your purpose in posting this was.....?
If you're not interested in the continued discussion then do what everybody else does and leave the thread.
I chose to post my conclusions for the benefit of anybody in the future looking up these models.
thanks...yeah, it was tricky, the hydros is tempting. I was happy with what I did get to dive, but a couple of minor preference choices in the layout of the BC kept my my way - though if anybody else digs this thread up later I'm sure comments like yours would be helpful.
And while I know the straps have now been upgraded, I was still left with some concerns - especially knowing my area and long shore/pier walks (and the abuse the BC will probably cop on liveaboards).
Ordered mine now, so it's all good. I tried on a few others - absolutely hated the Aqualung ones, they felt extremely cumbersome, and I didn't really like the compromised features on the travel-dedicated models.
Got about 30 liveaboard dives on the Great Barrier Reef booked later this year (though with covid, all plans are always pencilled in!), and my AOW in a week and a half, so I'll be putting it through its paces soon enough. We'll see how happy I am with it then
What did you end up buying?