Dacor Extremell Airtrim vs. Mares Lady Dragonfly Airtrim

[NewDiver]

I was just recently certified and I am buying my gear for a trip to Mexico in October. I have narrowed down my selection to 2 BCs that have the Airtrim System. I had difficulty deflating my BC during the training sessions and I can't seem to get that inflator hose comfortably over my head. I think the Airtrim will help resolve this issue.

I am concerned about the weight of the BC and it's bulkiness. Are these Airtrim BCs heavier and bulkier than the regular BC with the inflator hose?

I was gearing up to buy the Lady Dragonfly but just read on this site that there are times when it is difficult to let all the air out due to the external wing. Would the Dacor Extremelle Airtrim be a better buy for me?

Any advise is really appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Iguana Don]

NewDiver,

IMHO perhaps you should rent out a conventional BC and spend some time in the pool to hone your skills. Buying a BC with Airtrim is only a band-aid for a weak skill.

Millions of divers world wide have perfected this skill and with a little practice you can too.

Just my .02

ID......Iguanas are neutrally buoyant naturally!

 

[ifukuda]

Airtrim BC's maybe slightly easier to operate than a the power infaltor hose (because it'll always be in the same spot), but, as Iguana Don says, "millions of divers world wide have perfected this skill (using a power inflator) and with a little practice you can too." Also, you don't need to get the infaltor hose "above your head." It just needs to be elevated higher than the BC, so all the air can escape out of it.

Moreover, if you are often finding yourself inflating and deflating your BC underwater, you may want to check your weighting. A lot of new divers startout carrying too much weight (I know I did).

I know a few people that have gotten a BC with the Airtrim option. All of them like it. But, I am not sure that you are thinking about getting the Airtrim BC for the right reasons. With correct fitting, weighting and a little bit of practice, you will not have the problems that you speak of. Not to mention that the Airtrim option adds $300.00 to the price of the BC. Personally, I think there are better ways to spend the $300.00...top of the line regulator, dive computer, stock up on accesories, etc.