I found the NomadTrip gear guide useful, thanks.
As I wade through the selection process, I end up with some observations and some questions:
Snorkel: Perhaps the simplest choice to make. I do like the bright top for being seen (especially by fast-moving boats!), and a dry-top. I prefer the rigid to the flex so that the position of the snorkel top is more predictable/controllable. (I'm looking at the Cressi Acitiva Purge 2.)
Weight belt: Also pretty simple, though I have one open question: So many belts have a standard belt buckle (with prong), which surprises me. The "clamp" type seems like it would be MUCH quicker to undo in a life-or-death "drop your weights" situation; am I missing something here? Barring any illuminating new info, I believe I'll go with the clamp-style. (I'm looking at the Beauchat rubber belt with stainless clamp buckle.)
Mask: This seems like the piece of gear most important to try on before buying (or buy with a free return policy, at least). Plastic or glass lenses is a choice that rules out the ever-present Aqualung Sphera or not, then it seems like a horse race. I like the Aqualung Micromask (except for the price), and the Omer Zero and Cressi Minima both look like solid choices as well, but I'm looking forward to visiting the James and Joseph shop during my upcoming training class.
Fins: Ah, getting complicated: Modular or not? Which fin material? Balance of cost and "best" choice? I love to have great gear in any endeavor, but this is a place where there's a 200% to 500% increase in cost involved. I like the idea of modular footpocket+blade combos, but I don't see any mention of cross-brand compatibility. The modular setups that look feasible for me include Cressi, Beauchat Mundial, and Omer, maybe there are more. The thing is, I don't see much in the way of upgrade options for the blades, so why not go with a non-modular? I'm considering the Cressi Gara 3000 LD, Cressi Gara Modular, the Beauchat Elite or Competition, and the Omer Stingray. (Currently leaning towards the Omer Stingray.)
Side note: Booties. Some vendors and forum posters indicate that the same fins can be worn with and without booties, while some say that needs two different foot pockets. If the latter is true, I'm tempted to get fins which fit a modest-thickness bootie, the idea being I'd rather have a bootie on which I don't need than be lacking a bootie and having cold feet. Thoughts and experience welcome.
Wetsuit: Again, pretty complicated, and unless one goes with carbon fins and/or a dive computer, likely the most expensive piece of gear. Choices include vendor, thickness, choice of which neoprene, outside fabric or smoothskin, inside lining or not, and form (two-piece, farmer john or plain pants, one-piece,( Thanks to BatRay, I didn't rule out Elios ("custom-made" sounded expensive!), and in chatting with them via email, combined with input from these forums, I'm looking at a 5mm suit from Elios, open-cell inside, and some kind of exterior fabric, still discussing with Elios. I'll likely skip the custom suit, as I'm typically well-matched to an off-the-shelf medium. (If that doesn't fit, I can swap for a custom suit with no risk except shipping.)
Dive computer: Clearly not required, clearly desirable (both IMHO). Given the expense, I'm going to skip it for my 'beginner phase.' After that, it looks like Suunto and Aeris each have their following, and that anyone else in the race is an also-ran.
I have to say, research is fun... and it's free.
I hope to benefit from the effort by not feeling a need to re-equip for quite some time. Thanks to all on this forum for contributing your time and expertise.
Bob
As I wade through the selection process, I end up with some observations and some questions:
Snorkel: Perhaps the simplest choice to make. I do like the bright top for being seen (especially by fast-moving boats!), and a dry-top. I prefer the rigid to the flex so that the position of the snorkel top is more predictable/controllable. (I'm looking at the Cressi Acitiva Purge 2.)
Weight belt: Also pretty simple, though I have one open question: So many belts have a standard belt buckle (with prong), which surprises me. The "clamp" type seems like it would be MUCH quicker to undo in a life-or-death "drop your weights" situation; am I missing something here? Barring any illuminating new info, I believe I'll go with the clamp-style. (I'm looking at the Beauchat rubber belt with stainless clamp buckle.)
Mask: This seems like the piece of gear most important to try on before buying (or buy with a free return policy, at least). Plastic or glass lenses is a choice that rules out the ever-present Aqualung Sphera or not, then it seems like a horse race. I like the Aqualung Micromask (except for the price), and the Omer Zero and Cressi Minima both look like solid choices as well, but I'm looking forward to visiting the James and Joseph shop during my upcoming training class.
Fins: Ah, getting complicated: Modular or not? Which fin material? Balance of cost and "best" choice? I love to have great gear in any endeavor, but this is a place where there's a 200% to 500% increase in cost involved. I like the idea of modular footpocket+blade combos, but I don't see any mention of cross-brand compatibility. The modular setups that look feasible for me include Cressi, Beauchat Mundial, and Omer, maybe there are more. The thing is, I don't see much in the way of upgrade options for the blades, so why not go with a non-modular? I'm considering the Cressi Gara 3000 LD, Cressi Gara Modular, the Beauchat Elite or Competition, and the Omer Stingray. (Currently leaning towards the Omer Stingray.)
Side note: Booties. Some vendors and forum posters indicate that the same fins can be worn with and without booties, while some say that needs two different foot pockets. If the latter is true, I'm tempted to get fins which fit a modest-thickness bootie, the idea being I'd rather have a bootie on which I don't need than be lacking a bootie and having cold feet. Thoughts and experience welcome.
Wetsuit: Again, pretty complicated, and unless one goes with carbon fins and/or a dive computer, likely the most expensive piece of gear. Choices include vendor, thickness, choice of which neoprene, outside fabric or smoothskin, inside lining or not, and form (two-piece, farmer john or plain pants, one-piece,( Thanks to BatRay, I didn't rule out Elios ("custom-made" sounded expensive!), and in chatting with them via email, combined with input from these forums, I'm looking at a 5mm suit from Elios, open-cell inside, and some kind of exterior fabric, still discussing with Elios. I'll likely skip the custom suit, as I'm typically well-matched to an off-the-shelf medium. (If that doesn't fit, I can swap for a custom suit with no risk except shipping.)
Dive computer: Clearly not required, clearly desirable (both IMHO). Given the expense, I'm going to skip it for my 'beginner phase.' After that, it looks like Suunto and Aeris each have their following, and that anyone else in the race is an also-ran.
I have to say, research is fun... and it's free.
I hope to benefit from the effort by not feeling a need to re-equip for quite some time. Thanks to all on this forum for contributing your time and expertise.Bob
