Rabbit, I have to say in my limited experience, The conshelf 14,20,21,SE all kick ***. Low maintenence and bullet proof. My only wish is that they had better material on the 21 second stage. You got such a good deal that you don't have to DX the sherwood 1st stage or the Octo.LOL I have dove the Conshelf 1st stage and second stage for 17 years, 5 years of that 80% blackwater for the US Army. I have had it ripped out of my mouth by tree roots in 4 knt water, twin 80's fall on it, and even slapped in my face by a 30# Grouper that just did not want to become dinner. The only reason I DX'd my Conshelf SE Octo is because my pit bull used it for a chew toy so it is not so pretty any more and When I was at the Zeagle Factory working on military gear with them they said ya wanna Air plus on that RANGER BC. Good deal get it serviced by someone you trust and it should give you years of service.
Tgreaves, No offense bro but don't blame the equipment for not being adjusted correctly. A free flow at 90ft is life threatening to a newbie who did not remember how to fix it, or grab his Octo, or ascend. The free flow could be caused by a butt load of things, dirt, and improper adjustment, being probably 99% of it. Freezing up???? If you break ice you need to winterize your gear, my 21 (still my main ) is winterized. Locking up is again an adjustment. I am not saying it didn't happen but it was Operator / Maintainer error. Or a fluke not the USD name. They Navy, Army, Air Force, and even the Marines dive USD. You think they would let a Grunt go down with something that was not bullet proof??? Remember A look every year and a rebuild every five years or as needed and you will have NO problems.
JMHO Look me up in the welcome thread to find out where I come from.