I prefer Oceanic Delta 4 regulators as a best bang for the buck.
They are among the lowest breathing resistance regs on the market.
It shares the same 1st stage with the Oceanic EOS which is Oceanic’s present top of the line. (It was the top of the line until the EOS was introduced) It has adjustable force of breathing and a surface anti free flow switch. It’s a light weight 2nd stage.
Oceanic is second to none for customer service.
Oceanic’s maketing agreement with it’s dealers is MAP which allows dealers to discount the price.
The above 2 reasons are why I also prefer Oceanic’s wrist dive computers.
Also under computers add in the fact that Oceanic’s models are programable for conservative if needed and not overly conservative all the time like Suunto models.
I use AI wireless computers. I own a Oceanic VT Pro, VT3 and (2) Atom 2.0 between myself and my wife. Oceanic wireless computers preprogram a code in for communications between the computer and tank transmitter this is a far safer design than the Suunto which scans for transmitters when activated. The Suunto could pick up another divers nearby transmitter instead of yours. If you should lose sync I find the Oceanics to be far more reliable to reestablish. In fact I’ve never had to thumb a dive due to sync issues.
As for BCD I perfer back inflator style for better horizontal positioning during a dive. I have a Sherwood Tortuga which I am very happy with and still use when dealing with students. When not dealing with students I use a Backplate & Wing again for good positioning in the water but the BP&W is high configurable and customizable it allows for more advanced and specialized diving as I/you progress as a diver.
Just be advised that the ability to customize a BP&W is a double edged sword. It take some skill and knowledge to trim and adjust it properly and may require a mentor or instructor with that knowledge to help you select, configure and make adjustment to get you properly trimmed out. At least until you develope a knowledge a feel for it yourself.
I don’t recommend this style to new divers but to those who are completely comfortable in the water and have dialed in their bouyancy control. That dialed in control, comfort and trim knowledge will allow you to fine tune this style to give you that perfect weightless flowing through the water feel. A Peak Performance Bouyancy class can help with getting you there.