Equipment Selection

JaceCady · 3rd December 2006, 04:39

So, I'm planning waaaay ahead and looking at equipment even though I'm not trained yet...yeah, I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but window shopping is better than nothing. Besides, at the moment I have the extra excuse of finding equipment for a role-playing character -- I'd rather pick out exactly what she has instead of just putting "SCUBA gear" on her equipment list, especially with the dive-time and stealth advantages of a rebreather rig.

Anyhow, I was hoping someone would be able-and-willing to help me pick out a complete basic set of dive gear...I can afford good stuff that'll last but I don't have money to waste either.

Just from reading reviews online, I really like the Megalodon rebreather -- possibly the Mini version, as I'm a relatively small girl (1.77 metres, 60 kilogrammes although I'm trying to slim back down to my pre-college 55). Also the Sea Quest Diva LX BCD; it's pretty high end but it looks comfortable. One of the reviews mentioned the Diva's really comfortable for a curvy girl and some other models are not, and that is definitely a major plus for me.

Thanks in advance!

-Jackie

***caveseeker7*** · 3rd December 2006, 08:55

Hi Jackie, welcome to Rebreather World.

You're not necessarily getting ahead of yourself, once you start diving you'll want to have your own gear. Dive shop rentals frequently leave much to be desired, some shops only rent the cheap stuff.

If you pick your gear wisely and keep it maintained it shold last you a long time. Furthermore, most of it you should be able to use once you start diving a rebreather. The OC regulator will move from your back to your bailout tank.

Regarding the BCD, while the Dive LX is quite popular it's strictly a single tank OC BCD. You're probaly better off with something like a DiveRite Transpack or Oxycheq Softpack, unless you opt for a backplate and wing. Any of those can be used with many rebreathers, including the Meg.

Either of those can be adjusted as needed and you should have no problem fitting them to your body.

Hollywood Divers in North Hollywood is probably the biggest Dive Rite dealer in your area. Billy dives a Sport Kiss, and Hakim (sp?) an Evolution CCR.

Scuba Schools of America in Montclair is by far the best sorted shop for rebreathers, they're dealer for Dräger, Ambient Pressure and Sport Kiss. It's an ANDI shop, so the standards are high. Good materials and training. Excellent service department if you don't service your own gear, I have friends from the West Side who UPS theirs to SSA for service and usually get it back before local shop monkey would put it on their dirty benches. No one sells more RBs in SoCal than Rusty, he caters to everyone from beginner to CCR diver with CCR only charters. He can be a bit pushy, but you'll be in good hands. SSA is also an Oxycheq dealer. There are no shops selling Megs yet afaIk, but since ANDI is offering training on the Meg it's worth asking about.

A good drysuit (for year round diving

) should be fairly high on your list, and again either of these shops can accomodate.

My choice for a reg is the Atomic B2, breathes beautifully and hasn't failed me yet. Annual check, service every second year. Apeks and Scubapro also have some decent regs that I tried, though I prefer the Atomic.

If you're on a budget I'd skip a dive computer for a while. The ones that work with CCRs tend to be rather expensive (§1K+++). If you really want one see if you can find an inexpensive nitrox computer that works as a gauge, that way you can use it in that mode with a Rebreather as a backup.

Mask just has to fit perfectly, try to find a low volume one. Less mask squeeze, easier to clear, and once you dive a rebreather it's what you want anyway.

Fins are a hotly debated item, I use Jet fins and Apollo splits, they're at the opposite end of the scale. Best try them in the pool (SSA has one) before buying.

That goes for most anything, always nice if you can try it out before you purchase. Which reminds me, Rusty at SSA has had Rebreather Intros the last few years where you can try the units he sells in the pool. For free.

If you get a chance, try them all, it's good fun and an experience worth making.

Good luck, and let us know how you're doing.

JaceCady · 3rd December 2006, 14:53

Thanks!

I looked at drysuits, and just about died when I saw the prices for DUI ones. Especially since their sizing chart says I'm a "medium large tall" and that size is only available in the "Select" trim level, not "Stock", and thus tack on a few hundred more bucks. Argh! Tall, skinny and curvy is a REALLY sucky body shape for athletic stuff, even if the fashion world is obsessed with it.

Any other brand I should look at?

I'm looking at O'Neill wetsuits for now...I have pretty damned good natural temperature tolerance, so I suspect I'll be fine for at least short to medium dives in 5mm neoprene. Given that I swim in the Pacific in a two-piece.

JaceCady · 3rd December 2006, 14:57

Hmmm...I think I like the backplate and wing design; modularity is nirvana.

JaceCady · 3rd December 2006, 15:42

Point of clarification: do you still need an "octopus" backup regulator for your bailout OC rig, or do you generally just carry a single-regulator OC since the entire setup is backup in the first place?

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 3rd December 2006, 19:06

I don't think you should be looking at buying anything just yet. Even if what you get is great equipment, that does not mean it will be the right equipment for you.

I would first seek out a good instructor. Your instructor will know a lot more about what you need and what will work for you.

Meanwhile, you can do some reading about CCR basics and get some overall understanding about things. That way, you will have a lot of good questions to ask your instructor when you are moving along the process.

Welcome aboard.

Doorduijn, Niels · 3rd December 2006, 19:16

Quote: (Originally Posted by JaceCady)

Point of clarification: do you still need an "octopus" backup regulator for your bailout OC rig, or do you generally just carry a single-regulator OC since the entire setup is backup in the first place?

Single regulator for OC bailout.

***caveseeker7*** · 3rd December 2006, 19:49

Quote: (Originally Posted by JaceCady)

Argh! Tall, skinny and curvy is a REALLY sucky body shape for athletic stuff, even if the fashion world is obsessed with it.

Yeah, but it should be helpful finding a sugar daddy to buy the DUI suit.

I lucked out, stock fits perfect.

Quote:

I'm looking at O'Neill wetsuits for now...I have pretty damned good natural temperature tolerance, so I suspect I'll be fine for at least short to medium dives in 5mm neoprene. Given that I swim in the Pacific in a two-piece.

Be careful, you'll lose body heat fast, doesn't matter if you "can take it" or not.
Don't take hypothermia lightly. It gets pretty nippy at depth, during winter temps are in the 40s.

***caveseeker7*** · 3rd December 2006, 19:57

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

I would first seek out a good instructor.
Your instructor will know a lot more about what you need and what will work for you.

Really good instructors are hard to come by, especially at the entry level.
At least my experience, seems every yoyo can get an OW-I ticket.
That aside, most are attached to stores in one way or another, which means
they sell what they have in stock. And many L.A. dive store monkeys wouldn't
know a backplate if you hit them over the head with it. Much less how to thread it.
Rebreathers? Right. some don't allow nitrox on their trips. F***ing dark ages.
You will get fins in 5 shades of pink, though.

JaceCady · 3rd December 2006, 22:26

Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7)

Don't take hypothermia lightly. It gets pretty nippy at depth, during winter temps are in the 40s.

Yeah, I took EMT-B training a few summers ago so I'm pretty aware of hypothermia risks. Don't worry, I'm not gonna be wearing a tropical wetsuit in the dead of winter just because it's "sexy" looking.

3rd December 2006, 04:39	#1 (permalink)
JaceCady New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 31	Equipment Selection So, I'm planning waaaay ahead and looking at equipment even though I'm not trained yet...yeah, I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but window shopping is better than nothing. Besides, at the moment I have the extra excuse of finding equipment for a role-playing character -- I'd rather pick out exactly what she has instead of just putting "SCUBA gear" on her equipment list, especially with the dive-time and stealth advantages of a rebreather rig. Anyhow, I was hoping someone would be able-and-willing to help me pick out a complete basic set of dive gear...I can afford good stuff that'll last but I don't have money to waste either. Just from reading reviews online, I really like the Megalodon rebreather -- possibly the Mini version, as I'm a relatively small girl (1.77 metres, 60 kilogrammes although I'm trying to slim back down to my pre-college 55). Also the Sea Quest Diva LX BCD; it's pretty high end but it looks comfortable. One of the reviews mentioned the Diva's really comfortable for a curvy girl and some other models are not, and that is definitely a major plus for me. Thanks in advance! -Jackie
(Offline)

3rd December 2006, 08:55	#2 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,318	Re: Equipment Selection Hi Jackie, welcome to Rebreather World. You're not necessarily getting ahead of yourself, once you start diving you'll want to have your own gear. Dive shop rentals frequently leave much to be desired, some shops only rent the cheap stuff. If you pick your gear wisely and keep it maintained it shold last you a long time. Furthermore, most of it you should be able to use once you start diving a rebreather. The OC regulator will move from your back to your bailout tank. Regarding the BCD, while the Dive LX is quite popular it's strictly a single tank OC BCD. You're probaly better off with something like a DiveRite Transpack or Oxycheq Softpack, unless you opt for a backplate and wing. Any of those can be used with many rebreathers, including the Meg. Either of those can be adjusted as needed and you should have no problem fitting them to your body. Hollywood Divers in North Hollywood is probably the biggest Dive Rite dealer in your area. Billy dives a Sport Kiss, and Hakim (sp?) an Evolution CCR. Scuba Schools of America in Montclair is by far the best sorted shop for rebreathers, they're dealer for Dräger, Ambient Pressure and Sport Kiss. It's an ANDI shop, so the standards are high. Good materials and training. Excellent service department if you don't service your own gear, I have friends from the West Side who UPS theirs to SSA for service and usually get it back before local shop monkey would put it on their dirty benches. No one sells more RBs in SoCal than Rusty, he caters to everyone from beginner to CCR diver with CCR only charters. He can be a bit pushy, but you'll be in good hands. SSA is also an Oxycheq dealer. There are no shops selling Megs yet afaIk, but since ANDI is offering training on the Meg it's worth asking about. A good drysuit (for year round diving ) should be fairly high on your list, and again either of these shops can accomodate. My choice for a reg is the Atomic B2, breathes beautifully and hasn't failed me yet. Annual check, service every second year. Apeks and Scubapro also have some decent regs that I tried, though I prefer the Atomic. If you're on a budget I'd skip a dive computer for a while. The ones that work with CCRs tend to be rather expensive (§1K+++). If you really want one see if you can find an inexpensive nitrox computer that works as a gauge, that way you can use it in that mode with a Rebreather as a backup. Mask just has to fit perfectly, try to find a low volume one. Less mask squeeze, easier to clear, and once you dive a rebreather it's what you want anyway. Fins are a hotly debated item, I use Jet fins and Apollo splits, they're at the opposite end of the scale. Best try them in the pool (SSA has one) before buying. That goes for most anything, always nice if you can try it out before you purchase. Which reminds me, Rusty at SSA has had Rebreather Intros the last few years where you can try the units he sells in the pool. For free. If you get a chance, try them all, it's good fun and an experience worth making. Good luck, and let us know how you're doing. __________________ Cheers Stefan "It is still a good day if you are on the green side of the grass! Su amigo Roberto!" Sponsor Lou in Race For Life!
(Offline)

3rd December 2006, 14:53	#3 (permalink)
JaceCady New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 31	Re: Equipment Selection Thanks! I looked at drysuits, and just about died when I saw the prices for DUI ones. Especially since their sizing chart says I'm a "medium large tall" and that size is only available in the "Select" trim level, not "Stock", and thus tack on a few hundred more bucks. Argh! Tall, skinny and curvy is a REALLY sucky body shape for athletic stuff, even if the fashion world is obsessed with it. Any other brand I should look at? I'm looking at O'Neill wetsuits for now...I have pretty damned good natural temperature tolerance, so I suspect I'll be fine for at least short to medium dives in 5mm neoprene. Given that I swim in the Pacific in a two-piece.
(Offline)

3rd December 2006, 14:57	#4 (permalink)
JaceCady New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 31	Re: Equipment Selection Hmmm...I think I like the backplate and wing design; modularity is nirvana.
(Offline)

3rd December 2006, 15:42	#5 (permalink)
JaceCady New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 31	Re: Equipment Selection Point of clarification: do you still need an "octopus" backup regulator for your bailout OC rig, or do you generally just carry a single-regulator OC since the entire setup is backup in the first place?
(Offline)

3rd December 2006, 19:06	#6 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 1,927	Re: Equipment Selection I don't think you should be looking at buying anything just yet. Even if what you get is great equipment, that does not mean it will be the right equipment for you. I would first seek out a good instructor. Your instructor will know a lot more about what you need and what will work for you. Meanwhile, you can do some reading about CCR basics and get some overall understanding about things. That way, you will have a lot of good questions to ask your instructor when you are moving along the process. Welcome aboard. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
(Offline)

3rd December 2006, 19:16	#7 (permalink)
Doorduijn, Niels Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic MK 15.X Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Netherlands Posts: 53	Re: Equipment Selection Quote: (Originally Posted by JaceCady) Point of clarification: do you still need an "octopus" backup regulator for your bailout OC rig, or do you generally just carry a single-regulator OC since the entire setup is backup in the first place? Single regulator for OC bailout.
(Offline)

3rd December 2006, 19:49	#8 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,318	Re: Equipment Selection Quote: (Originally Posted by JaceCady) Argh! Tall, skinny and curvy is a REALLY sucky body shape for athletic stuff, even if the fashion world is obsessed with it. Yeah, but it should be helpful finding a sugar daddy to buy the DUI suit. I lucked out, stock fits perfect. Quote: I'm looking at O'Neill wetsuits for now...I have pretty damned good natural temperature tolerance, so I suspect I'll be fine for at least short to medium dives in 5mm neoprene. Given that I swim in the Pacific in a two-piece. Be careful, you'll lose body heat fast, doesn't matter if you "can take it" or not. Don't take hypothermia lightly. It gets pretty nippy at depth, during winter temps are in the 40s. __________________ Cheers Stefan "It is still a good day if you are on the green side of the grass! Su amigo Roberto!" Sponsor Lou in Race For Life!
(Offline)

3rd December 2006, 19:57	#9 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,318	Re: Equipment Selection Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) I would first seek out a good instructor. Your instructor will know a lot more about what you need and what will work for you. Really good instructors are hard to come by, especially at the entry level. At least my experience, seems every yoyo can get an OW-I ticket. That aside, most are attached to stores in one way or another, which means they sell what they have in stock. And many L.A. dive store monkeys wouldn't know a backplate if you hit them over the head with it. Much less how to thread it. Rebreathers? Right. some don't allow nitrox on their trips. F***ing dark ages. You will get fins in 5 shades of pink, though. __________________ Cheers Stefan "It is still a good day if you are on the green side of the grass! Su amigo Roberto!" Sponsor Lou in Race For Life!
(Offline)

3rd December 2006, 22:26	#10 (permalink)
JaceCady New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 31	Re: Equipment Selection Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7) Don't take hypothermia lightly. It gets pretty nippy at depth, during winter temps are in the 40s. Yeah, I took EMT-B training a few summers ago so I'm pretty aware of hypothermia risks. Don't worry, I'm not gonna be wearing a tropical wetsuit in the dead of winter just because it's "sexy" looking.
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode