BCD/Reg Recommendations

I've got PADI advanced certification but limited number of dives. Looking
to return to the Red Sea for experience with my own gear and to get to the
next level. Have been looking at a Scubapro Glide 1000/Mk16/S550 package
for warm water diving but am finding the dive mags short on help - all
recommendations/suggestions greatly received. What should I be looking at
that'll keep me going for a good few years? Also, should I be buying from a
show or shop?

Ta.

Brad

On Mon, 13 Oct 2003 19:45:47 +0000, Bradley Martin wrote:

> next level. Have been looking at a Scubapro Glide 1000/Mk16/S550
> package for warm water diving but am finding the dive mags short on help
> - all recommendations/suggestions greatly received. What should I be
> looking at that'll keep me going for a good few years? Also, should I
> be buying from a show or shop?

Well, I do quite a lot of warm water diving and what I've used for the
last couple of hundred dives is a Dive Rite Transpac II. It's very
comfortable with a padded back and it packs down really small. I've got
both a Travel wing and a Trek wing. The travel is OK for warm water
diving, but if you're doing something a bit more temperate the Trek might
be worth a look. You can also put a medium sized set of twins on it if
you want.

I also use the integrated weights. Unlike some other brands, they're well
designed and it's impossible for the weights to fall out. Not having a
weightbelt makes life more comfortable too, especially in a thin wetsuit.
Having the weight on the jacket also means that you don't have the problem
of aluminium tanks lifting up your back as they become empty and more
bouyant.

For regs I use a mixture of Apeks TX40s and TX50s.

Jason

--
http://www.scuba-addict.co.uk/ for Aussie diving reports including
the Coral Sea, Ningaloo reef, the Solitaries and Byron Bay

shows are cheaper (usually) and its all
the same kit. Apeks or Scubapro regs
are v.good, I use the S550 2nd stage
with the MK25 1st stage which is very
good indeed (thought he MK16 is v. adequate for warm water). As for BCD's,
avoid weight integration involving velcro as it won't last! (mine tore off
after 40 dives). Otherwise theryre alll v. good, its a mater
of personal pref. I use A.P. valves
Buddy (unbreakable) jackets.
Hope that helps.

"Bradley Martin" <bradley_david_martin@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bmevdb$t5s$1@titan.btinternet.com...
> I've got PADI advanced certification but limited number of dives. Looking
> to return to the Red Sea for experience with my own gear and to get to the
> next level. Have been looking at a Scubapro Glide 1000/Mk16/S550 package
> for warm water diving but am finding the dive mags short on help - all
> recommendations/suggestions greatly received. What should I be looking at
> that'll keep me going for a good few years? Also, should I be buying from
a
> show or shop?
>
> Ta.
>
> Brad
>
>

Goto a shop and ask for show prices. At least that way you've got someone
who'll set it up for you and want to help you.