Islander 2 vs. Black Diamond

[SharkBaitGeorge]

I'm BC shopping... and this is what I've narrowed it down to.

I'm about a 120lb female divecon who, on certification trips, usually dives a high pressure steel 130 or low press. steel 90. Recriationally, Al 80. I go on about 8 certification trips a year and am in the pool with students 3 or 4 days a week. Keep in mind I have only tried on my fellow instructors' Black diamond (medium) and Islander (Large). Overall I found the Islander to be more comfortable and I like the look of it better... However, the Black Diamand would be more efficient for teaching or rescue situations because it has about 30 more pounds of lift. The BC I'm using now is a Scubapro Glide Pro with about 27 pounds of lift and I've never had an issue with it handling a hp 130 and never had an issue bringing up extra weight. I also do a lot of warm water rec. diving where a lighter bC would be nice to have.

Basically, I'm stumped on what to get. Based on size charts alone, a small Islander 2 is the way to go, whereas the small Black Diamond wouldn't be small enough for me, However, my fellow MALE instructors prefer the Black Diamond.

So my two questions are: What exactly is the difference between the Islander and the Islander 2? and... What does everyone recommend?

PS. Don't suggest the Pearl... I just don't like it. Or any other female BCs for that matter.

 

[Slonda828]

Hey,

I used the islander 2 when I was doing my internship for DM (I'm wearing it in my avatar photo). It's nice, simple, and it works well. I wouldn't dream of using a steel 130 with it though. That BC is pretty much meant for an AL80 or AL100. It's designed as a travel BC, so it isn't rugged like a BP/W. I had to stop lifting it up by the straps to put it on, as the weight of the tank was ripping the threads of the BC. There's a reason it is under 6 lbs in size medium.

I would say use a poodle jacket for aluminum tanks, and if you want to use steels, then get a BP/W. I'm not sure how SSI works, but as far as PADI, I am supposed to be configured the same way as my students anyway, which are always in AL80's and poodle jackets.

I am not sure if your shop is US Divers, but you can usually find the Islander 2 way cheaper than the Black Diamond as USD discourages internet sales with aplomb.

To answer your questions, the islander 1 has different weight pockets on it than the islander 2. The islander 2's pockets are arguably more secure as they feature fastex style quick releases in lieu of simply velco (islander 1). As for what I would recommend, provided that you are aware of the fact that the islander 2 is strictly a recreational type of BC, I see no reason why you shouldn't purchase one. It is simple, relatively streamlined, and easy to maintain. I took off the clips, zipper pulls, pull dump, bungees, back pad, sternum strap, and other dangling poodle jacket crap that came with it and mine (size medium) weighed only 4.5 lbs dry. My only beef with it was that the bladder is integrated into the BC, so if it ever needs to be fixed, you are going to have to mail the entire BC to Oceanic or leave your whole BC at a shop.

There you go man, and you know what opinions are like