Getting Started

[voodooconstant]

I've been certified for a while and am going to start diving again.  I'm on the quest for equipment and could use some feedback.

I plan on diving in wisconsin mainly.  I'm sure I'll do some warm water diving once and a while, but mainly, it'll be cold.  I plan on taking my advanced open water cource and start down a more technical path (wriecks, drysuit, etc)- so I'd like to get stuff that I won't outgrow right away.  However, I can't just go buy the best of everything as I'm on somewhat of a budget. 

Here is my tentative equipment plan now.

BC - Dive rite, or Halcyon backplate and single tank wing wing (27#?)

Wetsuit - bodyglove 7mm farmer john 2 peice, or 7mm one piece w/ 5mm undervest and hood.  I've been told that you can send them in to custom fit you if needed.  I'm kind of tall and skinny so the torso's in many suits are kinda loose on me.  Anyone done this and had good/bad experiences ?

Regs - was thinking the apex tx50.  I've read they have non-standard sized hozes?  Is this true?  Is this a problem?  I found a used set on ebay from a guy in chipewa falls that seems priced reasonable.  I feel kinda weird about buying online like this, but i'm not sure if its a warranted feeling.  Anyone have any thoughts on this?  Assuming they pass inspection at a dive shop, they should be good to go, but still.  something about life support from ebay creeps me out.

Bottom Timer - I don't have a load of cash, so I don't know if a computer is in the cards for me right away.  Is there a really solid Bottom timer anyone can suggest?

I'd like to get some of the stuff used to save some $, but don't want to get screwed on quality.  Any thoughts on buying used?  I'd especially like to buy some of the odds and ends used, like weights, knife, etc.  Thats the stuff that can really nickle and dime you to death.  Anyone have any old gear they're getting rid of?

Got some great service today when I stopped at Deep Blue () today.  Rich was really nice and helpful.  Looking forward to sending some business their way. 

Thanks for any comments. 

/Matt