Aqualung Malibu and other back inflators?

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Maybe some of the older Malibus were made with more quality manufacturing methods. They do change to save money. If you need to put a lot of air in your BC and get a squeeze you may be overweighted or pretty deep :)
 
Hal:
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
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Hal, not always about the money. I mean sometimes you have to spend a bit more to get better quality. The Malibu I saw was brand new so I can not speak for the earlier models. IMO, stick with the back inflate. You'll be glad you did. Check out SQ new back inflate. ummm....Patriot maybe. Have not seen one in person, only on LP website. Do some more searching and don't get in a hurry. Make your decision wisely and you'll only make it once!.......ok maybe twice but that's it
 
I would go for the SQ Balance or the Zeagle Ranger. Those 2 seem like top quality in the Malibu's price range. Also if weighted properly weighted and you don't over inflate, there is hardly any problem with floating on the surface as some say with the back inflated BC's.
 
I went for the Malibu. In addition to the cost, what tipped the balance was the fact that I really liked how the Malibu felt. Also, in looking at other back inflators in the price range, Malibu received Rodales testers choice where as the others didn't.

Thanks for all the input.

Hal
 
Price is factored into Rodales tests. If price was and seems like a consideration and its for recreational use the Malibu may work just fine. Keep an eye on fraying and loose threads around the cumberband. I used a good quality seemstress thread from walmart to shore up a few questonable areas.
 
Hal:
I went for the Malibu. In addition to the cost, what tipped the balance was the fact that I really liked how the Malibu felt. Also, in looking at other back inflators in the price range, Malibu received Rodales testers choice where as the others didn't.

Thanks for all the input.

Hal
Click to expand...

you will quickly learn that you can't believe everything you read in Rodales
 
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