Quote: (Originally Posted by trash)
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But my local dive shop decided he wouldn't hire me a unit. (he had no qualms selling me one, given his $4800 aud price tag).
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Am I overstepping my mark with a dolphin or should I consider paying money to people I don't like ?
Are there any tips and tricks that might be helpful ?
From your profile it is not clear where in Oz you are, but if you can, spent some time in the "Troll Cave" - aka Southern Cross Divers, Spit, Sydney - and talk to Bazza about rebreathers. He may be able to arrange a trial with other units (Inspo, Evolution, MK15.5, KISS??? ...) Besides SCR (like the Dolphin), there are manual CCRs (like the KISS) or electronic CCRs like the Inspo and others, available. Before you spent the money, try out other options.
No, I am not affiliated with SCD. Exactly the opposite - Bazza seems to get extreme pleasure from taking my money for training, parts, consumables ... :-))) Nevertheless - try the other options before committing to a Dolphin. Also, there is a lot of reading material on Rebreatherworld - try out the library!