Beuchat Masterlift Tek, TransPac or something else...

[EliotD]

Hi,
I am new to this board, the time has come (50 dives) to buy a BC and probably a drysuit too. I am looking at a couple of options for the BC. My buddies and twoo instructors I have had use TransPacs with the rec wings, I have rented these and liked them a lot. In talking to the folks at my LDS the Beuchat Masterlift Tek came up. I saw one, tried it on, liked it but I cant rent one. Cost of the two is pretty close and in the range that I am looking ($600-700) So here is the question, if you were going to buy a BC for Atlantic diving, which would you buy?

Thanks,
FtF

 

[MSilvia]

I did buy a BC for Atlantic diving... it was a SeaQuest Spectrum III. After a few years, I got a DiveRite TransPac II and stopped using the SeaQuest. I dove with that for a while, then I got a stainless steel backplate and stopped using the Transpac II. I don't forsee ever wanting to change again.

The TransPac II is a good system, but I have a few problems with it:

• I don't like the way the shoulder straps attach with velcro.
• I prefer the secure connection to the tank I get with a rigid backplate.
• I prefer the fit and streamlining of a simple hogarthian harness to the angled straps of the TransPac II.
• I hated the way the chest strap on the TransPac II ran directly over my drysuit inflator valve.
• I prefer the security of having all stainless steel hardware that I know will last a lifetime even with mild abuse.
• The RecWing that came with the TransPac II was (IMHO) a little small for doubles, and a little big for singles.
• I found the weight pockets to be bulky, and with a backplate I don't need them.

In other words, I recommend trying a stainless steel 6lb. backplate with a singles wing and STA (single tank adaptor) before you decide. If you do go with a BP/Wing, you should be able to buy everything you need for under $400. Personally I like the Halcyon Eclipse wing for single tank diving.

I've never used the Beuchat Masterlift Tek, so I can't comment on that BC.