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**Chris H** · 09-02-2008, 09:45 AM,

Do your homework so you only have to buy it one time. Used is OK, but don't buy junk from a garage sale or buy somebody's mistake. If you think tech is where you want to be in the future, buy a back plate and a wing designed to be used with a single tank. When/if the time comes you can get a wing for doubles and you are set. Get a regulator that will take you where you want to go. I use Scubapro MK25/G250HP regs and have many of them. Many of my friends dive Apeks. If you buy a reg, spend the extra money to get a real second stage as an "octopus". That way when it comes to buying a backup reg and ditching the octopus, you can buy just a first stage and move the good second that you already bought to the new first stage and you don't have the crappy octo laying in a bin someplace.

One other thing I guess is to slow down, have fun, and take your time. I see you mentioned UW photography. If you thought diving is expensive now, just wait until you get into that. ;D