BCD Whining

[diverjen]

So we are trying to get geared up for a dive trip in May. I am close to set on the big stuff. Hubby still needs a BCD and a computer. With Black Friday sales on and around the corner I am trying to get him to think about what he wants so we can capitalize on deals. He is a camera guy so he has said to me before that he wanted something lower end so he can save his pennies for strobes/lights, etc. Based on that I told him no brainer ZET. I have a DSS SS 26lb setup that I LOVE and he has dove it too and liked it as well. But with the ZET getting discontinued its really hard to find ZET (altho it can be done for ~$300). Of course when you start talking ~$300 your options increase especially in the context of Black Friday deals.

Here is what he has been looking at specs and videos on youtube:

-ZET
- Z Wicked Lite
- AL Zuma
-Hollis Ride
- HOG BPW (aluminum plate)
-Used DSS setup (Kydex plate)
-AL Dimension i3 (~$414 on LP right now and he is fascinated to my chagrin)

He thinks he wants pockets and he likes the idea of weight integration pockets, although they kept falling out during OW and he HATED that.

This post is all over the place but I am looking for:

- other models he should consider
-thoughts on above models
- advice for me since I don't want to force him into BPW and if he wants the bells and whistles I should just let it go, but if there were specific articles or threads that are even handed (a lot of BCD bashing around) that he could read and make up his own mind about it. He just hasnt been way over thinking like I have and I want HIM to be happy with what he gets, that really is the most important thing, not us looking like the odd couple on the dive boat, lol.

 

[Bob DBF]

I guess the best idea is to get him in the pool with as many of the rigs he is looking at, or are available, as is feasible.

Be the facilitator rather than be involved in the decision, I've found this to be best tactic for domestic tranquility when I already know the right answer.



Good Luck
Bob
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There is no problem that can't be solved with a liberal application of sex, tequila, money, duct tape, or high explosives, not necessarily in that order.

 

[00wabbit]

I had a scubapro knighthawk that was pretty good. It had large buckles on the weight integration that would be near impossible to fall out accidentally.
It was back inflate so decent horizontal trim. Also had trim pockets up on the shoulders for weights so that was nice.

It has pockets on it, but not very useful. One pocket was small and all I could fit in it was a small pelican flashlight. The other pocket would unzip and roll out a larger pocket but it seems like you wouldn't want to use it like that all the time.

I have since switched to a backplate and wing and like it much better. Of course I had to figure out how to carry everything again. FLshlights are DIR style, clipped to shoulder d-ring and bicycle tube to secure to strap.

Other stuff is in my drysuit pockets. I like it for photography because there is nothing on my chest to get in the way of the camera. I can also add d-rings wherever I want to clip off the camera, etc.

 

[diverjen]

Thank you guys so much for your feedback. Very helpful Bob! I also like wabbit's point about just figuring out how to carry stuff.

Oh and since I didn't mention it (bad poster) we mostly take warm water trips to the Caribbean but want something that we can use with a 7mm for local stuff, too. Colorado and New Mexico in the summer basically.

 

[diversteve]

Isn't the Wicked Lite discontinued also? It's no longer listed on their website. The only one I've seen lately is 1 XS on Scubatoys website - I think it's a closeout.

Don't let him get an I3. Everything about that system is non-standard. Can you even manually open one of the flat e-valves if the I3 controller fails? All they say is 2 non-return exhaust valves - no idea what that means.

There's a funny story in a thread here about someone sitting next to a lady with an I3 on the edge of a zodiac waiting to splash. Some part of their gear hooked the I3 inflator and pulled it up causing her BC to start inflating slowly w/o her knowledge. So the person had to tell her after he noticed it.

I've never seen a Zeagle Ripcord drop weights accidentally. I've had one for 10 years, my buddy for 8.

I looked at a Zuma also but due to the weight integration it only has one pocket for stuff.

I don't think the Zuma has enough lift for 7MM cold water diving. Neither does the standard ZET but you can buy it with a larger bladder.

 

[uncfnp]

Don't rule out BPW. Dive rite has multiple pocket choices and weight pockets that can be selected and positioned according to the diver's preferences. But price may be a problem unless you can find a great deal or a quality used item.

 

[diverjen]

diversteve - I know I know..... that is what I am trying to accomplish!

Yes I think Wicked Lite is a closeout on LP for $299.99 right now. It has 32 lbs of lift in his size and the Zuma has 35 lbs in his size. The ZET you can do a 24 lb or a 30 lb bladder(adds a bit more cost). He is one of those folks that isnt super bouyant and wears like 15 lbs lead in a full 7mm with a fluffy jacket bc. He also runs warm and wears a full skin while I am adding a vest to my full 3mm in the Caribbean.

Preaching to the choir.... Just trying to find good materials to convince him! Plus if you are really thinking of spending $350 on ZET, then why not go for a great black friday deal on a full bpw! Just trying to keep my mouth shut and facilitate him making an informed decision that he will be happy with.

 

[ams511]

DRIS is advertising the Hollis Ride for $300.

Jen, you can check the Zeagle forum but I am pretty sure they don't recommend a 24lb lift Express Tech for anything other than tropical diving. When you start talking 7 mil wetsuits then you really need a bit more lift like 30-35 lb. He is best off with a metal plate.

I have an Express Tech in my collection. It is basically a fabric plate, wing, harness, cam straps. If you substitute fabric for metal you basically have a backplate and wing. As long as the slots line up you could use a fabric plate (Oxycheq also makes one) with another brand wing (for example Dive Rite) and accomplish the same thing. Some guy on here uses a DSS wing with a Oxycheq fabric plate, it is pretty small. Last year I think Scuba Toys was selling the Oxy plate for around $45.00

 

[diverjen]

ams511 - I know! so is LP! How do you like that model? I always hear great things about Hollis!

At this point if it were just me deciding the post would be:

Hollis Ride v. HOG BPW???

 

[ams511]

If BF 2012 is any indication, you will find in the $300 range packages from DRIS, Hollis, Hog, Dive Rite, and Oxycheq.