Genesis Recon 75

[NavyDoll]

Hi...

I'm considering purchasing a Genesis Recon 75 to replace my BCD that was stolen before Christmas. One of the LDS's is selling a used one (under 25 dives, looks like new) for $400.00 (Canadian)!

Was wondering if that is a good price?? From what I've seen online it is.. but was wondering if it a good price compared to buying new at a LDS??

I'd also love feedback from people that are diving with this BCD... as well as from people that have this BCD with the Tech Double Tank Kit... the more information.. the better..

thanks...
NavyDoll

 

[Toolbox-13]

Hello Navydoll,
I own a recon 75 and I love it the weight int is awsome and it has 2 small pockets on the back for weights holds 5lbs each but 4lbs fit much better. The extra d rings and center pocket lets you carry gear for just about any type of dive. My boyancy controal is so much better. Just think I made the right choice. my $0.02

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I have Genesis Recon that I have used for that 2 years and about 220 dives. It is holding up very well and is extremely durable. The weight pockets are very functional and capable of holding 30 lbs of weight if required. The weight pouches stay very secure as long as the velcro is kept clean.

I added the optional backplate to accomodate doubles and this works very well and further improves already excellent stability. It adds about 6lbs of weight and is designed with standard 11 inch spacing for the double bands. It also has a very useful set of perimeter holes and accomodations for a wider crotch strap. The downside is that it is a little on the spendy side at about $180 for the plate kit and the included (whether you want it or not) single tank adapter. When added to my original, $490 cost for the Recon, it makes for a very spendy BP and wing. Genesis also sells a redundant bladder system for it for another $270, but I have never seen the need for this.

I have zero complaints with my Recon it and cannot really find any reason to replace it other than the fact that it is a little bulky for traveling. When I do eventuallly replace it I will probably go with a backplate and an OMS comfort harness or a Dive Rite Transplate harness with a 60 lb wing. Both OMS and Diverite offer weight integration options that, while not quite as slick as the Recon's weight system, seem pretty useable. This will give me a BP and wing with the same relative comfort as the Recon with the utility of a BP and wing for a lot less money even after the weight integration is added. And my existing Genesis single tank adapter should fit if I ever see the need to use it.

It is also an option that you could consider now if you are thinking you will be using doubles in the future. The biggest negative of the Recon is that it is not designed to accept doubles without the optional plate kit. That is not immediately obvious and if I had known that when I bought it and known the cost of the plate kit, I would have probably went with a regular BP and wing.

 

[NavyDoll]

I do agree that I can be a bit costly... for the BCD and then the Tech Double's Kit. Although... from what I've found by researching the costs... it will be cheaper to buy the Recon & Tech Kit ($400 & $350 -> $750 Cnd) than to go with a backplate and wings.. which retail here in Canada for about $900-$1000. If I order a backplate online from the States.. and then buy wings up here in Canada.. I figure the cost will be about the same.. as the Recon!

Ugh.. decisions, decisions, decisions!! The fun of having dive gear stolen...

 

[Kaos]

From experience, I find that buying the right thing right now, even if more costly, is better in the long run.... I bought a Dacor Rig a couple of years ago, but I'm moving to doubles this Summer, and have to fork out some more $$$ for a BP/Wing setup... I'm thinking I should have done this a couple years ago.

I'm just bought a backplate, I'm looking for DiveRite Rec Wings from Leisure pro, and will build my own harness with webbing used for weight belts... I'm estimating the total will cost less than $500. I have a couple links that show you how to do that, PM me if you're interested.

K

 

[Uncle Pug]

No comment on the Recon... but Kaos... about your sig line... I have a P in all three of my drysuits... a P-valve... and it is a wonderful thing to be able to hydrate all you want before a dive.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I do agree that I can be a bit costly... for the BCD and then the Tech Double's Kit. Although... from what I've found by researching the costs... it will be cheaper to buy the Recon & Tech Kit ($400 & $350 -> $750 Cnd) than to go with a backplate and wings.. which retail here in Canada for about $900-$1000. If I order a backplate online from the States.. and then buy wings up here in Canada.. I figure the cost will be about the same.. as the Recon!

Ugh.. decisions, decisions, decisions!! The fun of having dive gear stolen...

If the cost is pretty much a wash, the only concern with the Recon would be that it is not DIR, and I have never gotten too concerned with that.

The Recon does have more potential failure points with a 2" fastex buckle and four nuts and bolts per strap along with 4 more nuts and bolts on the waistband. But I have never broken a 2" fastex buckle in 18 years of cold water diving and the nuts and bolts on the Recon do not loosen with use if properly tightened. And the whole thing is incredibly durabable with 1000 denier nylon throughout. Wearing it out to justify buying a new one to the spousal unit will be a problem.

The Recon's bungee system is also a nice compromise bewteen the infamous bungeed wings of death approach and no bungees at all. The Recon uses 2 bungees to pull in the slack on the wing but they run under the wing and are very unlikey to snag anything. Given how they attach and operate they also do not cause problems with air trapping. And as an added bonus oral inflation of the wing is still possible. They are also really easy to remove if you are morally opposed to bungee cords.

The Dacor Rig in any of its numbered variations is another matter. I have seen them frequently rain nuts and bolts both on the boat and in the water. No way would I buy let alone dive with a Rig.

 

[jroy017]

Hey i dove all alst summer with my genesis recon 75. I absolutely loved the BC great balance great durability ,the d-Rings are superb, i dove a coule of times with 130 bottles with absolutely no problem, only thing i have to say is that if you want to ad doubles to this set-up be prepared to spend at least 400$ canadian for back plate and attachments. Wich is the reason why I sold mine. However its a real good price considering that retail they sell for about 850$(cancadian)

 

[Kaos]

The Dacor Rig in any of its numbered variations is another matter. I have seen them frequently rain nuts and bolts both on the boat and in the water. No way would I buy let alone dive with a Rig.

Reason why I want to move to a much simpler setup with BP, wings, and basic harness. From pictures I've seen of the Recon, it reminds me of my Rig, which is why I posted. It's great for diving big tanks (I use a 104 and a 98 steel), but not very stable on my back. The "Deluxe" harness is also a bit too much. Not to say I'm DIR (I have yet to warm up to the idea of having a air hose around my kneck), but simple is often better.

No comment on the Recon... but Kaos... about your sig line... I have a P in all three of my drysuits... a P-valve... and it is a wonderful thing to be able to hydrate all you want before a dive.
.

I got fed up with "suffering" during safety/deco stops and now wear Depends under my suit... came in handy a couple of times. I now can drink all I want before diving and not worry about ruining my second dive because of natural causes on the first one.

 

[Tao of the Dive]

You might save about $50.00 if you go to leisurepro.com
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/weba...6&cgrfnbr=964&parentCategory=954&sort=prsdesc
And its not used...One of the few reasons I would stray away from a LDS. The idea of used equipment makes me shudder.