Hi Gary
I currently dive OC trimix, but am due to take delivery of a new inspo with the vision elecs early Dec. My move to CCR is due to the high costs of regular trimix diving. I am regulary paying around £100-£140 for gas for a weekend mix diving.
My advice would be not to bother with the OC trimix route, and get the inspo on orderd now (its currently running at a 11 month del). As when you switch from OC to CC most of your OC skills are nil and void, and skills need to be relearnt and masterd.
If you are serious about getting in to trimix diving CCR is the route to go down not semiclosed, so dont waist money on gear which will need to be upgraded as you progress. As for OC dont waist money on equipment and courses which wont be of any use to you when you make the switch from OC to CC. For example i am currently OC Adv-Trimix qualified but i will have to repeat a trimix course for the rebreather, so i am doubling up on courses just to dive to depths on gases that i am already qualified to use(But i wont go into that debate on this thread
)
But if you already own all the OC kit for trimix diving then go for it, it is good to get a season mix diving OC under yourbelt, as IMHO OC mix diving is probably the most discaplined side of our sport. I just would not waist anymore money on on gear if you are going to end up on CCR.
ATB
Gareth