What are the reputations of the following scuba brands: TUSA, Oceanics, Scubapro, Mares, seaquest, genesis?

Question

I am trying to figure out which brand i want to get. i want a very popular brand that is an excellent value and a brand not known for "gimmicks". I want a tried and true design, and a well respected brand. please offer me your advice. thanks!

Answer 1

They all offer decent recreational gear and none really stand out for an entire product line over the others. It wouldn't be uncommon for you to have a gear set made up of some or all of these brands.

Ultimately, it really comes down to what features you require, your body type. the type of diving you'll be doing, what type of diving you plan on doing when you move up in experience, the after purchase support offered by the dive shop you buy from and plain old personal preference.

You'll find that the dive shop you settle on, will push only what they have a dealership for, not unlike buying a vehicle.

In any event, try before you buy. Many shops will allow this with a set of demos.

Lol..most of my gear didn't even make it on your list, but then again it's tech gear.

Answer 2

Talk to other divers who have experience to see what they think of certain brands. Of course, in the end, it all comes down to what you want.  If you have the chance to try lots of different equipment, then do it, that will help you decide.  You can also check out the link below, then go to "gear" and see if there are any reviews of the specific equipment you are thinking about purchasing.  

Also, keep in mind the kind of diving you will be doing... for example, scubabob says that none of his gear is mentioned here because he's a tech diver, who requires a different type of set-up.

He's right in saying that your gear will be a mixture of brands: as for me, I have a Mares BCD. reg and octo; my SPG is Aeris; mask, snorkel, booties and 3mm wetsuit are DeepSee; 7mm wetsuit is SeaQuest; fins are Aqualung...

I only tried a few regs before I purchased my unit; fortunately I love my reg set-up but to a certain extent maybe it would have been better if i HAD tried 6 or 7 regs instead of just 3 or 4.

Good luck! Happy diving!

Answer 3

Ive been diving since 1998, i own a set of beachueats regulators, when i first started i went for the best of the best , of course i could afford it then...smiles, all in all i have about 10.000.00 wrapped in gear....there are faults with all equipment and gear, if u can pick you SCUBA DIVER magazine they will give you the ratings of most gear, and regs...my self i prefer sea quest, Ive never had a problem with their gear, and its lasted all this time and i did some hard core diving in New York State, they used to nickname us the muddy water divers...lol..if i can help you any more give me a shout.....good luck safe diving