Newbie advice....

[Confirmed Must Ride]

You probably have this question asked by a lot of new divers but I will go ahead anyway...

Really after advice on new kit, Have completed Open Water and Advanced in Roatan Honduras (superb). Would like to start to purchase my own gear and am after advice on what to buy and what to avoid.

All my diving will be tropical (not really turned on with the cold stuff) so the ability to travel easily is a major consideration.

Equipment I have looked at is.....

Mares Avanti Quattro Fins
Cressi range of BCD's

Advice on these and what sort of Regs to look for would be most appreciative.

Thanks

[nigelH]

There isn't much to chose between BCDs but don't buy any 'special' features and they normally have hidden penalties. If you're travelling weight is a serious consideration so read the spec carefully. Ditto fins. If you are only very warm water you can use full foot fins but that might mean you can't wear boots. In a wet suit you are virtually never too warm in the water so always planning to use boots might be better. Ditto regs. On the reg front stick to the big names so you have the best chance of getting a fix when something breaks.

Incidentally UK diving isn't cold. We just wear different suits. I've been colder diving a blowy spring day in the Red Sea than a February dive in the Channel simply because I didn't expect it.

nigelH

[And]

Hi

Apeks regs are very good. I have also used the Aqualung Legend on my singles rig as well and that is a good reg. It is best to keep to the main brands, ie Scubapro, Apeks, Aqualung, as they use standard hoses and can be fixed in the majority of places you are likely to travel.

As far as BC's then before you make your decision try a wing system and do a bit of reading on the forum. Many people prefer a wing system than a BC.

Andy

[SCUBA Chick]

Originally Posted by And

Hi

Apeks regs are very good.

Andy

Another recommendation for the Apeks reg's...built to last and no problems with mine after just over 100 dives.

Scubachick

[Tim Ingmire]

There are number of people here that started as you did and, despite early resolutions, are now confirmed cold water divers. Unless you are absolutely sure that you won't be diving around the UK (never say 'never') then just go and buy any light-weight bc and reg (places like Divers Warehouse sell 'Red Sea' packages that should meet your needs). If on the other hand you'd think that there might be some possibility of a bit of UK diving (which will then turn into a lot), then yes, go for something more substantial - it may weigh a little more but you won't find yourself having the expense of an upgrade further down the line (and we've all done that!).

If you want good deals on a package then get the dive show at the NEC next weekend. Alternatively see what can be had second hand from YD'ers - lots of us have kit that is just knocking around after converting to UK waters.

[NeilP]

If you are travelling I would say to go with the Oceanic CDX GT.
The first stage is light enough, also FREE service parts with Oceanic Regs.

I would recommend the Mares Abyss, what I use, but the 1st stage weighs loads against the likes of the Oceanic CDX and is an issue if travelling.

Again, Apeks regs have a large following and are very good.

BCD -wise, I would go with the most expensive you can afford.
Others may not agree, but this is my opinion.

Hope this helps!

[SCUBA Chick]

Originally Posted by Timing

There are number of people here that started as you did and, despite early resolutions, are now confirmed cold water divers. Unless you are absolutely sure that you won't be diving around the UK (never say 'never') then just go and buy any light-weight bc and reg (places like Divers Warehouse sell 'Red Sea' packages that should meet your needs). If on the other hand you'd think that there might be some possibility of a bit of UK diving (which will then turn into a lot), then yes, go for something more substantial - it may weigh a little more but you won't find yourself having the expense of an upgrade further down the line (and we've all done that!).

Yes, defo take heed to this advice as I was one of those people that said that I would never ever dive in UK waters and what I am doing now? yep, I'm diving in UK waters!!!! It is worthwhile looking at kit that could be used cold water as well as warm for this reason precisely.....

Scubachick

[Jules]

Originally Posted by Confirmed Must Ride

All my diving will be tropical (not really turned on with the cold stuff)

That's what we all said!

[jlwarlow]

Originally Posted by Confirmed Must Ride

All my diving will be tropical

So would mine, if I could afford it!

[Confirmed Must Ride]

Thanks for the advice so far. I am blessed with working in an industry that makes it cheap enough to get to the warmer dive sites, but after listening to the comments sofar I will take heed and look for equipment that might be seen as a good all rounder.

Any views on Cressi S112 or aqualight?