Recently took my first dives with a BP/W setup, 3 dives over two outings. Eclipse 40, SS plate and heavy STA, ACB 12 for eight pounds total, AL80. Although I was rather satisfied with my Black Diamond back inflate, I want to take my diving in a different direction, so the configuration change is part of that.
My first dive was far from the epiphany I have heard many other users describe. However, on saying that, that conditions were poor in the extreme and that could have colored the experience.
On land, the webbing hurt a bit (wearing 6.5mm wetsuit), though I did have a long walk to the entry. Once in the water, I was surprised that the unit was so vertically stable at the surface, much more so than my BC was. So far, so good. As a note, on the next set of dives and after some strap adjustment, the unit felt much more comfortable out of the water.
While descending, I did not that the rig felt much freer. The SS inflator is nice, feels solid, and mine was working. The dump in the back takes some getting used to. I had trouble finding the string reliably, though I am getting better at that. The dump works well, once activated.
I was a bit disappointed when I discovered that my trim was off. I was foot heavy at the beginning of the dive, but then foot light one the tank got below 800. This was discouraging. On the subsequent dives, I was able to drop 2 pounds, so now only 3 on each side in the ACB12, and next time I will try to drop another 2, where I suspect the limit would lie with this suit, total 16 pounds (including plate and STA).
Now, I have to experiment with trim weights to suss out my balance. I tired moving the tank up a bit, which seemed to help, but only a little.
Regarding the 7 long hose, I was pleasantly surprised it really did not feel in the way at all. I like the idea of the necklace backup.
One other difficulty I had was with the little SS double ender clips. I thought I was a relatively coordinated person, but I felt like a fumbling fool trying to clip them on and off, especially for the SPG on the left hip. Felt like I was trying to unsuccessfully learn the guitar again. I had a look at the interesting OMS design for these clips that look much easier to clip on and off, but I will wait to see if I get used to these
After care of the equipment is much easier for me. Mostly metal, and not so much fabric to rinse and let dry. The webbing and wing were dry inside a day. My old BC used to take days to dry, and boy was it heavy when wet! New unit also packs up a lot nicer for travel (I bring my gear by motorcycle in summer).
Overally, becoming more satisfied...trusting that the trim will be sorted out, though it remains a real disappointment at the moment.
JAG
My first dive was far from the epiphany I have heard many other users describe. However, on saying that, that conditions were poor in the extreme and that could have colored the experience.
On land, the webbing hurt a bit (wearing 6.5mm wetsuit), though I did have a long walk to the entry. Once in the water, I was surprised that the unit was so vertically stable at the surface, much more so than my BC was. So far, so good. As a note, on the next set of dives and after some strap adjustment, the unit felt much more comfortable out of the water.
While descending, I did not that the rig felt much freer. The SS inflator is nice, feels solid, and mine was working. The dump in the back takes some getting used to. I had trouble finding the string reliably, though I am getting better at that. The dump works well, once activated.
I was a bit disappointed when I discovered that my trim was off. I was foot heavy at the beginning of the dive, but then foot light one the tank got below 800. This was discouraging. On the subsequent dives, I was able to drop 2 pounds, so now only 3 on each side in the ACB12, and next time I will try to drop another 2, where I suspect the limit would lie with this suit, total 16 pounds (including plate and STA).
Now, I have to experiment with trim weights to suss out my balance. I tired moving the tank up a bit, which seemed to help, but only a little.
Regarding the 7 long hose, I was pleasantly surprised it really did not feel in the way at all. I like the idea of the necklace backup.
One other difficulty I had was with the little SS double ender clips. I thought I was a relatively coordinated person, but I felt like a fumbling fool trying to clip them on and off, especially for the SPG on the left hip. Felt like I was trying to unsuccessfully learn the guitar again. I had a look at the interesting OMS design for these clips that look much easier to clip on and off, but I will wait to see if I get used to these
After care of the equipment is much easier for me. Mostly metal, and not so much fabric to rinse and let dry. The webbing and wing were dry inside a day. My old BC used to take days to dry, and boy was it heavy when wet! New unit also packs up a lot nicer for travel (I bring my gear by motorcycle in summer).
Overally, becoming more satisfied...trusting that the trim will be sorted out, though it remains a real disappointment at the moment.
JAG
