ScubaERDoc
Contributor
- Messages
- 194
- Reaction score
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Hi folks,
After renting gear for my first 50 dives, I'm putting my wallet on a serious diet and buying my first set of gear. Already got my first reg set (Apeks XTX50/Egress) and now looking for my first BCD.
I am hoping on traveling totally light, want to fit my gear and clothes in a carry-on roller and a backpack style fin and mask bag.
Do NOT like bulky BCDs and feel that the smaller rear inflate is the best option
Both the ET and the Wicked Lite seem to fit the bill.
ET seems to be an amazing value for a small excellently reviewed mini BC/W setup at $260, however I would like to use an integrated zip touch weight system ($69) which would bump the total to $329. Also I am warm enough to dive in skin in the 80 degree weather, but this is obviously not the condition everywhere. I read a previous poster state that the bare webbing was not too uncomfortable on skin (although have heard other opinions as well). My last concern was that there is still a rigid BP with this BC. I am worried that I wont be able to fold this up real small.
The Wicked Lite is obviously more pricy at $400, but includes in integrated weight system and and shoulder straps which seems more comfortable. And a lacks a rigid BP so "you can roll it to the size of a Sunday newspaper" It is also even lighter than the ET by one pound!!
Currently I am a frequent vacation diver and generally travel far to places where the water temp is 74-81. Oceans only. I plan to eventually dip my toes into the cold waters of Northern California, but that will be another project in the distant future.
Looks like I will need to cough up some more hard earned cash and go for the Wicked Lite...but wanted other opinions?
Anyone try both and can anyone compare???
After renting gear for my first 50 dives, I'm putting my wallet on a serious diet and buying my first set of gear. Already got my first reg set (Apeks XTX50/Egress) and now looking for my first BCD.
I am hoping on traveling totally light, want to fit my gear and clothes in a carry-on roller and a backpack style fin and mask bag.
Do NOT like bulky BCDs and feel that the smaller rear inflate is the best option
Both the ET and the Wicked Lite seem to fit the bill.
ET seems to be an amazing value for a small excellently reviewed mini BC/W setup at $260, however I would like to use an integrated zip touch weight system ($69) which would bump the total to $329. Also I am warm enough to dive in skin in the 80 degree weather, but this is obviously not the condition everywhere. I read a previous poster state that the bare webbing was not too uncomfortable on skin (although have heard other opinions as well). My last concern was that there is still a rigid BP with this BC. I am worried that I wont be able to fold this up real small.
The Wicked Lite is obviously more pricy at $400, but includes in integrated weight system and and shoulder straps which seems more comfortable. And a lacks a rigid BP so "you can roll it to the size of a Sunday newspaper" It is also even lighter than the ET by one pound!!
Currently I am a frequent vacation diver and generally travel far to places where the water temp is 74-81. Oceans only. I plan to eventually dip my toes into the cold waters of Northern California, but that will be another project in the distant future.
Looks like I will need to cough up some more hard earned cash and go for the Wicked Lite...but wanted other opinions?
Anyone try both and can anyone compare???