Aqualung Malibu and other back inflators?

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H

Hal

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Am about to buy my own equipment (yeah!). Tried on the Malibu and found it extremely comfortable. Thing is, have never used a back-inflating BC. A mistake to go w/ a back-inflator w/o trying first? LDS assures me that no one tries it and doesn't like it. True? Also true that, w/ a back-inflating BC, significantly easier to remain perfectly horizontal? Thoughts?

Thanks,

Hal
 
Hal:
Am about to buy my own equipment (yeah!). Tried on the Malibu and found it extremely comfortable. Thing is, have never used a back-inflating BC. A mistake to go w/ a back-inflator w/o trying first? LDS assures me that no one tries it and doesn't like it. True? Also true that, w/ a back-inflating BC, significantly easier to remain perfectly horizontal? Thoughts?

Thanks,

Hal
Click to expand...
about a back inflate,I use the balance,and they were right on the nose.I had never tried one but had used this board for research. The only problem I had was getting used to the way it felt in the front when I inflated it,I was so used to being able to tell how much air was in it by pressure so it took some getting used to. some people will tell you it pitches you forward on the surface,simply let a little air out, make sure you use your rear non removable trim pockets. as far as horizontal yeah it makes it pretty easy but you still have to be properly weighted.one more thing when you try it on for comparison with other bc's put a tank on each one,
its amazing the way it changes how it feels out of the water and thats how you will wear it, a lumbar supports fit can make a tank feel like it weighs a lot less. good luck
 
I happen to have a malibu as well, and I like it, except that it only has the one small front pocket, and no carrying handle. The pocket thing I overcame by using a 2" belt and attached pockets to it. In any case, I like the back inflate for the reasons you and saintsfan already listed. You'll probably get a couple of responses to go with BP/W, which is fine as well, but in the end, go with what you're comfortable with (which it seems you have). Definitely try to get your LDS to let you try it out. Good luck!
 
I bought one and like it but it needed mods. First of the threads started fraying as it is cheaply made in this aspect. I flamed a lot of the edges to stop a lot of fraying. Second I added a pocked by sewing it to the side of the weight pouch. It traps air to one side because at the bottom of the bladder there is only a tiny channel from one side to the other. The carrying strap is cheap compared to other BC's. I like having 2 bands. Its doesnt have inherent bouyancy as rodales says it does. Never changed my weight config after buying it.
I like the BC now as it stands.
 
There are much nicer rigs on the market for not much more money. Agreed, the Malibu is cheaply made. Dove with a guy last Sept. that only had about 10 dives on it and it was starting to fray and come apart.
 
I actually am not finding a lot of options that are in the same general price range. Only one the particular LDS I've been talking to has is the Seaquest Passport (which is jacket rather than back inflator). Experiences with the Passport? Other alternatives that I should explore?

Thanks,

Hal
 
Hal:
Am about to buy my own equipment (yeah!). Tried on the Malibu and found it extremely comfortable. Thing is, have never used a back-inflating BC. A mistake to go w/ a back-inflator w/o trying first? LDS assures me that no one tries it and doesn't like it. True? Also true that, w/ a back-inflating BC, significantly easier to remain perfectly horizontal? Thoughts?

Thanks,

Hal
Click to expand...


Hal

I have had my Malibu for about 5 years and have nothing but good things to say about it. I have well over 200 dives on it and it shows no signs of wear.

I would also agree with the back inflate statement.

Dave
 
check out scubatoys.com

they are a LDS in dallas Texas and will ship most gear. (keep in mind some brands don't aloow this, ie scuba pro, so they don't ship those brands)

see what they charge then go to you LDS and ask if they can match it. I'm looking at a 1675-1750 retail set-up and getting it for 775-850 (trying to pick which BC Zeagle Ranger or Zeagle escape)

My LDS matched this price. LeisurePro.com wants 1007.80 for the same set-up
 
I have a Malibu,it was my first back inflate BC. The first time I dove it I was impressed by how easy it was to get horizontal. I always use a fairly even distribution front/back with the weight pockets. It was very strange at first to press the inflate button and not feel a squeeze,soon get used to that though. Remember not to just fill it on the surface as you can a jacket BC,it will tend to tip you forwards,again,not a bid deal when you get used to it.

I bought mine used and have done 20-30 dives on it,it seems to be holding up just fine. The only real downside I found was the lack of pocket space.

I dont use it any more as I recently went over to the Dark Side and bought a BP/Wings which I would recommend 100%,but the Malibu works just fine,is more comfortable out of the water (although that is a pretty trivial reccomendation) and will cost a bit less. Should you ever start heading down the Tech road though you would need to replace it
 
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