Aqualung seaquest QD-I3

[Kyaquaman]

Can anyone till me from past experience about the Pro QD-i3? I have a Oceanic excersion (back inflate). I like how the Pro QD-i3 looks and operates. I wondering if I would better off with the excersion or the Pro QD-I3. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Trevor

 

[PvtStash]

with the lever-like inflator/dump by the left hand of the wearer?


yeah I don' like it...

I don' like it cus' its proprietary and if something goes mechanically wrong you Have to go to Aqualung to get it fixed (which means it wont be cheap as there's no competition).

I don't like it cus I dont think I could get to it with my Right hand very well (if at all) and I like being able to access my inflator with either hand... (you never know).

I don't like it cus' its different... (I'm developing this characteristic as I approach 40).


If your in an Aqualung shop now and want something comparable to your excursion take a look at the Balance and the Apeks rigs....

 

[TheScubaBOB]

I've been diving my QD-I3 for almost a year now. My daughter was just introduced to it a couple of weeks ago.

We both like it. It's a simple mechanical lever, Up to inflate & down to dump.

I like how well it dumps the BC without having to do the dorky inflator over the head thing.

I did end up moving my Vyper Air to my right wrist so I can still see it while I'm managing my BC (safety stops etc).

If you tether gauges then you may want to be sure you go either above or below the lever as the way we are doing it they lay almost on top of it.

Also, since it is Different than most of the equipment out there I always show it to my buddies before we get into the water.

 

[Kyaquaman]

As far as the difference in the back inflate and the jacket style. Which is better and what are the Pro's and Con's?

Thank you
Trevor

 

[simmonsjr]

I've looked at it,but not dove it. I found the I-3 component to be quite interesting, but not enough so that I would want to give up the rear inflation of my Excursion (I really just dislike jacket BCs). If it would have been been on a rear inflation BC when I was looking I would have given it a more serious try.

Jason

 

[TheScubaBOB]

Back inflation is a moot point in my opinion.

I've heard people say it puts them in a better horizontal position but lets be honest if your horizontal in a jacket BC the air in the bladder will be on your back unless you have soo much air in it that it is forced in the sides/front. When do you use that much air in the BC => only at the surface (unless you're severly overweighted).

The only real merit woud be that there is less material wrapped around you.

 

[dori fish]

I feel that the i3 is more likely to fail, plus you can't orally inflate and if the lever or automatic inflator fails, you can't inflate it any other way.

 

[Skooter]

There is an oral inflation tube tucked into the top left shoulder if you need to use it.

 

[TheScubaBOB]

I feel that the i3 is more likely to fail, plus you can't orally inflate and if the lever or automatic inflator fails, you can't inflate it any other way.

You "feel" it's more likely to fail? How complex do you think it is? Push down is a cord pull to the dump valve(s). push up opens the value connected to the LP inflator hose.

I've seen standard inflator hoses get lost behind the diver's head & just generally not stay where they should be unless strapped down somehow. My I-3 lever is always exactly where I leave it.

And yes Virginia, there is a manual inflator on the left shoulder. I even like the manual inflator more, no push & release a button to inflate, you apply pressure against your lips to open the airway!

 

[vixtor]

I have used a Pro QD i3 for the last two and a half years. I was happy with it during this time. The i3 mechanism is very simple - I even opened it when it leaked a small bubble stream near the lever (it proved to be some sand that was causing it, I cleaned and lubricated the lever and it was fine for the next 1.5 years). The pockets are large, but stay clean when not containing anything. It deflated and inflated easily through the lever. The body fit was solid. Overall, for a jacket BC, I would say it was very good.

On the down side - I saw somebody breaking the shoulder buckle after two dives - which caused a 3 weeks return to the factory.

I have switched this year to a DSS BP/W, following the word of scubaboarders, and I am very happy. I would not return to jackets, but if you want a jacket, the Pro QD (with or without i3) is a very good one.