Xdeep ghost or Dive Rite HydroLite or something else?

[DougA]

Long time reader, first time signing up/posting. I am looking to finally make the jump and purchase a bcd.

I am a recreational diver as well as a marine biologist, so if the opportunity presents itself down the road where I’d find a career involving biology and diving (like underwater surveying or deploying cameras etc) I’d be interested in that, but I don’t have interest in tec diving at the moment at all. I have about 115 dives and have only used jackets, but I do have some issues with jackets that I think would resolve with a bp/w set up, though I’ve never been able to dive with one. Almost everyone seems to prefer them

I do travel almost exclusively for diving, so I am looking for a travel bp/w to use as my one and only setup. Something sturdy, well constructed, will last a lifetime or at least a very long time but still lightweight.

I think I have it narrowed down to the xdeep nx ghost deluxe and the dive rite hydrolite but am stuck in a bit of an analysis paralysis.

Pros to the ghost: lighter; I found one YouTuber mention it feels more robust than the hydrolite; it is a beautiful piece of gear with several color customization options (not a necessity, but a plus), they mention on their site that the smaller size at the top of the wing helps to keep you more upright when at the surface
Cons to the ghost: more expensive; the dump valve is in a weird position higher up on the wing; from videos online it looks like it tacos a bit

For the dive rite it’s basically the opposite
Pros to the hydrolite: cheaper; better position of the dump valve; doesn’t taco from the videos I have watched; its default color is blue which is the color I’m going for in my kit, not that that is a major factor
Cons: a touch heavier; some say it’s not as robust; some seem to prefer a more rigid backplate

Any chance someone out there has been diving with both of these options? Or can at least comment their experience using one of them? There might be pros/cons to one or the other that I haven't come across in my own research...It's hard to find many in depth reviews out there!.
Is there another rig that I should consider that’s in the same weight and price range?
I’m a little overwhelmed with the idea of getting each piece from a different company and piecing together a custom option myself, so I do prefer a more or less complete set.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help in any way!

Hey there,

Curious what you decided and what your experience has been. I am an older diver looking to do 5-10 more dive trips, maybe 40-80 dives or something like that. Looking for my first BCD, and need small-for-traveling, uncluttered, mostly for warm water (less weight), but versatile for the occasional colder water. Look forward to diving with one I own instead of rent. Considering the Zeagle Convert, Zeagle Express Tech, Dive Rite TravelPac, and Dive Rite Hydrolite. Now I read about the Xdeep line too. Many options! I value simplicity, small, uncluttered, comfortable, and flexible enough in weighting to add more should I dive in cold water once in a while. One tank only for sure. Thanks - hope your experience has been a good one.

 

[Shabaday]

I dive with an XDeep Ghost deluxe and I am 60. I love the BP/W...I will tell you two negatives.
1) for me the corrugated hose at 16" was too short so I changed to a 19" corrugated hose which was perfect for me.
2) I like the concept but not the execution to the xDeep weight integrated pockets. They bolt up to the BP perfectly. They are just really difficult to get the inner weight pockets back into the outer weight pocket shell. There is no rigid backing to help the inner pocket slide into the outer pocket. So I bought size small, then medium and finally the L/XL size and those are somewhat easier to manipulate. Then after using them I gave up on them and just bought the HOG weight pockets and they stay in place with triglide. The HOG weight pockets just zipper open and you drop the weights in and you are done.
Otherwise the Ghost has been great for me

 

[lexvil]

As an older diver I’ve switched to the outlaw.