Ok i spent yesterday mooching around on tinternet and at a couple of local shops. At the shops i was up front and said i was new to diving and i was trying to get a feel for different kit. (secondhand deal fell through) One dive shop imperticular spent a good hour with me showing me different brands explaining pro's and cons of everything from BCD's to regs and everything in between. Anyway reading reviews in mags listening to advice from shops etc the list i've decided on is
Regs XTX 200 read recent test and seem mutts nuts (expensive but i dont expect to buying anymore for years) With XTX octo and 3 gauge console £439 from DW.
BCD SeaQuest Pro QD LDS said he uses one personally and they are pretty good and felt comfortable when i tried one on £320 from LDS using buddy at the mo in pool training but i dislike the suicide bottle.
Dry suit i'm completely open about really The cordura oceanic one i looked at yesterday felt bomb proof (i'm not exactly gentle) and i want a drysuit that will last me for ever with no problems (ok very few problems) that was about £700 i think in LDS. Is Neoprene as tough? i know it's warmer
Thats what i've found so far just by reading reviews etc. I would appreciate any advice from you more experienced folk (lay on bottom of bath meets that criteria) On the kit and the prices where possible i'd definitely give the Lds that was so helpfull the chance to match or come close to prices. Also i doubt i'd still be still classed as male if i came home with that lot in one go when my girlfriend got hold of me
So whats best to buy first. Is it ok to name the LDS on here that was so helpful?
Finally sorry for the long post and babbling on but it's exciting to buy new shiny stuff but i don't want to end up with crap that will only last a year or so.