Aqua Lung Dimension BC

[Ez E]

This is the newer model that does not have the i3 inflator system that I know got some hate.

Anyway. Im finally wanting to purchase my own BCD. This model fits and seems nice. It has the bladder on the back to give a “feel” of BP/W. Im thinking of using something like this for a few years and then maybe going to a BP/W.

What are your thoughts? I like the weight system a lot also. Seems very easy to ditch and replace.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

That's a lot of BC. Unless you take a size small that has 29 lbs of lift, the "wing" is way over sized. 42 lbs of lift is enough for a set of doubles. The clips that hold the "wing" from flopping around are a entanglement hazard.
I would take a look at the Dive Rite Hydro Lite, it's a lot closer to a BP/W style.Hydro Lite BCD - Dive Rite
If you are stuck on Aqua Lung, the Rogue is closer to what you will need although 35 lbs is still a fair amount for single tank diving. Rogue: dive BCD | Aqualung®

May I ask why you aren't going with a BP/W now?

 

[Ironjock]

I have over 200 dives on my Dimension and I love it. The bladder is big but it is never close to full on the surface while getting on the boat or doing a swim out shore diving. I never felt while in close quarters that anything was going to snag. It has 2 roll up storage pockets and for the most part I like the weight set up.I use the octo holder and route my gauges under the velcro hold downs. . pretty streamlined Very comfortable

 

[Ez E]

That's a lot of BC. Unless you take a size small that has 29 lbs of lift, the "wing" is way over sized. 42 lbs of lift is enough for a set of doubles. The clips that hold the "wing" from flopping around are a entanglement hazard.
I would take a look at the Dive Rite Hydro Lite, it's a lot closer to a BP/W style.Hydro Lite BCD - Dive Rite
If you are stuck on Aqua Lung, the Rogue is closer to what you will need although 35 lbs is still a fair amount for single tank diving. Rogue: dive BCD | Aqualung®

May I ask why you aren't going with a BP/W now?

Im not stuck on anything per se. My closest and best shop(from customer service standpoint) has a few different BCDs. I dont care for the Mares and the Aqua Lung fits and seems great. I know I will eventually do a BP/W but for now(the next few years atleast) I want to be able to try something on that I like. As long as its not ******. The BP/W combo and trying them on is basically non existent in my AO.

 

[rongoodman]

I don't understand why you'd buy a conventional BC if you're planning on ending up in a BP/W anyway. What do you think you'll gain from the experience? My Halcyon set-up was the very first thing I purchased following my OW class and I've never had reason to consider anything else, except for the sidemount rig I used years later in the Mexican caves. As someone else mentioned, 40+ lbs of flotation for a single tank is just silly.

 

[Ez E]

I don't understand why you'd buy a conventional BC if you're planning on ending up in a BP/W anyway. What do you think you'll gain from the experience? My Halcyon set-up was the very first thing I purchased following my OW class and I've never had reason to consider anything else, except for the sidemount rig I used years later in the Mexican caves. As someone else mentioned, 40+ lbs of flotation for a single tank is just silly.

Well like I said in the OP “maybe”. Its not a guarantee. I know a lot of people like them and it may be something I will want to try in the future.

 

[Ez E]

That's a lot of BC. Unless you take a size small that has 29 lbs of lift, the "wing" is way over sized. 42 lbs of lift is enough for a set of doubles. The clips that hold the "wing" from flopping around are a entanglement hazard.
I would take a look at the Dive Rite Hydro Lite, it's a lot closer to a BP/W style.Hydro Lite BCD - Dive Rite
If you are stuck on Aqua Lung, the Rogue is closer to what you will need although 35 lbs is still a fair amount for single tank diving. Rogue: dive BCD | Aqualung®

May I ask why you aren't going with a BP/W now?

There is a shop 45 minutes from me that sells Dive Rite. Their website is showing some options. I’ll probably find a time to get over there and see what they have.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

There is a shop 45 minutes from me that sells Dive Rite. Their website is showing some options. I’ll probably find a time to get over there and see what they have.

If your not stuck on Aqua Lung, then I would recommend the Dive Rite Hydro Lite. Dive Rite is a well respected company that has been in business for a long time.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Im not stuck on anything per se. My closest and best shop(from customer service standpoint) has a few different BCDs. I dont care for the Mares and the Aqua Lung fits and seems great. I know I will eventually do a BP/W but for now(the next few years atleast) I want to be able to try something on that I like. As long as its not ******. The BP/W combo and trying them on is basically non existent in my AO.

Most all of my gear is Mares because my local dive shop is a dealer, but I don't care for their BC's either.
My BC is a Sub Gravity 3mm aluminum back-plate, 26 lb wing with adjustable harness.

 

[Ez E]

I don't understand why you'd buy a conventional BC if you're planning on ending up in a BP/W anyway. What do you think you'll gain from the experience? My Halcyon set-up was the very first thing I purchased following my OW class and I've never had reason to consider anything else, except for the sidemount rig I used years later in the Mexican caves. As someone else mentioned, 40+ lbs of flotation for a single tank is just silly.

What is the concern with too big of a bladder? Serious question as I dont know.