Scubatoys...too many good choices

[terfmop]

Well, I'm the recipient of a Scubatoys gift cert from Chirstams and now I'm trying to figure out what to buy. I'm a recreational diver that lives up in (currently) cold Indiana. I could maybe put that dough towards a new drysuit and perhaps I would dive more often (but would need more buddies also with drysuits)....or perhaps a pony bottle setup for that added safety factor....or perhaps a new reg set (I've never had a new reg set....only reg set I've dove with is a used Oceanic Delta). Anyone have any suggestions?

What piece of gear from Scubatoys do you want to purchase next?

If I was more social here, I could get an added bonus (i.e. post #250).

[Straegen]

Whenever I get a gift certificate, I always try to buy something I wouldn't normally buy for myself. Something extravagant would be on my list.

[Vercingetorix]

May I suggest an act of generosity. Call ScubaToys and request the $50 GC be applied to the Vercingetorix's account. They know who I am.

tis better to give than to receive...

[terfmop]

I think I'm leaning towards a neg reg. set. Then I can use my current reg and put it on my eventual pony bottle.

I have my eyes set on an expensive thing like the EOS or the Hollis 212, but maybe that is overkill.

[cummings66]

IMO buy the piece of gear you need the most, or the one that saves you the most money over renting.

[terfmop]

Originally Posted by cummings66

IMO buy the piece of gear you need the most, or the one that saves you the most money over renting.

"need" that is the key word. I have a small but adequate selection of gear. I don't really have to rent items. A new drysuit would be nice, but I've decided I would like to go to a shop and try it on...make sure it fits well, etc. My current mask seems adequate, could fit better at times, but does a decent job I think....here again, I think being able to try it on while in a shop might yield better results. Split fins might be interesting, but I get around pretty good with my non-splits and my air consumption is about the same as any of my buddies that use splits, would I really get much benefit? I'm good at wetsuit, as I have a 3mm and a 7mm, hood, and 7mm gloves. My back inflate BC (Oceanic Excursion) is fairly new, as I bought it two years ago.

Now, a pony bottle would be a nice addition. I would need to add a reg to it however. My current reg set was bought used, and I'm curious what a "better " reg. would be like. Maybe upgrading (?if it really would be noticeable?) to a new reg and placing my current reg on a pony is my best option. Then again, I'm a sucker for shiny packages and flashy advertised items.

[CODMAN]

Do you have a computer? If not that would be an interesting add on... Anything worn out? Gloves, boots, etc...?

How about a seacure mouthpiece for your reg! Cheap and a great upgrade (you will feel the difference).

Before splurging on a new reg, find out if you can borrow some other models (from friends, etc...) to try them out. That way you'll get a feel and see if there is anything out there you will prefer over your old one. The worst thing would be to buy a new reg just to find you prefer your old one!!

Food for thought!

CODMAN

[terfmop]

yeah, I don't want that to happen. I bought new hood recently to replace a worn out. Mouthpiece would be a good idea I think. Thanks for that idea, I had forgotten about that. My LDS sells Oceanic stuff, so I'm partial to that, just haven't had much exposure to the other manufacturers