Triple L Taurus

[ontario-diver]

Is this a descent BCD for entry level diver??

Features

Front-adjustable style

Made of 420 nylon with a strong lamination

Standard inflator for quick and easy inflation

2 dump valves, 1 upper, 1 lower

Foam-padded backpack to provide exceptional comfort and plastic backpack keeps the diver’s cylinder secure

Quick release chest strap for those who prefer wearing shoulder straps pulled close together

2 large, secure zippered up front pockets to provide excellent storage space

2 heavy duty tank straps provide the tank superior stability during prolonged and rugged dives

8 duty hard plastic D-rings to handle all your equipment needs.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

I started out with an Orion. They're budget gear, and to some extent you get what you pay for. My Orion's bladder lasted about 50 dives and one year. To replace it, I had to pay something like $30. I felt warranty should cover it, but Triple-L isn't all that customer oriented.

I have had much better luck with the BCs than the wetsuits though.

I hate to say it, but I would have started out with my DSS single tank rig if I had know what I know now. It costs a bit more, but it travels so much better than those bulky Triple-L BCs. It's much more durable, streamlined, easier to dump. It's just a much better piece of equipment.

My brother has 100 or so dives on his Triple-L with few problems (they just don't have the fit and finish of, say, a Zeagle). In the end, if you dive a lot and want good equipment to do your diving justice, you'll want tograduate to something else pretty quickly.

If you travel a lot, I'd definitely look for something more compact. Nothing beats a BP/W for travel.

Is the taurus weight-integrated? If not, take a look at the Orion. It's back-inflate and weight-integrated. It's the nicest Triple-L BC of the several models I have seen and played with.

Again, though, the Orion is very bulky for travel.

 

[Amphibious]

A diver from Chatham right on.

sent many a summer there...... never want to see another peice of corn again.....

having dove all over southern ontario I'm going to put in my vote for the DSS BP/W too.

if you want to fund your BC go dive McDonald Park in Wallaceburg fishing tackle galore!

 

[ontario-diver]

Thanks for the tips Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
Amphibious, LOL, yep we still got lots of corn.....and wallaceburg hasn't changed much either--LOL

 

[m3830431]

If you know your are going to use it start out with the best you can afford so you aren't tempted to upgrade right away.

 

[Marek K]

...and now for a different perspective...

I've had a Triple-L Stratos BC -- very similar to the Taurus, but with integrated weight pockets -- since last year, and am very happy with it. Quality seems great, particularly considering the price. Very heavy-duty material, which yes does affect the travel weight.

Nice details that you wouldn't expect for the price... two tank bands, stainless steel d-rings, top and bottom dump valves...

Can't address durability yet.

Issues? Mainly the velcro-secured weight pockets; I'd prefer clipped. But I haven't had a problem with weight pocket security thus far -- we'll see how the velcro holds up.

And you have to be very careful with sizing -- the re-stocking fees are (or were) very hefty if you have to exchange.

I had to alter the waist strap, but it looks like the Taurus has a good one.

Looks like ScubaL -- what the company is calling itself now -- has come up with a new version of the Stratos, the Stratos Air+ -- but only available through their "worldwide" web site. Looks nice -- clipped weight pockets, and a good dual-pull waist strap. Even cheaper than the Stratos -- but off that web site it would be shipped from the factory in Vietnam, which would be horrendously expensive.

--Marek