Deep Outdoors Matrix or Freedom

[prthd9]

I recently had all my gear stolen out of my garage and am now looking to purchase a new BC. Formally, I dove a Deep Outdoors Integrity and put about 50 dives on it. I do want Deep Outdoors as I have tried the Zeagle Tech and it just wasn't comfortable on my body. Besides my last Deep Outdoors was awesome!!!

I have narrowed my choices down to the Matrix and Freedom with a 34 lb lift bladder. Please offer your opinion on which one you would choose and why you would choose it. Also, from what I can tell the Matrix does not have integrated weights. Does anyone know if Deep Outdoors makes weight pockets I can put on both models? If so, how much are the pockets.

Oh, or should go with the Purist and why? My concern with Purist and Freedom is the single waiste band. I don't know how stable it is. Please help!!

http://www.deepoutdoors.com/matrix.htm
http://www.deepoutdoors.com/freedom.htm
http://www.deepoutdoors.com/purist.htmhttp://www.deepoutdoors.com/slipstream.htm

I am a cold water diver by the way.

 

[*Floater*]

I recently had all my gear stolen out of my garage and am now looking to purchase a new BC. Formally, I dove a Deep Outdoors Integrity and put about 50 dives on it. I do want Deep Outdoors as I have tried the Zeagle Tech and it just wasn't comfortable on my body. Besides my last Deep Outdoors was awesome!!!

I have narrowed my choices down to the Matrix and Freedom with a 34 lb lift bladder. Please offer your opinion on which one you would choose and why you would choose it. Also, from what I can tell the Matrix does not have integrated weights. Does anyone know if Deep Outdoors makes weight pockets I can put on both models? If so, how much are the pockets.

Oh, or should go with the Purist and why? My concern with Purist and Freedom is the single waist band. I don't know how stable it is. Please help!!

http://www.deepoutdoors.com/matrix.htm
http://www.deepoutdoors.com/freedom.htm
http://www.deepoutdoors.com/purist.htmhttp://www.deepoutdoors.com/slipstream.htm

I am a cold water diver by the way.

The Purist looks like your typical backplate with hogarthian harness (do a search for backplate or hogarthian to get many more opinions). That's what I use, not Deep Outdoor brand, but a hog rig. It's very stable despite only one waist band. (Note that it also has the crotch strap).

 

[Spratman]

I have a Purist/hog setup. I'm a cold water diver as well. I like it for a singles setup. But would go with a different doubles wing. They are way too much for what is really needed. The only slight downside to the plate is that it has a shallow channel and had to have a custom 8lb weight designed for it. Other than that I would highly recommend the DO Purist.

Also, consider the Hammerhead plate. Their website is worth checking out even if you don't like their plates. Danni would make any scuba gear worth buying....

 

[prthd9]

Spratman and Floater.....thank you for your responses. Do you have an opinion on the Matrix and Freedom?

 

[*Floater*]

Spratman and Floater.....thank you for your responses. Do you have an opinion on the Matrix and Freedom?

Do you plan to do tech or cave diving? How much lead do you usually need?

For tech or cave you will probably need a backplate to attach doubles to, so for that end the freedom looks better than the matrix. However, if that's a steel plate then it's probably about 6# negative, which may be too heavy for you if you usually use LESS weight for diving (i.e. if you do mostly warm water diving in a thin wetsuit). On the other hand, if you need 6# or more lead to sink, then a steel plate is a nice way to get it off your belt.

edit: to add the LESS

 

[prthd9]

I do plan on going tech, but not for another year or two. Also, I will cave dive when the opportunity presents itself. We do a lot of wreck penetration at the moment. As for weight I usually where six lbs on my waist and 4 in my trim. I dive with a HP 100 tank and 30 cubic ft pony, which is why I where so little weight. Therefore the six lb back plate would eliminate the need for weights around my waiste.

The matrix is designed for a backplate; it comes as an option.

Thanks again....for your advice. Comfort wearing and buying the setup is very important to me and that is why I am seeking as much info as I can.

 

[terrasmak]

Stratch the Matrix its only a tech looking BC , the purist is my vote but you wont go wrong with the freeddom. Wings well i really didnt see many to choose from, just one the rest were only available as a system . Also check into Deep Sea Supply , they have similer stuff but you can get any wing set up into a combo , that way you get only the wing you need and possibly not some useless stuff.