Which of the following is your preference for side mount, and why?

[lostsheep]

This right here ^^^^^^^. This is exactly why I asked what I asked, for multiple people to give me their honest opinions on a couple particular pieces of equipment that was already narrowed down to through research.
I have well over 10 grand in equipment sitting in my garage already. I do not mind spending on gear, what I do not like to do is waste money on something that I end up not liking. This is why I seek out other peoples opinions, hoping for honesty on mistakes that they feel like they made in their purchases so that I and others can avoid that.
Yes, I am well aware that I can dive exactly what my instructor dives, that he likes his gear and that it fits him and meets his needs absolutely perfectly. The problem is that it fits his needs, not mine.
I am looking for a good, solid, starter set up that I can modify by removing or adding to it to fit my exact needs, wants, and fit. Just like lostsheep has done.
I am grateful to each and every one of you that offered up your opinion, just as I asked of you, I hope that one day I will be able to pay it forward as well. Thank you!

One thing to keep in mind is getting custom plates made is a lot easier now than it used to be. Sendcutsend is phenomenal , you just need a .dxf

 

[Dsix36]

Have you dived it with AL80 OC?

That is my current configuration. Mexico style is what I am told it is. Of course I also have a Choptima clipped to it. I only have experience with the older nomads, LSs and now the Ray. The Ray has plenty of lift, does not look like a turtle or humpback when inflated and has plenty of lift at the bottom where I tend to need it most thus making it my current preference. When I unclip the Choptima and continue on just OC sidemount, it is streamlined and effortless.

 

[scuba127]

Gearing up to dive sidemount primarily, and really have no experience in any of these set ups, nor am I extremely knowledgeable in what makes any of them better than the others, so I am seeking your opinions on the following, or suggestions on something different, but please be specific about the why's, what you like best about it, and what you hate about it.
Katana 2
Stealth 2.0 tec
Or???
I would like it to have 40 or more lbs of lift, dual bladders, and multiple dump valves.
I appreciate your help and opinion

I use side mount for light solo technical dives. PADI TEC 45 Certified so dual bladder was required for the course. I did PADI Tec 40 on Hollis SMS 50 that I modified quite a bit and then went to Hollis Katana 2 with Dual Bladder for PADI Tec 45. It has around 40lbs of lift so I believe it meets your requirement there. It should meet your requirement for multiple dump valves as it has a pull dump positioned at the shoulder. Its my understanding some of the Stealth folks don't like the shoulder pull dump due to safety concerns but I've found I like it and so far have had no issues with it. Katana 2 should work great for you given what stated you would like to have. Its got this quick fit system that makes fairly easy to adjust and size to yourself. I like it.

 

[Learner Diver]

I am going to take a class, I am asking opinions on equipment.
You did not give a single one on equipment.
I thought I stated clearly that I am neither experienced or knowledgeable in the subject matter...
So, do you have an honest opinion on the 2 pieces of equipment I asked about?

I'm with you on this. I have come on Scubaboard to learn from the experts. It gets frustrating when the replies are ambivalent.

 

[PEDiver]

I have come on Scubaboard to learn from the experts

I have some disappointing news for you…

 

[happy-diver]

I've made a few, this one I may call it Katana 2-Stealth 2.0 tec ish something Mk 10

comes with a nice weight pack

with the wing from ALIEXPRESS HERE but only 35lbs claimed




And I'm not ambivalent about it at all

ambivalent - Google Suche