diva QD or LX ??

[wackodacko]

hello women!!!
I am going to buy a Seaquest diva tomorrow! The thign is.. should I spend an extra 90$ for an LX (compared to a QD?)

I tried searching on this topic, but this scubabord search wont let me search for anything less than 3 letters (LX or QD )

Thanks all!!

 

[Zept]

I have the Diva QD and like it a lot, but if I had my time over I'd consider the LX. In smaller sizes (I need an XS), the QD doesn't have much lift, so I often have to have it fully inflated to float comfortably at the surface. Also, the pockets on the QD are pretty small. I believe the ones on the LX are larger. And on occasions a shoulder D-ring (included on the LX but not the QD) would be useful. Compare them both in the shop and see what you think.

Hope that helps,

Zept

 

[JustJules]

I agree with Zept. I have the Diva QD, and I have come to wish I had the LX. Part of it is that I think I would like a back inflation BC, but most of it is the much larger pockets and additional D ring. Until you've been diving a while, you have no idea how often you want to put something in a pocket or add just one more thing to a D ring. In my case, becuase I'm fairly small, the D ring at the very bottom front of the BC isn't very useful to me becuase things attached there tend to dangle down too far for comfort. I don't like having something banging against my leg.

To be fair, though, the QD is a good BC and has served me well for 60+ dives so far. If you don't have the extra money to put out to get the LX, you'll be fine with it. If you have the money, go ahead and buy the LX -- so you don't later wish you had!

Julie

 

[Louie]

I have a LX in extra small and I've been more than happy with it. I agree it's got a good lift.

On the back inflation versus wrap debate, because the LX is a hybrid, you can look at it as having: a) best of both types or the worst of both. I appreciate the feeling of not being constricted as I used to in a wraparound BCD.

Also, I have also spoken to women who don't like the stretchy sports bra in the LX while I quite like it.

It's probably best to try both and then deliberate. Good luck.

 

[deignor]

I looked at both the QD and LX and went with the LX. It has MUCH bigger pockets for holding my goodies and I can find the zippers easily in the water. Lots of D rings for connecting things. The lift is great. I was a little concerned about the stretchy bra part because I am chesty and thought it might be constricting. But... it is wonderful! Love this BC - has worked well in cold freshwater quarries and warm tropical dives.
Diana

 

[wackodacko]

Thanks everyone! I went with the LX. I like the zipper pocket on the cummerband .. its the only easy access pocket i have i hate 7mm wetsuits cuz its hard to actually unzip one of the side pockets on a BC ..newayz... cooL!

 

[AliKat]

I think you will find it was worth the extra money. Once big difference is the LX is a hybrid (back and side inflate). The QD, I'm pretty sure does not have the back inflate.

 

[CuriousMe]

I see you've made your purchase already, just wanted to add my .02. I have the Diva LX and absolutely LOVE it. I love the hybrid back inflate, and I really do look at that as the best of both worlds.

The side pockets are a bit difficult to get at, but that's more about my design than the BC designers.

 

[astrl]

For those of you who have the LX, how does it compare to typical back-inflation (pushing your face in the water while on the surface, getting into a position other than horizontal, etc)?

Is there anything in particular that you have noticed about the LX that is different than either jacket style or back-inflation?

astrl

 

[CuriousMe]

astrl once bubbled...
For those of you who have the LX, how does it compare to typical back-inflation (pushing your face in the water while on the surface, getting into a position other than horizontal, etc)?

Is there anything in particular that you have noticed about the LX that is different than either jacket style or back-inflation?

astrl

One of the reasons I chose the LX is that it's a hybrid. When you look at it you'll see that it has a wing like design to it, but it also has bladders on either side of you....so when you're trying to be vertical at the surface...the air goes into the bladders around you as well as the wing. When you're trying to be horizontal at depth, the air is in the wing.

I like the stability at the surface, and yeah I know that I could be stable at the surface just by leaning back, I like not having to....it's just one less thing to deal with.

At depth I haven't had any problems with being in a position besides horizantal....I tend to like being in different positions depending on the geography (peeking under ledges, sideways along a wall....or even a few flips during a safety stop :boings: ) and it hasn't been a problem....whichever way I want to go....it goes .

Happy hunting!