Purchase of new kit

[Balpherus]

Hello :wave

I've ordered a whole new kit (or at least I think it's everything apart from mask, snorkel, knife and float-line) for use in the north UK waters.

OMER Cayman HF camu 3D 75cm Speargun
CRESSI Apnea 7mm Wetsuit high waist trousers
OMER Stingray camo 2012 Fins
CRESSI Rubber elastic belt Belt
BEST DIVERS Carabiner hook Clip
OMER Weight vest M.Bardi Weight vest
OMER Belt D ring Clip
IMERSION Monofilament kit Spear line
OMER Bungee Moya Spear line
OMER Fin holder Fins
IMERSION Swivel Spear line
OMER Clipper float Alpha flag float


I hope nothing is missing, already got spear shafts and tips, weights and bags.
I'll let you know when it arrives.

It's my first time getting a new kit tailored for this activity and with a reasonable budget.

If it looks like I've ordered a load of rubbish then please don't feel the need to tell me just now :naughty(it hasn't arrived yet), as the idea of this thread is for me to pass on my experience.

 

[foxfish]

looks like you have some very nice kit coming your way & you are going to be toasty in a 7mm too!

 

[grantl]

Looks grand to me. I've always used 5mm suits in Scotland and they are 'ok' when it's 10deg or so (now).
I've recently started using a 7 mm Sporasub suit and its so much warmer. I'm actually surprised how much warmer it is tbh.

The only thing you need for an extended winter diving season is a good torch and cheap back up.

Enjoy

 

[Balpherus]

EDITING FINISHED

:thankyou Thank you Foxfish and Grantl.

I'm looking forward to the warmth 7mm gives and don't wish to re experience hypothermia.

OMER Clipper has just arrived and looks very good quality.

[The ORANGE fabric on the upper] The type of fabric many rucksacks are made of but with no waterproof backing. A medium weight material offering good durability.

[The BLACK fabric of the base] Waterproof fabric like marquee fabric but a medium weight offering substantial durability.

Two slightly flexible runners are on the under side for either dragging over sand or increased stability in the water. There are also three D-rings on the under side with one centered and the others at the back on each side.

Two grab handles at the front, two at the back one each side and a big grab handle centered on the upper. It has lots of eye-lets around the edge to fasten things to and a sturdy mesh bag with velcro opening at the front big enough for sandwiches, flask and apple.

The fine mesh holding area built on to the upper has a less than ample opening and is a real squeeze to get my hand in, and that's before being inflated which will make it harder to do.:head

Big nylon zips hold the inflatable bladder openings closed and velcro flaps give access to the inflater valves.
Alpha flag fits in a webbing sleave near the front and is accompanied by the alpha flag print on each side of the float. It has a large webbing handle on the under side at the front which I might tie up to stop it catching on things.

The outer seem is over sewn with webbing for added durability.
75kg carry handling. 0.5 bar/1.5 psi inflation pressure.

I was interested in the MARES bodyboard style one, but the clipper looked better, has better features and was more cost effective. (cheaper)

OMER Clipper Float ordered from Apnea.co.uk and arrived three days after the order was dealt with. Well packaged and from a real bricks and mortor shop even though it was their online sales. The prices on their site do not include VAT so it cost a bit more than I first thought it would but a fair postage rate.

Verdict:

My purchase from Apnea.co.uk went very well.

I am delighted with the OMER Clipper Float.

 

[foxfish]

I used a 7mm suit once but it is was a compromise of comfort & buoyancy, I often walk a long way down the beach & I dont like the extra wieght required or the restrictive movement. An extra 3mm vest in the winter is fine for me but you are right you wont be cold.

 

[grantl]

I found I only needed an extra kg to compensate.
Well worth it for that extra time in the water in winter

 

[foxfish]

Well I guess 550 miles makes a bit of sea tepm difference...

 

[grantl]

What is your temp just now Mart?
We're 10 on the surface and down to 8.5 or so deeper.

 

[Balpherus]

You walked 550 miles along the beach?

No wonder the sea temperature changed. :blackeye

(chuckle)

The sea temperatures change from west to east coast and some of the sea lochs vary.

I like to wrap up warm when in the sea, maybe I'm a bit soft. lol

Got a kilo of lead to put in my ankle straps ready for when the suit arrives.

 

[foxfish]

14.7 today.

 

[grantl]

14.7 today.

1 deg / 100 miles - interesting and of course I am just a little jealous.

Can't wait for our week/ 10 days on the island next year in that lovely warm water

 

[foxfish]

I am looking forward to that as well mate, did you watch my Halloween vid?

 

[grantl]

I did - it looked awesome. If Carlesberg did Halloween parties........

Liezl has been in contact with Itchy feet recruitment - seems like there's plenty contracting opportunities for her type of work so I may yet reach my goal of becoming a house husband on an island with good fishing

 

[foxfish]

Oh no not more Scotts in the island

 

[grantl]

What do to mean? It's a Scottish colony isn't it?

 

[foxfish]

Seems that way sometimes mate - you would be very welcome...

 

[grantl]

So Balpherus - have you been out with your new gear yet enjoying our fine weather?
Saying that tonight's dive is now cancelled as we've got 15 ft if swell and a bit if a blow :-(
How are you getting on with it all ?

 

[Balpherus]

TO BE EDITED THIS WEEKEND

Items arrived today, will sort information out at the weekend and update this post.

 

[Balpherus]

TO BE EDITED THIS WEEKEND

Items arrived today, will sort information out at the weekend and update this post.

Well the kit has all turned up and is in great condition. :friday

OMER Cayman 75 F camu speargun is a real treat. It was hard to decide which speargun to buy, but having seen how good Omer guns are, and recommendation from Christian I thought it would be a poor choice to go for another make. Came with spear and some line with crimps (enough for the one spear)

CRESSI Apnea 7mm suit. Very well maunufactured with great seems and shaped cut. Size 4 ordered. I am 5ft 11inch tall, 12+1/2 stone with a 40inch chest/42inch required for shoulders, a 32inch waist. It fits like a glove and feels great for movement.

OMER Stingray fins camu 2012. Great quality and good width foot pocket. Size 43/44 ordered, I have 9+1/2 feet but always have problems with slip-on shoes, so I ordered OMER fin holders to help keep them on my narrow heel.

CRESSI Elastic belt. Just as good as other makes I'm sure, but wanted to stick with cressi so it goes with the suit.

OMER Weight vest M.Bardi. Fantastic quality with four pockets for weights to be inserted. It does not have the same weight capacity as other vests, but it does have neoprene throughout with no rough surfaces.

The other items are more general and all are great quality.

The items were oredered from diveinn.com and arrived within one day of the expected delivery time (from their estimated schedule), they were very well packaged (without the need for excessive wrapping, they used good quality boxes with cardboard insert for protection when opening).

A delay in updating this information was due to a small issue with two of the general items.

After contacting diveinn.com through the different methods available it was sorted out today with a very high level of professional customer service.

Not only did the company show it's commitment to adhere to EU E-commerce regulations, it also provided a great personal touch of consumer satisfaction.:friday

Verdict:

Ordered from diveinn.com

Very pleased with the products and service, I will be happy to purchase from them again in the future.

 

[Balpherus]

Grantl, your private message box is full. I can't send you one.

There might be others trying to contact you too.