Genesis Phantom - Need Input

[ofb11]

I am new to Diving and want to go into my OW class with my own BC. I am looking to get a Genesis Phantom. Rodale's Seems to like the Genesis Brand and it is one of the few BC's that come in XXL. The other benefit is the price about $245.

So I pose this question.

Is the Genesis Phantom a good BC? Anyone have some experience with this BC than can give me?

ALL HELP IS APPRECIATED!

Thanks,

Dave

 

[5615mike]

IMO I would stay away from the Genesis. The Sherwood Avid makes an XXL and is a pretty decent rig for the money. I looked at just about eveything on the market in XXL and ended up with a QD+. THe style of BC is really going to depend on what type of diving you are planning on doing. If it's all warm water, then you probably want weight integration. If you are going to do some deep, technical or even fresh water stuff that you might get into dry suit or very thick wetsuit, I would consider a backplate and wings. All depends on your diving. It's not that easy of a question to answer propertly without more info. Good luck.

 

[h2onut2]

Sherwood and Genesis bcds, while not the same, are made by the exact same people. The quality of either is the same. I have had Phantoms, and loved them.

I now have an Avid and have to admit, I do like it's cut a bit better.

Both are good choices.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

to take the course first and then purchase your own BC. By doing so you avail yourself of the opportunity to try out numerous different BCs and to discuss the matter with your instructor and the divemasters. Your course should cover some factors regarding BCs that will make clear why the lowest price BC may not be the best value to you - things as diverse as number of stitches per inch, what type of nylon material the BC is made of, whether it has an internal bladder or not, and the manner in which the corregated hose is attached to the bladder. In one case a bladderless BC was designed such that a good tug on the corregated hose could pull it out of the fitting, leaving this BC unable to hold air. Integrated weights (there are a number of pros and cons), backplate versus softpack, and D-rings and fittings are other topics for discussion.

Many divers often wind up with a drawer full of items that 'seemed like a good idea at the time'. You might find a more cost effective approach is to try a number of different BCs and discuss them with your instructor prior to purchasing. This way you learn on OPM. (Other People's Money)

Doc