Triple-l International: Bcd's

[1divadiver]

I am a new diver (cert. 2003) with a small piggy bank. I've been looking at BCD's now for some time, and the one I really like is Seaquest's Diva LX, but there is no way i can afford it. Just today I got information about this new online store called Triple L International and the prices are truly unbelievable. They carry a women's BCD called "Women's ISIS" and wondered if anyone had ever heard of it or even tried it. I was reading some interesting stuff posted about the other unisex models, but I would really appreciate a women's viewpoint about the BCD's from this manufacturer. If anyone out there can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks! PS FYI - and I just tried a back plate and wings and couldn't stand it, so if anyone has any cheap suggestions out there, they are greatly appreciated. Thanx. :06:

 

[23angler]

as far as i know the triple L is a knock off of other bcd's at a better price. from the reportes that i have heard they are worth the $. good quality at a great price. i was looking at them but as hard as i am with my gear i bought local so i can return it as soon as i tear it up. i have already went through 2 sets of mares volo power fins (150.00 ones). you would think that they will hold up a little better for what they charge for them. sofar to date i went through 2 sets of fins 2 lights 1 computer and starting to tear up my dive watch and starting to put holes in my new 1/2 mil scubapro wet suit. and that is in one month of diving.


thanks
brian

 

[Hoya97]

WOW Brian! You a SEAL or something? I put in about 50-75 dives a year for the past three years and so far, the only thing that's showing real wear is my booties.

On the surface, I wouldn't recommend buying via mail order for two reasons.

1) if you tear it up like Brian - or even beat it about a bit - then your LDS won't repair it, or if they do, will charge full price. For example, with a lot of SCUBAPRO stuff, all you normally pay for is labor. Parts are free. But you can only buy SCUBAPRO at an LDS.

2) I don't buy stuff via the Internet because I can't try them on, or get tips on best ways to wear it like I can at the LDS. What do you do if it just doesn't fit? Frequently, the only way you find this out is after the first dive and the manufacturer won't accept a refund after it's used. The LDS frequently does because they can either re-sell it at a reduced price or put it into their rental stable.

Understand completely about the small piggy bank. My opinion is that if you buy from an LDS, you are also paying for the support and service down the road. When you buy from the Internet, then you get what you pay for.

Remember, this is consdered Life Support Equipment, not a coat or book.

Just my opinion, and yes, I do teach out of an LDS, but I don't buy all my equipment at that one shop. I go to where I can get what I need, at the best price available.

Best of luck

Lee

 

[gfisher4792]

Welcome to the board, diva!

Here's a thread that may help you out some: Triple-L opinions

 

[1divadiver]

Thanks for all the feedback! It looks like I will continue renting at the moment until either I hit the lottery or I inheret a small fortune from some long lost relative. I agree that I want quality equipment since how I want to stay alive, at least for the next 40-50 years or so... So it looks like my LDS, which is an 1hour away, will continue to make money off of me for now. I can't complain as their prices are the most resonable here in UpstateNY. Again, thank you. :bfish:

 

[Ariel]

"the one I really like is Seaquest's Diva LX"

1divadiver

What size are you and would you be interested in a used Diva LX? I plan to post mine soon on the gear for sale forum - just getting together the pictures. Mine is one year old, purchased new. It has about 50 dives on it. I really like the cross-over style top. I'm kinda old school though and want to go back to a non-integrated weight bc system.

Interested? - Ariel

 

[H2Andy]

1divadiver, i'm curious, with all the positive feedback on the Triple-L stuff, what made
you decide not to buy on line?

 

[ShakaZulu]

There is no need to make this a Internet/LDS thread, we have a lot of those. I've heard good reviews of the Triple L BC's. Buying a BC is not like buying a shirt. That's why they are adjustable. You need a ballpark size and then you adjust them to fit. In fact I do this all over everytime I dive. Hey, say you buy a small and you need a large, I think they will exchange it, hell buy a small and a large, it's still less exspensive.

 

[H2Andy]

exceedingly useful post, as always, Shaka

but i was asking 1divadiver why she decided not to go with the Triple-L stuff
since the reviews seemed so positive.

 

[J75]

1Diva,

I would definitely hold out for the Diva LX. It will be well worth the wait. I picked one up about 4 months ago online and saved a bundle. But you do need to know what size you'll take. In my experience, the Diva runs roughly the same as the mens sizes. For example, the BCs that you've been renting are probably mens, so if you're wearing a small mens, you'd go with a small womens. So you could just make a guess when buying. However, even though the Diva is adjustable in several areas, the "sports bra" placement differs on each size. So if possible, check one out before buying, or order two to be safe as most online merchants (at least in my experience) gladly except returns.

J.

I am a new diver (cert. 2003) with a small piggy bank. I've been looking at BCD's now for some time, and the one I really like is Seaquest's Diva LX, but there is no way i can afford it. Just today I got information about this new online store called Triple L International and the prices are truly unbelievable. They carry a women's BCD called "Women's ISIS" and wondered if anyone had ever heard of it or even tried it. I was reading some interesting stuff posted about the other unisex models, but I would really appreciate a women's viewpoint about the BCD's from this manufacturer. If anyone out there can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks! PS FYI - and I just tried a back plate and wings and couldn't stand it, so if anyone has any cheap suggestions out there, they are greatly appreciated. Thanx. :06: