Sidemount BCD Options

[L13]

ScubaForce Blade? I haven't dove it, but it looked comparable to the Stealth at my LDS. I think the dumps were set up a little different.

 

[grantctobin]

ScubaForce Blade? I haven't dove it, but it looked comparable to the Stealth at my LDS. I think the dumps were set up a little different.

0/10


Edit: 1/10.

 

[L13]

Brand politics is absolutely it!! I have been in a Dive Rite rig and wasn't a fan. Well, when I get my Cave 1 (hopefully this year) and dive cold water with steels, I will give you a shout for sure.

I too would like to know which rigs are good for cold water diving with steels. I have a mexican style rig, but I gather it isn't optimum for that kind of diving.

 

[lostsheep]

I’ll second the wait a couple of months before you pull the trigger. There’s some interesting stuff on the horizon.

 

[ScubaWithTurk]

which rig in particular? they have had quite a few duds over the years IMO

I have used the XT and one other rig, I believe it was the older Nomad LS but don't quote me on that as it was back in 2018.

I HATE ring bungies and find that they are ideal for, well, nothing. I know the LS can use loop/independent so that is a good thing.

 

[L13]

I’ll second the wait a couple of months before you pull the trigger. There’s some interesting stuff on the horizon.

Any hints as to what is on the horizon?

 

[ScubaWithTurk]

I too would like to know which rigs are good for cold water diving with steels. I have a mexican style rig, but I gather it isn't optimum for that kind of diving.

You need a system with a butt plate for starters. But I will let the cold water experts speak up as I have maybe 10 dives in cold water.

I’ll second the wait a couple of months before you pull the trigger. There’s some interesting stuff on the horizon.

Yeah, no hurry on my part and I have heard there are some new systems coming out. Very interested to see what arrives this year as I believe the SM section of the industry is only going to get better as far as innovation and available choices.

 

[tbone1004]

I have used the XT and one other rig, I believe it was the older Nomad LS but don't quote me on that as it was back in 2018.

I HATE ring bungies and find that they are ideal for, well, nothing. I know the LS can use loop/independent so that is a good thing.

The XT is wonderful if you dive what it was intended for, but most don't. Cave Adventurers sells a loop bungee adapter and that went on my rig rather quickly. The current LS is not bad but like Grant said, wait a couple months if you can, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised.

 

[Jens Bölte]

Hi,

I dive a xdeep classic and a razor, in cold and warm water, with wet suit or dry suit, mostly with steel tanks (12 l Faber). IMHO, the differences when diving between the systems are marginal: placement of dump valve and inflator, flexibility to change the placement of dump valve and inflator in case of the razor, harness, setting up the xdeep harness was simpler than the razor harness, but you do this only once, the harness of the xdeep seems to be more durable, xdeep crotch strap is softer. The xdeep drop points are further out than the razor drop points but this is only relevant if you have to use them and you are not very wide around your waist. Reachability of the dump valve on an xdeep is a concern for some people, not for me. I never had the need to us a butt plate.

But with regard to diving, they do what the are supposed to do in open water, wrecks and caves. Trim is the same, lift is comparable, inflate/deflate. Razor is certainly heavily priced, here in Europe. xdeep is the better deal over here.

Concerning brand politics, I can‘t contribute in any way. If possible, give them a try dive.

Best wishes Jens

 

[Cheizz]

Mares Heavy Pure?
Tecline Avenger 16?
OMS Side Stream?

I am not a sidemount diver (yet), but these are on my research list. Check them out.