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Sorry. No idea why it’s skipping lines.
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Greg - 4/12/2013 8:38 AM 
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I’ve been diving since September (23 dives so I’m just ahead of you) and I’ve collected most all my gear used. There’s a ton of old junk people think they can sell but every now and then, a reasonable item at a reasonable price is posted. If you’re time doesn’t allow shopping, it will be best to pay more and buy new.
One place I’d be careful is getting a computer. You can pay between $50 (for the right used deal) to $2000 (for a new top of the line). Since this is a vital item to your safety and enjoyment, I’d encourage you to do your homework and don’t buy someone’s old junker. I really like the Aladin Pro that I bought ($50) but I had to replace the battery (in the oil filled case by the way) and it only works for compressed air (so no nitrox possibility). Works great so I’m happy with it - for now.
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Regulators - Buy a brand carried by a local dive shop that is a authorized dealer and service center for that brand. Having said that a environmentally sealed cold water first stage regulator will be reliable under all conditions. My own preference brand is Oceanic which also which is American Underwater Products and they also manufacture Aeris and Hollis brands. Other quality regs are made by Atomic, Aqua-Lung, Scubapro and Sherwood. I suggest these because they are brands that are common worldwide which gives you a better chance to get service in the event of a failure during a trip.
As for BCD the same can be said about brand choice however failures are much more rare and more likely to be user serviceable with common parts. So the issue becomes what will suit your diving. Do you need pockets to store extra gear? Do you want a more minimalist approach? Jacket style, Back Plate & Wing or Side Mounts? When talking about a Jacket Style BCD this is the most common in use today but come in 2 types Standard jacket or Back Inflator style. Both are available as weight integrated and may have additional storage pockets. The back inflator in many circles is considered the next stage design as it’s a compromise to that of the Back Plate & Wing. It’s characteristics in the water are similar in that while diving it tends to keep the diver in a more horizontal swimming position. On the surface it is important to only inflate enough to float the divers head. Overinflating can cause a diver to be forced forward doing a face plant into the water with either the Back inflator jacket or the BP&W where the standard jacket can raise the diver further out of the water. (proper form is to just inflate to float the head) The BP&W has a few advantages over the jacket. It creates a more stable platform to mount the tank giving a more secure feeling. It’s a modular system that allows using plates of differing materials and weights that aid in weighting and trim. It allows for a choice of different weighting systems besides the inherent weight of the plate. It allows for different wings with various lift capacities this allows the diver to carry greater loads of equipment such as rebreathers and multiple tanks. This is an advanced system that is used by recreational divers and technical divers alike and in fact would allow you to advance into tec diving should you want to in the future. Side mounts are a newer entry where the tanks and regulators are attached to you in such a way as to allow better flexibility and movement. It has it’s start in cave diving but has been making inroads to recreational diving. Since I have no direct experience with it I’ll leave further comment on it to someone who does.
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I don’t think I have ever heard anybody say their gear was junk. Think of it, were all relying on this to be able to survive under water. If the gear was junk the user isn’t here to tell about it.LOL I’m diving on the same regulators I bought in 1987. They work flawless under all condition from tropic to ice dives. Brand doesn’t matter as long as your trust your equipment, you’ll enjoy diving and have a great time.
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First you need to know want kind of diving you will be doing.If doing all warm water diving any balance reg will do .Just make sure it is balanced reg.My opinion go with a back inflation bc,Plate and wing ,transpack,or bcd .Not the greatest on the surface but will make it easier to swin level in the water.Mask ,what ever feels comfortable and makes a good seal on your face.Fins, I think Mares makes he best fins but I use frog fins .they work best off NJ.Exposure suit.it dependswhere you will be diving and how your body handles the temp.Buy a dive computor.It does not have to be very expensive one.Just make sure it does nitrox.Have fun and dive safe
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Welcome to diving, Jay!
First, slow down. Talk to folks. Do your home work. I have been in diving for about 40 years. In that time I have completely reconfigured my equipment about three times. Since, you are just getting started the only piece of advise that I would give you at this moment it to make sure that everything you buy fits you perfect - it completely comfortable and is easy to understand. If something makes you fuss on the surface - it will be a nightmare underwater and ruin your diving experience. Go slow - ask questions -
Once again, welcome!
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Thank you for all the good advice. I’I’ve been busy enjoying the summer with trips to RI and the Cape at least once a week. Finally got my partying schedule to meet the dive boat schedule. Open waters dives completed. Certification card in hand.
So my plan was to buy a package from Orbits. Had a nice setup for around 900 from Oceanic. Then I was offered a BCD from a friend for 50 bucks. Done. Then I came across a friend that purchased a bunch of gear 8 yrs ago and only used it that summer. Had to take it. Looks brand spanken new. I still plan to buy a new setup but figured to get started this will do plus I can pass it on to get others involved in scuba.
The brand of equipment is PROSUB. Did some searching and found it stop being distributed in the US around 10 yrs ago. Still a brand in business in Germany. I took apart the regs and they look perfect. Nothing dry rotted. I’m going to get a tank today and check out the gages and do a little shallow water diving to check it out. Anyone filler with this brand? They are PROSUB XTRA regs.
I plan on doing a lot of local diving. Would love to dive with more experienced divers so I can learn the ropes. I’ll post in the buddy section for that.
Thanks again for all the advice and PLEASE give me any more on my new gear. Would really like to get extra replacement parts for everything.
Jay
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Sorry don’t see an edit. Also I’m not making those large spaces. No clue why that’s happening.
Anyone familiar with this brand (PROSUB)?
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