My LDS (who I have a 20 year relationship with) invited me to come in to play with a Apeks Aluminum bp with Apeks 30# wing, Apeks steel bp and wing, Zuma travel bcd and a Balance bcd. I spent four hours playing in the pool to give them a test drive. I know it's not true salt water, but it's the closest thing available. The Balance was nice but too much like a standard rec bcd, pushing a lot of water to get along. The Zuma was everything it is advertised to be...a fantastic, easily controlled buoyancy, light, compact, comfortable travel bcd. It was soooo much fun to dive in the pool, turning twists and loops like a sea lion. Great stuff, just not what I was looking for. The aluminum plate with 2# was perfect at 700 psi on a AL80 and my 3mm shortie. But after considering that I prefer not to wear a weight belt and the ocean is going to be more buoyant, I chose the steel backplate and wing. For the price, I chose the DiveRite travel rig with the 27# wing, deluxe harness and wanted the steel bp. Unfortunately the supplier was out of steel plates. My LDS mgr went ahead and ordered the rig with the aluminum plate and said he would swap out the DR aluminum plate for an Apeks steel plate at no charge since I'm a long time customer. I guess loyalty does count from time to time. Anyway, I've made my decision, I'm stoked and can't wait for it to come in. Thanks to everyone for your patience and good advice given for all my seemingly stupid, repetitive questions.
:bounce4: Come on Monday and my new rig.
:bounce4: Come on Monday and my new rig.