lairdb
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Somebody wrote that there's about 3000 conflicting opinions on this topic on this board. I think over the last couple of weeks, I've read every one. (Particular respect, by the way, to NetDoc and FredT, who always seem to be both intelligent and considerate. Not the only ones, but hey really stuck)
Lets see if we can make that even worse, by asking for advice on the particulars of my situation.
Context:
Last time I was close to properly weighted, it was 10 pounds total (4 in rear trim pockets and 6 integrated ditchable) with an AL80, wearing a one-piece 3mm neoprene. I might have been able to lose a couple more pounds, but I wouldn't put serious money on it. At the time, I was using a SeaQuest Pro QD jacket-style.
I'm mostly an 80/80, but seriously comtemplating getting back into regular local diving (San Diego, CA), which is 65 degrees down to 55 in the winter and 70 down to 60 when it's nicer. In that environment, it's a 5m FJ with 3mm hood. I'd *like* to have one rig that suits both local and travel diving. I don't expect to go beyond single-tank diving, or to do anything more tek than very basic wreck penetration in the near future, and am willing to invest again then if I change my mind.
Price isn't the be-all-end-all; I'm cheap, but willing to buy value.
If I start diving here, it'll be with local charter boats, who often have ST90s rather than AL80s.
Rentable/borrow-able gear is in pretty short variety hereabouts, so my ability to try a wide variety of things before buying is limited.
Things I've concluded after reading a LOT and thinking some:
The DIR folks have some things figured out pretty well. Not everything in every situation for every person, and some of those whose enthusiasm outweigh their sense get a little overbearing, but there's a great deal of sense to much of it. (We'll talk about whether 7 foot hoses make sense in rough open-water, as well as the general logic of looping a cord around your neck, another time.)
I think I would like back-inflation; it just makes a lot of sense.
I like (from a design simplicity point-of-view) the BP and one-long-strap concept; it just appeals. I also like that it packs smaller (though not necessarily lighter.)
Zero ditchable weight just doesn't feel right. (Okay, it might actually "feel" really good, but I don't think I'm ready to go there.)
I don't think plastic shoulder buckles are Instant Death; in fact, they're pretty convenient when the boat crew wants you to hand your rig up first. As I said, there's a lot of appeal to the simplicity of the one-long-strap, but I genuinely don't know how concerned to be about being able to struggle into and out of it, both on the boat's bench and in the water.
Net of all this, I would seem to be somewhere between:
Aluminum BP and Halcyon Pioneer 27 or 36, with ACB20 pockets and maybe trim pockets
Steel BP and Halcyon Pioneer 27 or 36, with ACB20 pockets
TransPac II and TravelWings (add pockets?)
DeepOutdoors Matrix and 34# bladder (add pockets?)
"conventional" integrated jacket with back inflation (e.g. AquaLung Black Diamond, Zeagle Ranger)
What have I missed, what should I reconsider... help!
Thanks.
--Laird
Lets see if we can make that even worse, by asking for advice on the particulars of my situation.
Context:
Last time I was close to properly weighted, it was 10 pounds total (4 in rear trim pockets and 6 integrated ditchable) with an AL80, wearing a one-piece 3mm neoprene. I might have been able to lose a couple more pounds, but I wouldn't put serious money on it. At the time, I was using a SeaQuest Pro QD jacket-style.
I'm mostly an 80/80, but seriously comtemplating getting back into regular local diving (San Diego, CA), which is 65 degrees down to 55 in the winter and 70 down to 60 when it's nicer. In that environment, it's a 5m FJ with 3mm hood. I'd *like* to have one rig that suits both local and travel diving. I don't expect to go beyond single-tank diving, or to do anything more tek than very basic wreck penetration in the near future, and am willing to invest again then if I change my mind.
Price isn't the be-all-end-all; I'm cheap, but willing to buy value.
If I start diving here, it'll be with local charter boats, who often have ST90s rather than AL80s.
Rentable/borrow-able gear is in pretty short variety hereabouts, so my ability to try a wide variety of things before buying is limited.
Things I've concluded after reading a LOT and thinking some:
The DIR folks have some things figured out pretty well. Not everything in every situation for every person, and some of those whose enthusiasm outweigh their sense get a little overbearing, but there's a great deal of sense to much of it. (We'll talk about whether 7 foot hoses make sense in rough open-water, as well as the general logic of looping a cord around your neck, another time.)
I think I would like back-inflation; it just makes a lot of sense.
I like (from a design simplicity point-of-view) the BP and one-long-strap concept; it just appeals. I also like that it packs smaller (though not necessarily lighter.)
Zero ditchable weight just doesn't feel right. (Okay, it might actually "feel" really good, but I don't think I'm ready to go there.)
I don't think plastic shoulder buckles are Instant Death; in fact, they're pretty convenient when the boat crew wants you to hand your rig up first. As I said, there's a lot of appeal to the simplicity of the one-long-strap, but I genuinely don't know how concerned to be about being able to struggle into and out of it, both on the boat's bench and in the water.
Net of all this, I would seem to be somewhere between:
Aluminum BP and Halcyon Pioneer 27 or 36, with ACB20 pockets and maybe trim pockets
Steel BP and Halcyon Pioneer 27 or 36, with ACB20 pockets
TransPac II and TravelWings (add pockets?)
DeepOutdoors Matrix and 34# bladder (add pockets?)
"conventional" integrated jacket with back inflation (e.g. AquaLung Black Diamond, Zeagle Ranger)
What have I missed, what should I reconsider... help!
Thanks.
--Laird