cfelliot:I'm also about your size 290 6'3". I have the Brigade from Scubatoys(great folks). The lift of the smaller bladder is fine in warm water( I use 18lb with a 3mm shorty), but when I attempted to try cold water(using 40# with 7mm full suit) diving here at home my opinion was that I needed more lift. I just ordered a Zeagle BP system to which I will be attaching a 44# Ranger bladder.
Besides this, I love the Brigade and my wife loves her Zena!!!!
Well since I am going to do most of my diving at dutch springs witha 7mm farmer john and the same weight load, it sounds like the brigade is out.