GarryL

I've been diving open circuit trimix since 1999 and made the switch to rebreathers a bit late for a technical diver, only 2 years ago. I chose a second hand Inspiration Classic then for a number of reasons:
- I wanted something with a low cost as I wasn't sure what sort of rebreather I really wanted
- units were relatively cheap and plentiful in very good condition
- they are easy to fix with very good support in the UK
- most divers I knew had either Classics or Visions then so, importantly, there was a really good support network of mates to cover all those questions not covered by the training
- although not the sexiest unit around, the Classic was doing some very serious dives (and still is)
- there were lots of trainers around with plenty of experience on the Inspiration and the training had been refined (lots of early rebreather deaths could be attributed to poor learning and skills)

I used my Classic for 2 years and, did some fantastic dives on it. It was the perfect introduction to rebreather diving for me. I've now moved on to a Meg as my needs have moved on but my point is when you are starting out, I would stick to a unit (not necessarily the Classic) that is already in wide use.