Iconic Kit

[stewbie]

Not sure if this should be posted here, but can't think where else....

Dive Magazine do a regular poll of iconic kit.

I was just interested as to what kit the average (frightening word) YD type person would say was top of their "I would definately buy again if I know then what I know now."

I've been pondering this question, thinking about my torch (mmmm salvo), computer, regulator, Fourth Element undersuit, pro-ear mask sort of thing.

I reckon it is a toss up between the Suunto Gekko and my Aqualung Titan LX regs.
The Suunto was thrown into sharp relief on my DM internship, especially when considering the ascent speeds etc when supervisong students. Having said that, I am sure any computer would have worked just as well.

So, I am going for my regs. The Aqualung regs were bought on recommendation from one of my instructors. They were relatively cheap and breath like a dream. What iseven more surprising is that even after my purchase, I've discovered that most reviewers also agree that they are a great bargain buy. Even better with a seacure mouthpiece on them!!

[frosty the snowman]

Well I'd have to vote for my aged posiedon cyklon regulator. I know, I know, they're primitive, ugly, side diaphragm and don't have a clever adjuster. And that's why I like it. Simple, more sustance than style, useable any way round and if I want more gas I suck harder! The fact that it's been around for 40ish years has to say something. Oh and a vote for my McMahon reel. 12 years, no jams no breakages. Cool!

[Richie]

As Frostie - the Cyklons.
I bought my first 28 years ago; a 300.
And replaced with assorted 5000's - a bullet proof bit of kit. Not elegant but give gas when asked and are the shoulder equivalent of ambidextrous.

Ended up buying SWMBO Apeks though

[ardhill]

Well, after a bit of though I recon it would be my neo dry socks and Rock Boots.

I really don't like the feeling of my feet being insecure in dry suit boots. With the socks & boots I don't get that feeling at all and I can pump as much air into my legs as I want and don't worry about my fins popping off.
.

[Freeflow]

For a top down review of me kit:

Hood: Cressi and it's actually part yellow-yes something that isn't all black! I'm trying to find another non black hood, and I'll have a harder look after Xmas.

Mask: Typhoon Excel and copies. My first mask was run over by a bloke reversing his van when it was seven years old. I nearly cried.

Regs: various Apeks, TX40s were my first and I still love 'em I have 50s, 200s, and an egress and they are all excellent.

BC/Wing: Buddy Commando TD and Explorer TD for UK and foreign single tank stuff, CD TDB twin bladder wing for twins upwards. All well made and better than the first one I had, which is still actually diving in the hands of a friend, but not suited to the sort of diving I do now.

Suit: I actually dive in one of only three made as it was a test suit for a couple of friends who were looking at going into business making them. It's also the one that has lasted longest, as I killed an Oceanic Aera and two Mobys. And it's pockets are 'kin huge!

Weights: Beaver harness. I've been diving it since they first came out and its a cracking bit of kit.

Fins: Technisub Idea3. The best and most powerful I have ever used. Not been made for years now, but a frend found a set in the back of a shop so I have a spare pair. Left behind a Force Fin with twiddly bits diver recently

SCR: Drager Dolphin. Cracking bit of kit, easy to modify to CCR if that's the way you want to go and simple to use. The harness and wing are a bit crap though and not up to the standard of the rest of the kit or Buddy [who make the wing] other products.

Computer: I own a Vytec, Cobra and Viper. All good bits of kit. Now I have stopped teaching I don't use the Cobra often, but the Vytec is great for the divign I do and I can't see that I'll change it. It's a shame that Suunto don't make the software updateable though, or a trimix version. I know that the VR3 does, but with £800 of computer strapped to my arm I'd want a better strap!

[Sakara Drinker]

Originally Posted by ardhill

Well, after a bit of though I recon it would be my neo dry socks and Rock Boots.

I really don't like the feeling of my feet being insecure in dry suit boots. With the socks & boots I don't get that feeling at all and I can pump as much air into my legs as I want and don't worry about my fins popping off.
.

Glad to hear you say that as I have just sent my suit away to have the boots removed and socks fitted. Rock boots when I get home.

I suppose my best bits of kit are my Apeks regs and my Suunto computers. Very happy with both manufacturers.

[nigelH]

I might dither about what rebreather to buy if I was doing it again, especially now there is so much choice, but if it was a twinset my inverted Faber 10/300s on the Combro plate (despite all the angst getting the plate cost me) with the Apeks TX50s would be an obvious obvious choice. We had lots of fun together.

[Dan Wilko]

Another vote for Suunto Gekko, and now i figured out that i can do computer downloads even better!
And my hydrotech weight harness ALOT more comfortable and secure than a weight (which fell off! Hence the reason why i brought a harness, and havn't looked back since!)

[ardhill]

Originally Posted by Sakara Drinker

Glad to hear you say that as I have just sent my suit away to have the boots removed and socks fitted. Rock boots when I get home.

I am concidering buying a new drysuit ATM, and there is no question - A new suit WILL have soft dry socks for me to use Rock Boots.
(If I get a new suit, there may be an Otter Brittanic up for sale with neo socks)

Originally Posted by Freeflow

Hood: Cressi and it's actually part yellow-yes something that isn't all black! I'm trying to find another non black hood, and I'll have a harder look after Xmas.

Just looking at at one earlier actually: Diving hoods and gloves (3rd down)

[Neil M]

my apollo bios, my tusa mask and my pro-ears mask would be on my shopping list if i needed to buy again.....