Newbie needs help please!!!

[smcmullan]

A Vytec is a very good computer. Keep it safe and treat it well. Put a lanyard on it so if the strap breaks its not a disaster It'll be suitable for all sorts of diving right up to technical dives where you deliberately exceed your no-deco stop limits and switch onto oxygen enriched air (nitrox) in a separate cylinder for cutting down on your decompression stop times. It'll be a wee while before you're doing that so I suppose it is OTT at the moment but look on it as a good investment i.e. I wish I had one

[Crieagle]

Will do it goes back in its box after use.

[Crieagle]

Originally Posted by Simon TW

With regard to luggage if you check with the airline and tell them that you ra certified diver you normally get extra luggage allowance. On top of that a waterproof coat with lots of pockets. I had 18kilo in one the last time I flew.

Inspector gaget coat methinks

[frosty the snowman]

Seems ok but I really wouldn't bother with console. I've never found the perfect place to mount a compass but in a pocket on a curly lanyard works pretty well. As has been said avoid branded bags. I use a plain one for travel and a plastic kit bin for uk (ie proper..!) diving. You really need to try the BC on before you buy. The testers in diver magazine can be a funny shape! what fits them may just be wrong for you. I had a BC that scored well but always felt wrong on me.

[the goat]

Originally Posted by KeyLimePie

Ian,

Lots of people put regs/comp in their hand luggage. I know this is now smaler than previously allowed, but still big enough to accommodate regs.

HTH

Dave

I was stopped last week with my regs at the x-ray. This was a first as I ve always carried them before.Tried to explain but the Gestapo were having none of it and I ended up having to return to the check-in desk and put them in the hold. Hey ho at the other side I had an issue withthem on the first dive so had to use a set from the dive school while they fixed mine. Cant be sure it was caused by the baggage handlers but they were serviced about 6 weeks ago.
From now on I m going to wrap them up inside my case as has been suggested on the forum before.

[Druid]

Originally Posted by Crieagle

I am still concerned about weight restrictions any advice

My holiday dive bag weighs in at around 18kg including regs and torch, all packed in a wheeled bag. All but the stingiest airlines allow 25kg if you are a diver, most will allow you 30kg.

As for your choice of kit:

SeacSub BC is fine, a couple of guys I know use them and like them. I use a Seaquest ProQD, so it would be remiss of me not to recommend it

Apeks regs are a good choice, but you may want to consider the XTX40 as a main reg too. It lacks the breathing resistance adjustment of the 50, but once set up it's not something you would change during a dive anyway. It's also worth looking at the ATX range which have similar performance but lack a few features. I use a twin console and keep my compass in my BC pocket.

Try some different fins before buying. Some people like split fins, and lots of the people I dive with use Force fins Avanti Quattros are a good choice, I like mine. Throw the rubber straps away and fit some spring straps, Woz Straps are good.

Boots: whatever fits is fine.

Bags: Get one that has a zip with large plastic teeth. Metal zips corrode and jam very quickly because of all the salt water they are exposed to. Plastic zips with small teeth last a bit longer before jamming. I've had to buy a new bag the day before I went on holidays because when I got the bag down from the attic the zip had jammed so badly I broke it trying to free it

[big_si]

If you did want to get a torch I can strongly recommend the LED Lenser Frogman as a nifty little one.

It's only small but runs for 50 hours off it's batteries, is LED so the 'bulb' will last forever and is blimmin' bright! (It outperformed the 3 LED hefty scubapro ones that the dive operator we were with in the Red Sea used)
Makes a great back up torch if you go for something fancier in the future too!

What's even better is that it's less than £40!

(Found this one (Ledco 7456 Led Lenser Frogman Neon Gift Box - Ledco 7456 - LED7456 at Tooled-Up.com
for £37, you may do better than that still!)

[Crieagle]

My thanks yet again to all. Some great advice. will look into the xtx 40 as a main choice.

Right its friday so a drink/drinks down the local is called for later people and have a good weekend.

Ian

[Manta]

Originally Posted by Crieagle

Yes Stephen already have the vytec and gloves 3mm. Treated myself in Cyprus, got a good deal I think 185.00 GBP.

Ian

A Vytec for £185 from where??
Name of shop, address, telephone, any info to get in contact with them please!

[Crieagle]

Originally Posted by Manta

A Vytec for £185 from where??
Name of shop, address, telephone, any info to get in contact with them please!

Sorry Manta checked my figures incorrect price. Got a good discount when I bought vytec with a knife for my son and 2 boat dives for both of us. We had just completed our open water.

I think their shop price was more expensive than here. All lumped together got about 20% I think he susidised the diving and made the comp look cheap.