OP
DreadnoughtNH
Contributor
So a report on my AL Rogue following Roatan last week (with Bananarama):
Overall: I made the correct decision in purchasing the Rogue. I splurged and added the alternate air source inflator to my BC, which further uncomplicated my setup (no octo).
Packing: dead simple breakdown and re-assembly. While you could probably use a car key to remove the individual elements from the mounts in a pinch, I brought a small flat head screwdriver with me. Breaking it down to 6 components (2 shoulders, 2 waist, back, and bladder) meant I could pack it easily. Very light which was great in my walk down the beach to the boats.
Comfort: Very comfortable in an out of water. One thing I needed to watch when setting up was the location of the upper back weight pouches. They had a habit of causing the back pad to sag when mounted on the tank. Easily corrected each time. I immediately noted the streamlining (compared with my former I3) when in the water. Very pleased with the lack of drag. I had 3 pounds in each pouch (2x on the back, and 2x in the ditch pouches). All the rings are in easy reach.
Features: Because I don't have an octo now, the octo "pouch" made a great loop to secure my torch and keep it out of the way. Pockets unfold and could probably hold quite a bit, but seeing as how Roatan reefs were so clean, I never used them for trash duty.
Negatives:
> I did NOT like the location of rear dump valve. It's very small and (in my case) in an awkward location for me to reach. I may replace the small tab with a 3d printed ball for easier access.
> I can confirm the "facedown" habit when fully inflated on the surface, but this was easily averted (just don't fill the damn thing up to max!).
> I'm not thrilled with the ditch pouches. While it was never a problem on the dives, if one were to release accidentally during a dive (or more likely on the surface), they are a PAIN to relock when wearing the BC. It would probably be easier to take it off, relock, and get back into the BC.
While I'm still a newbie diver, and I am improving with every experience, I feel a lot less restricted in the water with the Rogue, and I don't feel like I'm hauling a cart of bricks to the airport!
Overall: I made the correct decision in purchasing the Rogue. I splurged and added the alternate air source inflator to my BC, which further uncomplicated my setup (no octo).
Packing: dead simple breakdown and re-assembly. While you could probably use a car key to remove the individual elements from the mounts in a pinch, I brought a small flat head screwdriver with me. Breaking it down to 6 components (2 shoulders, 2 waist, back, and bladder) meant I could pack it easily. Very light which was great in my walk down the beach to the boats.
Comfort: Very comfortable in an out of water. One thing I needed to watch when setting up was the location of the upper back weight pouches. They had a habit of causing the back pad to sag when mounted on the tank. Easily corrected each time. I immediately noted the streamlining (compared with my former I3) when in the water. Very pleased with the lack of drag. I had 3 pounds in each pouch (2x on the back, and 2x in the ditch pouches). All the rings are in easy reach.
Features: Because I don't have an octo now, the octo "pouch" made a great loop to secure my torch and keep it out of the way. Pockets unfold and could probably hold quite a bit, but seeing as how Roatan reefs were so clean, I never used them for trash duty.
Negatives:
> I did NOT like the location of rear dump valve. It's very small and (in my case) in an awkward location for me to reach. I may replace the small tab with a 3d printed ball for easier access.
> I can confirm the "facedown" habit when fully inflated on the surface, but this was easily averted (just don't fill the damn thing up to max!).
> I'm not thrilled with the ditch pouches. While it was never a problem on the dives, if one were to release accidentally during a dive (or more likely on the surface), they are a PAIN to relock when wearing the BC. It would probably be easier to take it off, relock, and get back into the BC.
While I'm still a newbie diver, and I am improving with every experience, I feel a lot less restricted in the water with the Rogue, and I don't feel like I'm hauling a cart of bricks to the airport!
