1st & 2nd stage and octopus + BCD recommendations [Archive]

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andyg03

03-07-2008, 23:31

NickBCotswold

04-07-2008, 08:54

Ladies and Gents,

Am half way through my Ocean Diver training and am looking at recommendations for the above. Should I buy new and if so what should I buy so that I won't end up as a 'all the gear, no idea' bloke.
I have already decided to crack on with my Sports Diver straight after as I'm well hooked hence the question.

I ask as I have to justify the cost to 'The Boss' who has been VERY understanding so far.

Cheers
AG

hello mate, congrats on the OD course.....sounds like te bug has firmly bitten you!!!

regarding choosing a BC and reg set up.....most people would advise speaking to as many member of your dive club as poss - - and then asking to try theirs in the pool!!

Thats what I did, then drew up a short list, did some internet research.....then luckily for me about the same time was one of the dive shows - went along, met my DO there who helped me choose a good deal....

Of course, try your local dive store, (we try to support them as much as possible!) but dont be surprised if they only show you what they have in stock......

Nick

ChristianG

04-07-2008, 09:35

Ladies and Gents,

Am half way through my Ocean Diver training and am looking at recommendations for the above. Should I buy new and if so what should I buy so that I won't end up as a 'all the gear, no idea' bloke.
I have already decided to crack on with my Sports Diver straight after as I'm well hooked hence the question.

I ask as I have to justify the cost to 'The Boss' who has been VERY understanding so far.
Chuckle. :)

Right now you're very enthusiastic and therefore also enthusiastic about buying shiny bits.

I suggest you wait (gawd, how many times have I said this?) until you espy the lay of the land. Try as much gear as you can (beg, steal, borrow, rent), take notes (you'll forget or get confused otherwise) and eventually even get an idea of what you want to do in diving - you have no clue as to that whatsoever ATM. Until that last, nor do you know what you will eventually want in the way of gear.

The internet is littered with unwanted dive gear. A lot of it is there because of that last and much of the rest is there because first time buyers got disinterested in diving very quickly. Both are things that need due consideration.

Turtle Dude

04-07-2008, 12:57

I echo the "try as much different kit in your clubs as you can".

Yes there is a lot of secondhand stuff out there, but just be aware that servicing of regulators is not cheap (my last set cost me just over £80 for the 1st stage and two 2nd stages), so after you have something serviced it may not be so much of a S/H bargain.

A good regulator will last you an awfully long time, so don't get suckered into thinking I will buy one now and change it later as I move on... get something good, and happy with, and you won't need to change it.

There is also helpful review material on various web sites and forums (although your club peers are still one of the best sources for views), that is worth browsing.

Personally I would only buy S/H, if you knew the source or it was dirt cheap and you have figured servicing into the total cost. Given this, for me, regulators expeciallly rarely make good S/H savings.

Finally, get recommendaitons from your club on good shops - the good dive shops can be very helpful (and compared to buying online, worth the small cost diference if you are starting out and want advice).

Gordon

04-07-2008, 13:24

You can't go far wrong with Apex XTX40s - sure Woz will be able to tell you where's cheapest for them atm (but do make sure you like them first).

G

Andy (treerat)

04-07-2008, 21:08

You can't go far wrong with Apex XTX40s - sure Woz will be able to tell you where's cheapest for them atm (but do make sure you like them first).

G

If you are after a set or regs that will last your diving go for the APEXS ATX 40s. They are doing some great deals on them at present.

If you want an entre level bc than something like the ND Guardian is a good star point. Buddy ones though will last you a lifetime.

However as others have said, try a few options first and see what's comfertable.
Andy

andyg03

05-07-2008, 02:37

VMT guys for all the advice.

Andy G :)

TrevorB

06-07-2008, 13:37

I cannot argue with Buddy jackets for tough construction, however if you are going to do a lot of diving abroad they are heavy. We have a couple in the club and the most anoying thing is the hose, its different to all the other jackets and means regs need dedicating to those jackets.

We also have some Cressi jackets that have stood the test of time and have nice little side pockets to add sea weights, ideal for adding weight to novice divers when sorting out buoyancy.

We have some Sea Quest integrated weight jackets and one has already become non servicable due to a plastic panel rip, I think I will avoid BC's with plastic panels in future

Love Apex regulators I own 2 sets and the club has 15 only regret was the TX 20 octopus, not sure they still make them, but I have replaced them all now.

I think I would go Din if I was buying again, most cylinders adapt and the Din to A clamp is inexpensive and easy to fit to when the cylinder wont adapt.

Trevor
LMC Dive

Turtle Dude

06-07-2008, 13:50

I think I would go Din if I was buying again, most cylinders adapt and the Din to A clamp is inexpensive and easy to fit to when the cylinder wont adapt.

Having just replaced my regulators I agree with Trevor's Din point. Given the inherent advantages and ease of use of Din to A adaptor I see little point in getting A-clamp regs any more (of buying new). Diferent if I was buying S/H (as it is easy to live with 232 bottles), so am only referring to new regs.

bert

06-07-2008, 13:56

I still have my old buddy commando. Works great and apart from colour fade and fashion looks is as good as new.

I dont think you can do better than Scubapro regs. Though Mares are close.