Scuba Equipment Packages

Chris wrote:
> I've recently moved to Florida and I'm looking to do some diving. I know
> I'll use scuba equipment over time and don't want to rent. I've only made 5
> dives in the past so I'm not experienced.
>
> My frugal nature tells me to purchase an inexpensive equipment package($450
> for BC, gauge, regulator, octopus). Is this a good way to start out?
>
> Also am I limiting myself by not getting a dive computer?
>

I would suggest you get a few more dives logged, rent, borrow, or try
different types of equipment.

Do you REALLY want to trust your life to "inexpensive" life support
equipment?

Andy

nitespark wrote:
>
> I would suggest you get a few more dives logged, rent, borrow, or try
> different types of equipment.

Agree with this.
>
> Do you REALLY want to trust your life to "inexpensive" life support
> equipment?
>
> Andy

Hhmm...I've seem some expensive shit - that was still shit:)

In article <PWS2e.72551$7z6.11653@lakeread04>, nitespark
<nitespark@cox.net> wrote:


€
€ Do you REALLY want to trust your life to "inexpensive" life support
€ equipment?
€
€

Actually, yes. I have no problem trusting my life with a Scubapro
Mk2/R190 or the bottom of the line regulators from Apeks, Sherwood,
etc. Expensive doesn't mean safer. There are some off-brand regulators
that really *are* dangerous, but as far as I know, everything made by
reputable equipment manufacturers is safe. They might not breathe quite
as easily throughout the full range of tank pressures and depths (or
they might. The above combination breathes very well from the surface
to 130ft), but as long as they're maintained well there's no reason not
to trust your life with them.

Alan

Rudy Benner wrote:
<snip>
>
> I totally agree with what has been said before and particularly about
> the above paragraph. The plate and wing is superior in ways that
> matter. Sorry for starting another BP/Wing debate...
>
I'm sure the wing people will be happy.
Selling some thing that costs less to manufacture is the American way and
the "wing" and "backplate" is way cheaper.

We called them horseshoe and backpack when they first showed up.

Chris wrote:
> I've recently moved to Florida and I'm looking to do some diving. I know
> I'll use scuba equipment over time and don't want to rent. I've only made
> 5 dives in the past so I'm not experienced. My frugal nature tells me to
> purchase
> an inexpensive equipment package($450 for BC, gauge, regulator, octopus).
> Is this a good way to start out?
> Also am I limiting myself by not getting a dive computer?

As others have already said, it's a good idea to rent until you have a
better idea just what you want. Chances are, the cheap package won't be it.
Having said that, here are a few other suggestions:
- While you are trying out equipment, don't fail to try a metal wing and
rear inflation system. They're not as common as jacket style BCDs, but most
that try them, like them better.
- Unless you have your own boat, will be diving with those that do, or plan
to do mostly shore diving (you'll get tired of this pretty quick in
Florida), don't buy your own tanks. The cost of the tanks, fulls, annual
inspections and 5 year hydros will probably exceed the cost of renting
tanks, particularly when you consider that the rental includes a fill.
- If you're going to need thermal protection for your diving, and you do in
the winter, even in Florida, buy your own. Fit is important and owning your
own is the only way to be sure you get a good fit.
- Once you've tried a variety of equipment and figured out what you will
like over the long term, talk to your dive shop and others about buying
retired rental equipment. You can save a lot and still get quality
equipment. Of course, it's important that they shop you buy from keeps
their equipment in good shape.
- I suggest against purchasing most cheap packages. In particularly, I
suggest against buying a non name brand regulator. Most divers accept that
their regulators should be serviced periodically, usually annually. Don't
get stuck with a regulator that can only be serviced at the shop you bought
it from.
- For recreational diving, pretty much any name brand regulator will do
fine. You don't need the highest performing regulator ever made to do dives
to 60 feet or so. You want quality equipment, but there's plenty of quality
standard performance equipment on the market.

Regarding a computer, your need for one depends on the diving you will be
doing and who you'll be diving with. If you're going to be doing shallow
dives, in the 40 foot range, a computer is probably an expense you can do
without. If you're shore diving or diving from your own boat, a computer
can be nice, but it's not really necessary. If you're diving deeper, on pay
to dive boats or, you're traveling to dive, you will probably want to buy
one, particularly if you dive with others that have them. It doesn't take
long to get tired of surfacing early because a buddy's tables say he has to.

If you're in SE Florida, the Dania Marine Flea Market is this weekend.
There will be equipment deals there.

Lee

greatviz wrote:
>
>
> nitespark wrote:
>
>>
>> I would suggest you get a few more dives logged, rent, borrow, or try
>> different types of equipment.
>
>
> Agree with this.
>
>>
>> Do you REALLY want to trust your life to "inexpensive" life support
>> equipment?
>>
>> Andy
>
>
> Hhmm...I've seem some expensive shit - that was still shit:)
>

Well, I have too, but generally speaking, when you buy an "inexpensive
regulator", you get what you pay for.

Alan Street wrote:

> In article <PWS2e.72551$7z6.11653@lakeread04>, nitespark
> <nitespark@cox.net> wrote:
>
>
> €
> € Do you REALLY want to trust your life to "inexpensive" life support
> € equipment?
> €
> €
>
> Actually, yes. I have no problem trusting my life with a Scubapro
> Mk2/R190 or the bottom of the line regulators from Apeks, Sherwood,
> etc. Expensive doesn't mean safer. There are some off-brand regulators
> that really *are* dangerous, but as far as I know, everything made by
> reputable equipment manufacturers is safe. They might not breathe quite
> as easily throughout the full range of tank pressures and depths (or
> they might. The above combination breathes very well from the surface
> to 130ft), but as long as they're maintained well there's no reason not
> to trust your life with them.
>

I have no problem with "shopping around" as long as price is not the
sole single determining factor in the decision making process. If I
were a new diver, I would speak with other more experienced divers and
see what they recommended.

In article <310320050928017615%agstreet@nonono_san.rr.com>,
Alan Street <agstreet@nonono_san.rr.com> writes:

> ... as far as I know, everything made by
>reputable equipment manufacturers is safe. ...

Agreed.

> ... they might not breathe quite
>as easily throughout the full range of tank pressures and depths ...

Depending on how much less easily they breath, this can make a BIG
difference in the enjoyment of diving.

--
Charlie Hammond -- Hewlett-Packard Company -- Ft Lauderdale FL USA
(hammond@not@peek.ssr.hp.com -- remove "@not" when replying)
All opinions expressed are my own and not necessarily my employer's.

"Chris" <nospam@nospam.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in:
:Also am I limiting myself by not getting a dive computer?

yes

Dan Bracuk
If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure.

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"Mike Painter" <mddotpainter@sbcglobal.net> pounded away at his
keyboard resulting in:
:I'm sure the wing people will be happy.
:Selling some thing that costs less to manufacture is the American way and
:the "wing" and "backplate" is way cheaper.

Cheaper than what?

My observations are that back inflate BCs, no matter whether it has a
metal, plastic, or whatever as the part that goes against your back,
tend to be more expensive than jacket style BCs.

Dan Bracuk
If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure.

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