Sherwood Shadow or Soul i3?

[LindaS82]

Having completed 40 dives, I am looking to purchase my first BC. Need something for both temperate and tropical waters, and I would prefer to buy only a combination back/jacket inflation style. My local dive shop has either a unisex Sherwood Shadow or women's aqualung Soul i3. Pros and cons as I see them - can anyone weigh in with some advice?

Soul i3 Pros

• Soul i3 would fit me better in a women's small. I am very petite.
• Soul i3 is lighter.

Soul i3 Cons

• Soul i3 has the "lever" only - no inflator hose. I have heard that some people love these and I would be willing to give it a try, but i have never dove with one before.
• Couple hundred dollars more expensive, and I'm hesitant to spend so much.

Shadow Pros

• No lever - alternative air supply is available either as traditional octo set-up or in the inflator hose. (If I go this route, advice on which is better?)
  
• Couple hundred dollars cheaper.

Shadow Cons

• Heavier
• Even a men's small will be a little too big. I can make it work, all the rentals I've ever used have been unisex/men's small.