Our choice for gas

I owe Lamar and
Lee Ann a helluva
lot, so they always get a free plug

Regulators

You will need two, both with DIN connectors. Don’t scrimp — but don’t overspend, either.

Scubapro Mk25s and almost anything from Atomic allow for some pretty sweet hose routing. Most Apeks and the AquaLung Legend series work well and are popular (although hose routing is trickier). The Nitrox-ready Dive Rite RG1200 series, with its standard DIN connectors are good values, as are the AquaLung Titans.

Poseidons may require hard-to-find, proprietary hoses. The big Mares first stages are just about impossible to configure for cave diving. Steer clear of anything without a balanced first stage.

Even if you use a hoseless computer, you will need a standalone SPG as a backup. There’s an Italian OEM firm that makes a large, easy-to-read, bourdon-tube SPG in a rock-solid brass case. It’s sold in this country by Scubapro, Dive Rite and OMS, among others. No consoles, though. Computers, depth gauges and times belong on your wrist.

It’s a sure bet no regulator, pressure gauge or BC air cell you buy will come with hoses that are the right length for cave diving. Unless you live here in cave diving country, don’t waste time trying to find the right length after-market hoses ahead of time. Wait until you get here; Ginnie Springs and Cave Excursions will have what you need.

Harness/Wings »

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Here’s a good story that explains why you need Cave Diver training

Another reason to get
your Cave Diver cert: Going with Connie to Mexico

Our recommendation
for manatee tours

Own a dive store? You should be reading this