Looking to buy the whole deal, BCD, reg, octo etc (woman's cut ) and I was wondering what people thought of the Mares brand. Heard it's been around a lot but was just wondering what people thought of it for tropical diving and sometimes random quarry diving. To give you an idea this is the package that's interesting me now

http://www.atlanticedge.com/product.php?productid=16951&cat=340&page=1

I won't buy it online, but that's the gear I'm looking at. Also considered

http://www.atlanticedge.com/product.php?productid=16948&cat=340&page=1

and

http://www.atlanticedge.com/product.php?productid=16954&cat=340&page=2

I'm not very good at knowing which regs/octos are the best and the such, so any advice/comments are definitely welcome!

Thanks!

Mares is a good brand. The first package would be more than enough for tropical diving. I would like to point out a few things. First that particular BC is a Back Inflate not a normal jacket BC. This is actually becoming much more standard, and it kind of comes from "Tech-reational" diving. (Where a diver would use a backplate and wing) Personally I find these much better than the jacket style as it offers less clutter and more freedom of movement in front of you. However if you have never dove a back inflate, it may take a little getting used to.

Second, the regulator is a good one, however I would watch out for what used to be called S&P equipment. This regulator is exclusively for women? Sounds like something I can charge more money for, but when it comes down to it, it's a normal first stage, and the second stage has a little color to it. Oh S&P means Small and Pink and that's how diving equipment was geared to women in the past. If you can put function ahead of fashion, you can probably save considerably. Also take some of the money you save and get a more comfortable mouthpiece. That's an easy way to make a good regular feel great. The Oceanic setup is good as well. (I dive a GT4 and Alpha8 setup and have never had a problem) I personally am not a fan of the backup being on the power inflator, but it does streamline a little. But being a FL diver recommend a sound device when in the open water so the inflator becomes a little crowded.

One last thing is on the Women's cut BCs some have the built in chest support (more to cover the chest) and some are just cut different. Again this is all about preference, but I have had some ladies that have the extra fabric say they love it, but just as many that are a not as happy with it. So talk to your shop about trying a few out before making a purchase. When it comes down to it, the fit is way more important than most shops tell you. When I first started out I do a BC that was supposed to fit me (for chest size height etc) I was comfortable and had OK trim etc. Then I tried a different BC that was smaller and instantly everything felt 10 times better. And my trim went from OK to Pretty good. So don't just go by what they tell you "should" fit. decide for yourself.

Scuba diving on the Corn Islands?