Deciding which scuba components to buy

I am getting dizzy regarding the variety of regs,octos gauges that are
available. I try to use ScubaDivng's ratings to guide me. I want gear

barnegatdx...

I think most of this stuff is designed for a " worst case" scenario";
So look at the specs.

Unless your " Doing " the Doria" ( IKK ) or Ice Diving,
mid range stuff should be OK..;

ask the guys in the LDS . . .

that is "low profile" for easier transportability and so that I can fit
the stuff on the largest carry-on the F.A.A. allows. For tropical use
only.

I have already purchased the Cressi Aqualight R BC. It has two pockets
on each side of the front for weights. What I can't understand is why
there is no place in the back to add a few more lbs. because it would

barnegatdx...

Re: Cressi Aqualight R BC trim pockets.

Look 3 inches above the " bottom" dump valve in the back.

You will find a stiched seam. Run your hand into it;

It goes all the way to the front

This ( and the one on the other side ) are the " trim pockets",
suitable for small weights.

seem that it would make the BC "front heavy" or is that balanced
somehow by the way the air bladder works and the weight of the tank?

Anyway, I have also picked the Mares Proton reg. and the Mares Proton
Octopus. I read enough to convince me not to go with the integrated
octo/bc setup method.

I want to get a set of 3 gauges (analog), unless there's a digital one
out there that's not too complicated.

barnegatdx...

Dive buddy got an all integrated gague / computer; ; - which promptly
failed when the batteries gave out.

Get new batteries before departure..

Analogue / mechanical wins as a bak up.

Dillon Pyron...

I've got a 20 year old Oceanic three gauge. SPG and depth on the
front, compass on the back. I wear a 12 year old Aladin Pro on the
left fore arm and a Casio (can't remember the model, and too lazy to
look at it) that records time and depth for 10 dives and will give me
a minute by minute playback of time, depth and temp for my last dive.
About 8 years old. So I've pretty much got all cutting edge, state of
the art gear.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.