I am sure that the BC is perfectly fine too. There is LOTS of good gear on the market. Just keep your eyes and your wallet open.

When are you going to be in Chicago? There is a scuba show there around the end of Feb. It is the Our World Underwater show, and it is the 20 - 22 of Feb...

Phil

[DMWiz]

Originally Posted by arthur.hsieh

Hi all,

I'm a newbie and have just recently got my PADI Open Water. I heard scuba gear in the US are way cheaper than here in Oz and since I'm heading over to Chicago in the new year, I'm thinking of picking up gear there.

This is what I'm thinking of getting:

Aqualung Legend LX ACD Supreme Regulator
Aqualung Legend Octopus
Aqualung Pro QD i3 BCD or Seaquest Black Diamond BCD
Suunto Cobra 2 with Quick Release

I suspect many of you would be wondering as to why a beginner like myself would want to get some of the higher end gear. The reason been the gear is way expensive in Oz and I would like to maximize the saving.

Also, I've really enjoyed my dives so far and am thinking of advancing to rescue diver certification and other specialties certs. Possibly even Divemaster/Instructor later on. Bottom line is, I want something that will allow me to "advance" with.

Also, I'm considering the Black Diamond because my understanding is that rear inflation is a real plus on deep dives.

Any comments/advices would be much appreciated - I have much to learn from the diving community. Thanks heaps.

Your choices are fine, I would stay away from the Pro QD and go with the Black Diamond or maybe even a Balance which is less bulkier.
There's no advantage of using a back inflation bcd over jacket style during a deep dive per se.

The advantage of having back inflation is the bladder being on your back helps you position yourself horizontally in the water column. Jacket style bcd's tend to keep you vertical (Less desirable position). But there's no reason you cannot achieve the same horizontal position with a jacket style bc.

Hope this helps you.

[chl]

That is a fine selection. I would recommend that you get the ABS octopus. It will be easier to use for your dive companion. Always get a regulator that breathes easily. I'm never going back to the Sherwood Brut I used in OW1.

In regards to the BCD, consider the SeaQuest Balance as well. You may find the Black Diamond much too complicated. Underwater, it's best to keep everything stream lined and simple.

Safe & Happy Diving,
CHL

[SynCitizen]

I have the AL Legend LX ACD and can vouch for the quality of the regulator. Great breathing and nice features. I also have a cobra I w/QR and although I do like the features of it, from what I understand it is one of the more conservative DC's. I just finished up a multi dive/multi day trip and did not run into any NDL issues but it may be something to keep in mind.
I have not heard of any good things about the digital compass on the cobra II so IMO and in the interest of cost I would recomend a cobra I w/analog compass if you want to stick with the AL/suunto combo.

[demisvmax]

Aqualung legend regs are great since a friend of mine is using them but about the BCD I can't tell. i am using a Zeagle ranger, but I am thinking about a BP/W lately.
You came to the right place to ask questions. I know that I have. Lots of knowledgeable people here with lots of good advices. Listen to them but bear in mind you will be the end user. If I may, welcome aboard!

[thesmoothdome]

Sounds pretty much like my current setup. The AL Legend is a great reg. Definitely one of the best breathers out there. I also use the ABS octo as opposed to the Legend octo. It works great for what it's intended to do and doesn't have an up or down position so a paniced diver can shove it in their mouth in either position.

The Cobra is conservative, but it does decompression calculations if you want a few extra minutes of bottom time. I totally recommend springing for the QR if you download your dives into your computer. Makes it quick and easy.

I've owned the Balance and quickly exchanged it for the Black Diamond. Diving dry out here, I find myself needing the extra room in the weight pockets when I'm in thick underwear. The Balance "only" has 20lbs of ditchable and 10lbs of non-ditchable weight. The Black Diamond allows for 32/10.

Whatever you decide, have fun and enjoy it!

Terry

[arthur.hsieh]

Thanks guys for your advices - I really appreciate your help. Due the economic crisis, the shops here in oz almost matched the prices of that in US - so I got my gear yesterday locally - with the Black Diamond BC.

Merry Christmas and safe diving over the holidays - and all the time. Cheers.