IST dolphin tech BCD- any experience with brand?

[emoreira]

IST is a cheap brand. Things are good enough. Nothing brillant.
I've also used an IST Sidemount similar to the one described by @Michael Shamrock and I've found that it's hard to release air from the bladder and from the bladder bag. I had to use it with the zipper partially open to avoid the bladder bag to keep air inside.
Some time ago I bought an IST swimmer mask, and had to change for a Technisub AquaSphere as it was flooding constantly.

 

[Michael Shamrock]

The problem with this SMB is that the bladder is divided in 4 longitudinal compartments that communicate only in the ends. As the inflator is in the left bottom and the dump valve in the right bottom, a lot of air get stuck in the top of the bladder and is very difficult to release. Also, the lenticular shape of the bladder gives too much buoyancy around the shoulders and it's difficult to stay in a correct trim.
I bought it for the low price but after only one dive, I ordered a Hollis SMS 75.
If anyone is interested by my SMB 42, it's for sale for very low price...

 

[Still Kicking]

IST is a cheap brand. Things are good enough. Nothing brillant.
I've also used an IST Sidemount similar to the one described by @Michael Shamrock and I've found that it's hard to release air from the bladder and from the bladder bag. I had to use it with the zipper partially open to avoid the bladder bag to keep air inside.
Some time ago I bought an IST swimmer mask, and had to change for a Technisub AquaSphere as it was flooding constantly.

You get what you pay for.....

You can choose a product that was designed primarily with price point considerations.

Or you can choose a product that was designed primarily with performance considerations.

There is rarely any overlap.

 

[Michael Shamrock]

"You get what you pay for....."
I totally agree, but in my personal case, I had absolutely no experience in sidemount. I couldn't guess this product wasn't exactly matching with my needs and the low price was justified as it was the last one in stock. My comment is not for complaining but to avoid other members do the same mistake.

 

[Michael Shamrock]

Finally, the SMS 75 being not available right now, I changed for a Katana 2...