Advice on equipment..

[Semi]

This is my second try maybe someone will answer to my question (big thanks in advance

After few weeks of searching on web I found these stuff which I would like to buy as my first freediving gear...

Mask: Technisub Falco Transparent or CressiSub Minima
Well im not sure which one to pick from these two.. Minima seems to have even smaller volume than Falco but on other side with Falco you could get better angle visibility (sp)? Anyone has some expirience with these two masks?

Fins: CressiSub Gara 3000
From what I heard these are best reasonable priced plastic fins arround. I dont have problems with tougher fins so hopefully these will fit to me. If you have other suggestion you are more than welcome.

Wetsuit: Spiro Diveskin Custom
Well I have 194cm but only 82Kg and im really not that wide so regular suits do fit me. So I would like to get some custom made from Spiro company which seems to offer wetsuits for FD for reasonable price (oh yeah always talking about money ) But really Im newbie in this section I used just simple surf neoprene so far and im not sure which. I would like prolly 5mm version. But I dont know which material I should pick If you could enlight me little bit then I will owe you one or two or three beers if you ever come to Prague

I think thats it for now maybe later ill buy some computer thanks a lot for answers

[atomichaggis]

I'd give the transparent mask a miss. They are prone to glare with light entering from the sides and reflecting on water on the inside.

they also give your eyes away when spearfishing.

[Jon]

I've owned both of those masks and would go with the Falco for what your doing- try to get it in black silicone.

The 3000's are a great fin and a good one to start with- the 2000 HD's get stiff in the cold water your diving in and I've found the 3000's to be a bit nicer for cold water.

I never had any luck with the Diveskin wet suit- especially their custom cut suits. I would go with an Elios if you need to go custom. For stock suits there are other options out there- OMER, Cressi, and Beuchat to name a few. I would also go with a 5mm Opencell/nylon for your waters- which are similar to mine.

Don't forget about a rubber weightbelt- it makes a difference.

Jon

[deep thinker]

I second Atomic on the mask, I prefer a black rubber mask with double lenses, they just perform better when under water and you will actually be amazed at the feild of view you get.
Ive also never heard anything bad about the 3000s and most of my freinds who use them seem very happy. Allthough I still like my Picassos the best .
Never used the make of suit you mention but if its custom fitted it cant be too bad. The suits mentioned by Jon are all very good suits though. 5mm is good if your diving in colder water, but if your like me you mite find that the 5mil is too warm, I find it too hot even in 13 deg water.
A few additions Id add to your list is dive socks at least 2 or 3mm, gloves and a weight belt. These items just makes your stay in the water so much more comfy

[Semi]

Great.. thanks for answers.. I wonder "opencell" is type of material from which is wetsuit made? This is site of the company which makes that wetsuits Diveskin - Neoprene Creations

Of course belt ive missed that but certainly ill get one.. same thing with socks

[atomichaggis]

Semi,

'Open cell' just means that the neoprene rubber has no lining on it (typically nylon).
Neoprene is full of little air bubbles which on the surface of the fabric act like little suction cups and make it stick to your skin which prevents flushing, so it keeps You warmer than a Nylon lined watersports wetsuit.

They are harder to put on than lined wetsuits and usually require some lubrication... I use 1 part liquid soap in 10 parts water but you can use hair conditioner or talcum powder or over the counter water based lubes.
The open cell surface of a wetsuit is very fragile and has to be handled with care, fingernails or even fingertips can tear it. It is best to handle with the palms of Your hand.

Most freediving wetsuits are open cell on the inside. spearfishing suits are typically Nylon lined outside to protect against sharp rocks and reefs and open cell inside to keep you warm.
Competition freediving suits are typically open cell inside for warmth and some kind of 'Smoothskin' (closed cell neoprene) on the outside to reduce drag. smoothskin suits need to be handled with care on both sides as neither has a protective Nylon lining.