Dive planning - must have?

[chrisch]

Originally Posted by Nawty

...
Now that the Quantum is available for £150 I am really tempted but the last thing I want is for my new toy to break in the first week. Is it's reliability that bad?

Why tempted? Its a two gas model and so not really a feature you need at PADI AOW.

Everyone keeps telling me that its been sorted since the "early days" (I sent mine back three times and got a brand new one back each time before I lost my patience and finally put it on ebay) I'm not sure the Seiko models are totally sorted TBH. The Apeks/DiveRite tends to be the worst offender but the Cressi isn't faultless. They are however, cheap if you want a multi gas model.

Chris

[PeeBee]

I had a quantum that failed within about 10 dives, sent it back and got a brand new replacement which has been good as gold for about 80 dives. I do get the impression that they are sorted now.

[divingniknaks]

Originally Posted by chrisch

They are however, cheap if you want a multi gas model.

Chris

I know what you mean, 'cos I've seen enough of your posts to know where you're coming from. The OP may not have.

CHEAP isn't a word that should be associated with diving IMHO.

Value, maybe. Cheap definately not.

Sorry Chris, but it's something that really gets me going.

On topic, buying a 2 gas comp may not be a bad thing if the OP has designs that way in the future. How many of us have bought something only to "upgrade" it later and then regretted the original purchase.

Comps, personally I'd buy a Suunto.

[chrisch]

Originally Posted by divingniknaks

...
CHEAP isn't a word that should be associated with diving IMHO.
....

Comparatively inexpensive?

Yes - I'd go Suunto too oh wise one. Vyper for preference.

(BTW Phill is right about the upgrade thing - I remember millions - or possibly more - people recommending the Vytec for new divers - "future proof" they said. Then Suunto brought out a new Vytec with deep stop software..... and no of course you couldn't upgrade the old ones..)

Chris
(aka cheapskate )

[Nawty]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Why only considering the Apeks? well, for a certain level of future proof really. It's the same (ish) price as the Gekko and better featured BUT I'd rather have something that does what I want now (and probably for the future) and will be reliable rather than get something that I MAY use in the future on the off chance I get more adventurous. If the Apeks was as reliable as the Gekko then I would get it but through all the research I've done the best comments I can find are "I think the Apeks are better now", which doesn't really cut it for me when I'm going to be 20m under the sea.


Besides, I now know the Gekko does NDT's and they seem to command a decent 2nd hand price so I'd never be losing out that much if I did want to upgrade. I think my mind's made up

Oh, and I'll be sure to search for Shagra

edit: are their any recommended accessories to buy (face covers, lanyards etc)?

[yellowduke]

Originally Posted by Nawty

edit: are their any recommended accessories to buy (face covers, lanyards etc)?

A scratch cover is a good idea. Lanyards i am a bit dubious of to be honest. I think they tend to catch on anything within 10 feet. Straps can break but if you check them regularly you should be able to pre-empt disaster. If concerned you can always drill through each end of the strap and add a short length of bungee to hold it in place should the clasp fail.

Jim

[Arfie]

Originally Posted by Nawty

are their any recommended accessories to buy (face covers, lanyards etc)?

Aye, a boot HERE (pick the right one for your computer) Uses 2 pieces of bungee so if one breaks the other keeps your computer on your wrist and it's much easier to put on and take off.

I struggle to get the BCD on and off with the computer on my wrist so I put it in my pocket while donning and doffing, but I regularly forget to take it out of my pocket until I'm underwater It's really easy though to just put it on with bungee.

Arfie

[gerbil]

Only problem i had with an Apexs is the strap 'disintigrated' while it was being stored - it was all very odd.

Any way jimmy rigged an elastic loop and to be honets i think its better than a strap. Go diving, i just wack it on my arm no fidlling. Apart from that good comp, does the job.

[Aerodive]

My Gekko came with 2 scratch covers
As for lanyards, I use one and it has caught on my bc inflator once or twice. Nowt to panic about, i still prefer to use one rather than take the (small) risk of strap/pin failure.

[Garf]

Originally Posted by Aerodive

My Gekko came with 2 scratch covers
As for lanyards, I use one and it has caught on my bc inflator once or twice. Nowt to panic about, i still prefer to use one rather than take the (small) risk of strap/pin failure.

have you tried putting the gekko on the other wrist. If you have it on your right wrist you can then dump with your left hand on the inflator whilst still looking at the gekko, without the risk of it catching. Dunno what else you're wearing so might not be appropriate, but just a thought...