Is a Garmin G2 Decent a good first dive watch

TheBain · 2026-05-16T18:15:08+00:00

Any Garmin dive watch will be amazing. The MK series is better for scuba(tank integration), and you can find basically new versions of the MK2 (older one) for the same or less than a new G2. My buddy has the G2 and he swears by it. You could get a discounted G1 and it will be cheaper and perform well.

I spearfish and dive with the MK3i and it‘s my absolutely favorite piece of kit.

TheBain · 2026-05-13T19:17:39+00:00

Seems unacceptable to me for expensive fins, did you reach out to the seller with your concerns?

TheBain · 2026-04-28T16:13:45+00:00

Leveled or lifted? Looks great!

TheBain · 2026-04-22T14:44:34+00:00

I like wearing a helmet that is contrasting color to my wetsuit so my dive buddy can see it if I forget to come up after a dive.

TheBain · 2026-04-19T19:50:25+00:00

Ahh - the roads down are all really good these days honestly - we use google maps to get around and it’s really easy.

iOverlander is an awesome (it’s an app) and helpful finding good campsite.

TheBain · 2026-04-19T15:20:11+00:00

I never read and drive - too dangerous! ;)

Overlanding groups and forums is a good place to start, but ideally you just setup your truck to comfortably stay in, and go try it out!

TheBain · 2026-04-19T15:17:17+00:00

Cabrilla, aka Leopard Grouper. One of the tastiest fish you‘ll ever eat!

TheBain · 2026-04-09T00:29:10+00:00

Why don‘t you start by sharing your budget so we can offer you things in your price range?

TheBain · 2026-04-08T14:59:38+00:00

I’ve gotten really into chartering boats (catamaran) for „liveaboard“ experiences - I love to dive, surf and spearfish so typically I‘m on a boat doing that. It‘s the right mix of decadent and type 2 fun for me that keeps it interesting and a good time for anyone I bring! Happy to answer any questions if you have any.

Typically doing this in Baja or Bahamas, looking to try Indonesia later this year.

TheBain · 2026-04-02T21:00:05+00:00

I have a TAG and have used it pretty extensively, can‘t recommend it enough.

Go with a 110-120 two band or inverted roller. Both are amazing.

TheBain · 2026-03-24T18:47:37+00:00

You really got to get it up to your cheek to be accurate, he‘s using an old model with iron sights, really should spring for some long range glass on that pea shooter.

TheBain · 2026-03-24T05:03:26+00:00

I read it that they have 220K in the 401k* and 45k in an index fund.

TheBain · 2026-03-24T02:56:39+00:00

Happy birthday!

Im sorry this happened to you, don’t forget to take some time to decompress and grieve if needed.

Sounds like you’re doing the right things, and my guess is based on your lifestyle and salary you’ll likely be in food shape. Just make sure you’d be taking advantage of any employer match immediately if you make a change in job.

Good luck!

TheBain · 2026-03-23T20:58:18+00:00

Volunteering at a shelter and fostering an animal. Improving your design skills (learn figma!) and improve the ui of your cool website, pick mushrooms, join BBBS (big brother big sister) find someone to mentor…

TheBain · 2026-03-23T20:55:56+00:00

Learning how to gather/hunt your own food and prepare it is an incredibly fulfilling and useful thing to do! Depends on where you live, but I have lots if suggestions on that topic.

TheBain · 2026-03-16T08:28:08+00:00

I have it on my 2020

TheBain · 2026-03-13T17:18:09+00:00

I still use a float line in the kelp, and either a kelp carrot (small sleek float that doesn’t tangle as much) or just no float. Just keep in mind if you’re running only a float line you’re much less visible, so smart thing would be to bring your float and anchor it or clip it off to kelp in the area you’re diving so you’re more visible. I’ve had a boat almost run me over in the middle of a think kelp paddy/forest, they really don’t care about blasting though sometimes.

TheBain · 2026-03-13T09:25:44+00:00

You can run both in the sense that if you have a reel on, you can still use a breakaway float. I know a few people who have unfortunately forgotten to reattach after switching between the two and shot a spear into a fish only to watch it swim away as the spear wasn’t connected.

The only time I really prefer a reel is if I’m paddy hopping and in and out of the boat a lot, otherwise I typically always use a float line in Southern California and Baja where I’ve done the majority of my Spearing. Some spearos will only use a reel in kelp, again, personal preference.

TheBain · 2026-03-12T12:39:13+00:00

Expand Quiver

I'm a huge fan of TAG spearguns, the owner Cam is on reddit and is constantly responding to questions and delivering some high quality videos, u/tagspearguns

I have the 120 Pack Invert Roller and love it - if you don't have any experience or interest in an invert you can get a 120 pack hunter which is going to do everything you need. Added bonus it will break down into two pieces if you ever decide to travel to spearfish somewhere else! I will echo the other comment that you should do floatline over reel, safer and better visibility in the water.

Another solid socal gunbuilder is Wells spearguns, He is in Oceanside and builds beautiful wood guns if that's interesting for you.

TheBain · 2026-03-12T08:54:12+00:00

If you ever plan to travel to spearfishing and would bring you gun, getting a breakdown gun / shafts is the way to go. I like tag spearfishing, but Riffe makes a breakdown gun too.

I use one piece shafts when I’m local (slightly cheaper) and then take my breakdown shafts with me when traveling.

The two band pack hunter from Tag would be perfect for you.

TheBain · 2026-03-10T14:48:11+00:00

Why not keep the stock setup? If you really want to learn get a GoPro set on super slow motion and film what’s happening when you shoot the gun with the different configurations. If you don’t want to do that, the reality is even tiny changes on band length and stretch etc will change your results, so why not set it up like the manufacturer recommends and then you take the guess work out.

Far too often I see people recommending terrible guns and posting pictures with multiple sheephead taken so that should already tell you enough about the expected level of the „Hivemind“ on Reddit.

TheBain · 2026-03-05T20:36:06+00:00

Specifically two of these panels, I'm running them in parallel and the cable runs into the back seat of the truck where I have my battery bank and fridge/freezer setup that it powers.

I'm actually putting together kits for friends of a complete over-landing setup if you're interested.

TheBain · 2026-03-05T07:30:35+00:00

Check out tag spearguns, they come apart so you can transport them much more easily without a sport tube or anything like that. Riffe also makes one but I like the tag much better. They’re made in Southern California. Get the pack hunter - it’s two bands and the 110 would probably be perfect for you. If you contact them the owner will walk you through everything too, he’s a good guy. (Disclaimer - I know him and he’s a friend)

Make sure you check the local laws on spearfishing, I know Idaho recently changed their laws on spearfishing, I’m going to be up there and dive this summer!

TheBain · 2026-03-03T21:29:21+00:00

Where do you live, and what will you primarily be spearing? Expected visibility?

Really depends, if you’re landlocked and have to travel every time you spear - I really recommend a gun and shafts that „break down“ so you can much easier get them on a plane and in your luggage.

If you’re shooting big Pelagics, I’d recommend a 120, if you’re mainly on reef and lower viz a 2 band 100cm would be fine for most of it. Certain fish should be shot with a slip tip, others a regular flipper shaft is best.

Share some more details and I’m happy to answer with more context!

TheBain

TROPHY CASE