12lb lift outlaw bcd?
- Thread starter brsnow
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I generally prefer minimal wings, but even I don't think a 12 lb bladder is a good choice for most people. It would work IF you did not use a wetsuit and your weighting is spot on. The bladder needs to compensate for 5-7 lb of unused gas (depending on tank choice) as well as suit compression loss (6-8 lb in a 3mm and more in thicker suit).
Honestly though, you're not going to save much bulk in your suitcase or noticeable drag in the water compared to the 25 lb version, which I would say is a FAR better choice.
Honestly though, you're not going to save much bulk in your suitcase or noticeable drag in the water compared to the 25 lb version, which I would say is a FAR better choice.
I use a 14lb wing I made myself with a 3mm wetsuit....
Pro is that it's darn near unnoticeable in the water.
Con is that the margin between too much lead to stay buoyant at the start of the dive and not enough lead to hold a safety stop is only a few pounds.
The way I figure it with the super low lift wings is that if you're able to dive with no wing (correct weighting and breath control for keeping neutral) then they are an adequate backup lift source. If you don't want to dial it in that tight, just get a 20-something lb wing... The materials weight difference is negligible, and if it's a narrow profile wing the cross section in the water is also a minimal difference.
Respectfully,
James
Pro is that it's darn near unnoticeable in the water.
Con is that the margin between too much lead to stay buoyant at the start of the dive and not enough lead to hold a safety stop is only a few pounds.
The way I figure it with the super low lift wings is that if you're able to dive with no wing (correct weighting and breath control for keeping neutral) then they are an adequate backup lift source. If you don't want to dial it in that tight, just get a 20-something lb wing... The materials weight difference is negligible, and if it's a narrow profile wing the cross section in the water is also a minimal difference.
Respectfully,
James
As we’ve discussed I use the 12 when diving warm water, it’s near perfect, a great travel rig the snaps apart easily for packing, great pricing now so you can get both wings, I have both but only use the 12.
i have the 25lb one and love it for travel, mainly tropical no wetsuit locations and very rarely notice it, Quite nice to have decent lift in a swell at the surface but not sure how different a 12lb would be. I have dived the 25lb with 7mm wetsuits which maybe more of a challenge with a 12lb
Like Lexvii it is really great for packing due to it breaking down and only takes 1 min to assemble.
I think it is the perfect travel BCD, I realise I will get shot down but pair it with some tech shorts or a rogue was it band and add a couple of metal d rings and it really is almost perfect
Like Lexvii it is really great for packing due to it breaking down and only takes 1 min to assemble.
I think it is the perfect travel BCD, I realise I will get shot down but pair it with some tech shorts or a rogue was it band and add a couple of metal d rings and it really is almost perfect
I only use the 12lb aircell with my outlaw. My one comment, is that it doesn't get you very high out of the water at full inflation, which may make a comfort issue for some. During the dive the aircell is empty, I only am using it for surface buoyancy. I'm wearing a full 3mm wetsuit, 3mm boots, 5mm hood, 8lbs of ballast with an AL80.
That's precisely how I dive mine.
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