AquaLung Patriot Back Mounted BC

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Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
I bought a Aqualung Patriot last week and finally got the chance to try it out last night at a local lake. This BC is new to the market as of last week. I was very satisfied with the performance of this BC. I was intially unsure about buying it, but after looking at the features it had (opt. twin tank mount, 4 d-rings, multiple size adjustments, 50lb bladder, adjustable weight system, 2 pockets, rear dump, opt. crotch strap, multiple tank straps, etc). I decided to make the purchase.

On the first dive last night I did have some trouble with the weight balance. I had put too much weight on one side which made me roll towards that side. I had never used a weight integrated BC before. I made corrections for the second dive and it performed very well. I found it a lot easier to use than a vest style.

I was able to easily dump air when needed either through the inflator or through the rear dump.

I paid about $470 for this BC through a LDS. I believe the MSRP is $620.

I just thought I would give a quick review for anyone who is shopping for a BC. So far, I give this BC a good recommendation.

It should be noted, my maximum depth for my test dive was 33ft but I will be doing deeper dives later this summer in Lake Superior then more dives in Bonaire.
 
Howdy 2712,
What other BCs have you used before in your comparisons?

Are you diving wet or dry?

How do you use a BC... for surface floatation or for buoyancy compensation UW?

What features of this particular BC cause you to recommend it over others?

How do you anticipate the performance of this BC will change as the depths of the dives gets deeper?

I notice that you listed first and last in the features of this BC: *opt. twin tank mount* and *multiple tank straps*... are you looking to diving double tanks with this BC?
 
I have used the cheaper dive shop rental wraparound vest BC's. I think I may have used a Sherwood (unk model) in the past but I don't know make/model of each one.

I am diving wet.

I use the BC for both surface floatation and UW buoyancy.

I recommended this BC comparing prices and features from other BCs like the Seaquest Raider & Black Diamond.

The perfomance really shouldn't change based on depth but I thought I would mention shallow diving was used in my initial trials of it.

In reference to the the features listed, I may not have elaborated enough on the two listed. You can do twin tank mounts, with an optional kit and when using a single tank, the tank is strapped to the BC with three straps.

I don't intend to use doubles at this time but I thought I would keep my options open.

What BC is your preference?
 
Originally posted by ScubaCop2712
What BC is your preference?
Thanks for the report & elaboration...
I really don't have a preference in standard BCs...
I would advise against going with any BC for doubles though...


Patriot missle... you a funny guy Stone! :D
 

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