There are two trends in sidemount rig; warm-water (aluminum tank) and cold-water (steel tanks).
The Razor was developed from a concept using an MSR Hydromedary bag for buoyancy, mounted onto/over a basic harness with lumbar and shoulder plates. It was the first commercial sidemount in that warm-water ('English style') trend.
Yes, it set a precedent by being the first... and all credit to Steve and HP for their innovation.
However, to belittle all other warm-water rigs as 'copies' of the Razor seems pedantic and short-sighted.
Do people say "Sigh...just another Scubapro Classic" every time a manufacturer releases a jacket-style BCD? LOL Do they spout plagarism drivel every time a company releases a new donut or horseshoe wing? No... they do not. It would be puerile...
The Razor was hugely innovative. But evolution means building on what's already there and works, not starting from fresh. Sidemount is evolving. The basic principles and concepts become a foundation. Companies try new innovations. Some work, some fail. What works stays. What fails is consigned to history. As the evolution progresses, based on proven foundations, the innovations become fewer and less drastic.
I'm interested to see what innovations the Hollis Katana has to offer. Only time will tell whether they become accepted foundations for future evolution, or not.
