Has anyone used a Aqua Lung Pro QD i3 BC?

[medicdiver738]

Hello all I need some help I am new to diving and I am looking at buying new gear and one of the purchases I am looking at is a BC. I have been reading magazines and reviews and have gone to talk with the local LDS. What I am looking for is anyone who might own or have used a Aqua Lung Pro QD with the i3 infation system. I have tried on and used the Pro QD with the standard inflation system but would like to hear some opinions on the i3 inflation system. I tend to get caught up in the newest and greatest trap for anything from cars to computers to cell phones and now onto scuba gear but I really don't know if I can trust this system because it is different from what I learned with. I will be making a good amount of dives in both cold (local) and warm (vacation) water and want to know if this system will work for both temperatures of water. Thanks in advance for any insight, help or opinions anyone might give.

 

[promocop]

Bought it, sold it. It made it too difficult for anyone to find it in an emergency. Also, one more hose to worry about. I bought a zeagle ranger air 2 and a galileo sol to simplyfy my rig and eliminate as many hoses as possible.

 

[vixtor]

I have a ProQD i3 for two years, and I consider it a good jacket. No regrets for having it.

 

[fisherkid]

I've used it a few times but I find that I prefer a regular inflator hose.

 

[Mark_J]

I've had one for a while now, I think it's a pretty decent jacket. I don't know how it will hold up to the test of time yet though...

 

[TheScubaBOB]

I love my I3, had to move my wrist mount computer to the right hand so I can watch it on ascent as the left hand is down on the lever.

Re others not knowing how to inflate it, that's why we review our gear with our buddies BEFORE we hit the water. I'm not worried that they'll forget as they all seem interested in it when I show it to them.

I did have a friend who was a DM Canidate the first time we dove together. He wanted to practice rescue in the LDS pool and didn't bother to review my gear... He never was able to get me off the bottom of the pool! That incident solidified my resolve to introduce my buddies to my inflator.

Best thing is that I don't have to hold a hose above my head to dump air, the I3 is quick to dump from the back valves.

 

[theskull]

. . Re others not knowing how to inflate it, that's why we review our gear with our buddies BEFORE we hit the water. I'm not worried that they'll forget as they all seem interested in it when I show it to them.

I did have a friend who was a DM Canidate the first time we dove together. He wanted to practice rescue in the LDS pool and didn't bother to review my gear... He never was able to get me off the bottom of the pool! That incident solidified my resolve to introduce my buddies to my inflator. . .

Not everyone who might come to your rescue will have started the dive as your buddy! There is a general unawareness of the system, and even those of us who have been exposed to it are not looking for it when we rush in to save someone who is floundering to help them get buoyant.

theskull

 

[TheScubaBOB]

Not everyone who might come to your rescue will have started the dive as your buddy! There is a general unawareness of the system, and even those of us who have been exposed to it are not looking for it when we rush in to save someone who is floundering to help them get buoyant.

theskull

The oral inflate is still on the left shoulder.

 

[luckydays]

I have the Aqualung Pearl with the i3. I love it. It makes tweaking for buoyancy easier for me as the button on the regular inflator hose caused me some trouble when wearing thick gloves (necessary where I dive). The lever makes it easier for me and I like it. I did try it with a dry suit and found that if I was using the bc for buoyancy, it made it awkward as the exhaust valve on the suit is on the same side as the lever but I do have the dump valve on my opposite shoulder if needed. Since I was taught to use the suit for buoyancy (whether that is good or bad, has yet to be seen) it did not come up as a problem yet.

There is no extra hose when using the i3 inflator system as previously mentioned except that you cant have a octo/air 2 on the inflator house as there is no way to suck air with the hose so low. I have a hose for my i3, reg, octo, and computer. Exactly as I was taught. I am not interested in the air 2 so that has not been a problem for me.

Also, you can dump air from the lever or the dump valve from any position unlike the inflator hose which has to be above the jacket to get rid of the air.

As for rescue needs (hopefully this will never be necessary) but if my buddy knows what my gear looks like as he or she should prior to the dive, and they are a good buddy, should the need arise, my buddy will be close enough to me to show the rescuer where my system is and how it works if needed. If we are both in trouble, I have a manual inflator hose in the same spot at the left shoulder.

I hope this helps you decide what you want to purchase, but you should try it before you buy it. See if your shop can let you take one in the pool to make sure it is right for you. It takes a minute to get used to it but I know that I would be hard pressed to want the hose type inflator again.

 

[medicdiver738]

thank to everyone that has responded to the question. I think I have the information I need now and actually have decided to go down another road for a BC. Thanks again for the help to those of you that are from the Chicago area I hope to see you at at the Quarry or one of the Lakes.