Is This a good Deal?

[lt.dan58]

Im new and need some experienced help...

Im looking at buying this package and need to know if this is good or to stay away. Thanks.


Oceanic Ocean Pro BCD - weight integrated
Oceanic Alpha 8 SP5 DVT Piston Regulator
Oceanic Alpha 8 Octopus
Oceanic Veo 100NX dive computer SWIV double gauge combo
fully assembled all new for $749.00 shipped

[IndyDiver]

Price wise, it is a great deal. That is about a $1000 worth of gear at internet prices , so $750 is a good price.

Equipment wise, I have two issues/comments:

The alpha 8 has a rep as a good solid reg, but piston regs are not the best for cold water. So if you are diving in 50 degree+ water all the time, no problem. If you are going to dive in cold quarries or the Northeast ocean, maybe not so good.

Second, and this is just my personal preference, I don't like jacket style BCs. I would seriously look at a back inflate like the Oceanic Islander or the Zeagles.

[lt.dan58]

Originally Posted by IndyDiver

Price wise, it is a great deal. That is about a $1000 worth of gear at internet prices , so $750 is a good price.

Equipment wise, I have two issues/comments:

The alpha 8 has a rep as a good solid reg, but piston regs are not the best for cold water. So if you are diving in 50 degree+ water all the time, no problem. If you are going to dive in cold quarries or the Northeast ocean, maybe not so good.

Second, and this is just my personal preference, I don't like jacket style BCs. I would seriously look at a back inflate like the Oceanic Islander or the Zeagles.

so should i ask for the alpha 8 version that does not have the piston?
im a new diver... ive never used a back inflate

[IndyDiver]

The Alpha 8 is available with the CDX 5 first stage as well as the SP5. The CDX5 is an environmentally sealed diaphram regulator that is good for water down to 40 degrees or below. If you don't get the DVT version, it is about the same price as the SP5.

I did my OW dives in a rented jacket BC. The next time I dove was in an Oceanic back inflate BC. I though the difference in comfort and balance in the water was night and day. I bought a Zeagle back inflate two dives later.

I know other people that like their jacket BC's. I'm just recommending that you don't buy one until you try a back inflate system.

Also, you may want to try a backplate/wing combo. I have really liked my Zeagle over the time I've had it, but I am transitioning to a BP/W setup this month. I have started to dive heavier steel tanks and working to really dial in my trim and have just "outgrown" the soft fabric style BC. If I had it all to do over again, it would have been simpler to buy the backplate and the oxycheq mach v wing in the first place instead of the Zeagle.

All personal opinion. YMMV

[ScubaToys Larry]

I'd say give us a call, and talk about what you are doing with your diving... Are you traveling alot? Diving cold water?? Warm water?? What features are iiimportant to you... do you want an adjustable reg? etc...

Without more info on what you want, and what fits what you are doing, it is difficult to give you a good opinion.

[IndyDiver]

Since Larry has weighted in here with the offer to help you put together a package, I should point out that the Zeagle Brigade I bought soon after OW was part of a ST package that included a Zeagle DS-V reg, Oceanic octo, and XR2 computer. I got a great price on the package and loved all the gear. My son is now using the XR2 and I am still diving the DS-V

[lt.dan58]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

I'd say give us a call, and talk about what you are doing with your diving... Are you traveling alot? Diving cold water?? Warm water?? What features are iiimportant to you... do you want an adjustable reg? etc...

Without more info on what you want, and what fits what you are doing, it is difficult to give you a good opinion.

Hey Larry when would be a good time to call and speak to you? Or should I ask for someone else?

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by lt.dan58

Hey Larry when would be a good time to call and speak to you? Or should I ask for someone else?

Speaking from experience, if Larry isn't available, they will take your number and he will get back with you. OR, if you wish, the rest of the staff is well versed and can help you as well. I've not had any complaints yet.

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by lt.dan58

Hey Larry when would be a good time to call and speak to you? Or should I ask for someone else?

Shout anytime and ask for Joe... I'll be gone for a bit, I'm attending a seminar and conference on scuba stuff... so I won't be in the shop for the next bit... But Joe will set you up.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by IndyDiver

The alpha 8 has a rep as a good solid reg, but piston regs are not the best for cold water. So if you are diving in 50 degree+ water all the time, no problem. If you are going to dive in cold quarries or the Northeast ocean, maybe not so good.

The OP is in SoCal, so I'd guess he's primarily diving our local waters (48 degrees is as cold as he's likely to see, and usually more like 55) and on vacation, so "cold water" is not likely to be an issue here. Any regs will work fine, from a temperature standpoint.