Pearl I3 or Lotus I3??? Suggestions????

[weezieharris]

Hello! I am in the market for a new BCD. My experience has all been with jacket style BCD's. As such, I had pretty much decided on the Aqualung Pearl I3. I tried the I3 system in the pool and am comfortable with it. However, I am now really interested in the Lotus I3 which is back inflate. The downside is my LDS does not carry this model so it doesn't seem like there is way for me to try it out. I am hesitant to buy something I have not been able to try but want to get the buy equipment which I will be happy with for a long time and a lot of people seem to lean towards the back inflate models. Just curious if any of you have experience with either of this models that you could pass along. I would really appreciate it!!! Thanks!

 

[SnorkelLA]

If you'd like a back inflate, why the i3 system? It's not hard at all to get air out of a back inflate in just about any orientation, as the bubble is much less spread around the BCD, unless you NEED to buy the i3, if it was me, I'd buy the back inflate without.


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[SnorkelLA]

Or, a BP/W? BP/W systems are fit to YOU and no one else. Plus you don't get an uncomfortable "hug" like from other models, but you get the same function. Plus, it's a modular system, so it will grow with you as you gain experience


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[weezieharris]

Thank you for the feedback. These are great points to consider.