February 21, 2010

Scuba Gear Package

Scuba Gear Package
I am looking to buy two new sets of Scuba gear for newly certified divers. I'm wondering if Mares gear is good

Here's a link to the package I am considering.

http://www.joediveramerica.com/page/JDA/PROD/csp/PKG444

I would appreciate any useful advise that would help me make the most informed descision possible. There are so many different manufacturers and features, not to mention prices.

I think that's a Mares Vector 1000 BC. They had a pretty good review from some independent testers. The only thing I can see there that's to dislike is the plastic D rings. Dunno why they didn't bother with stainless.
The rest of the package is "ok", meaning fine for entry level but I wouldn't want to push those regs in cold water and freezing...nope not at all.
Price is ok, but it usually is for online sales (which I'm against for dive gear). You should visit a shop to try things on. Everyone's body is different, not to mention what you plan on doing with that gear. Some rigs suck at wreck diving, but are great reef cruisers, for example.
Think long and hard about your budget and what you need to lay out in the immediate future. Some parts of your rig can be rented until you have the funds to buy and it won't put you in the poor house right away. You'll also have the chance to evaluate more different rigs this way, before a large investment. What also works, is to find divers in the area you plan on doing the most diving and ask them what they prefer and what works in that area. They're gonna know, as they've already travelled that road.
All the major manufacturers are good, Dacor, Mares, OMS, Dive Rite, Scuba Pro Tusa, etc. Prices vary because you're paying for little extras on each particular rig. Some regs may be environmentals, meaning you can add 1/3 on to the cost immediately as compared to a similar reg that isn't. Same goes with those stainless D rings I mentioned earlier. There should be little or no plastic attachment points on a solid BC, but you're gonna pay for it. Stainless costs more than plastic.
I guess it all comes down to the old adage " Buy the best that you can afford" and dive within the limitations of that equipment.

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