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Why so fixated on a Cobra? I've dove both an Air Integrated and a wrist mounted computer, and VASTLY prefer the wrist mount. It's not DIR anything - I just much prefer it.
Like, in case this wasn't stressed enough, I REALLY much prefer it. I hate consoles.
See what type of diving she may want to do. The Zena is a good BCV but the SQ Diva is more comfortable for women, my wife dives one. The BP's out there may not be of the best size for a women with a small short torso.
A number of reasons...
I dive a cobra, my buddies dive with cobra. If we all dive the same computer we all are under the same constraints.
I want air integrated. At this point in time I have no need for two computers and cannot afford a wirless computer. That's why I carry an old analogue depth gauge in my BC - "just in case" my computer dies I know I can head for the surface and do a safety stop.
The RGBM models used by the conbra are about the best combination of conservatism and practicality in my opinion.
Finally the few pro DM's are know use Cobra as do the instructors at my LDS...there's got to be a reason they are so popular - it's not the attractive price that's for sure!
Boogie711:
Why so fixated on a Cobra? I've dove both an Air Integrated and a wrist mounted computer, and VASTLY prefer the wrist mount. It's not DIR anything - I just much prefer it.
Like, in case this wasn't stressed enough, I REALLY much prefer it. I hate consoles.
Sorry, I meant to say computer instead of Cobra because I like Boogie, personally prefer a wrist mount.
Please note that you won't be able to tell a lot about if you like a BP & W by just putting one on your back in a shop. They have to be adjusted to one's person and it goes away in the water. She will NEVER have all that padding that people love in the shop floating around her neck and head in the water with a BP&W.
Good luck. R
DrSteve:
A number of reasons...
I dive a cobra, my buddies dive with cobra. If we all dive the same computer we all are under the same constraints.
I want air integrated. At this point in time I have no need for two computers and cannot afford a wirless computer. That's why I carry an old analogue depth gauge in my BC - "just in case" my computer dies I know I can head for the surface and do a safety stop.
The RGBM models used by the conbra are about the best combination of conservatism and practicality in my opinion.
Finally the few pro DM's are know use Cobra as do the instructors at my LDS...there's got to be a reason they are so popular - it's not the attractive price that's for sure!
Well you never know she might find it more comfortable in the shop. Besides I think we could get some kind of shoulder pad if it was an issue. We are going to the store this weekend
RavenC:
Sorry, I meant to say computer instead of Cobra because I like Boogie, personally prefer a wrist mount.
Please note that you won't be able to tell a lot about if you like a BP & W by just putting one on your back in a shop. They have to be adjusted to one's person and it goes away in the water. She will NEVER have all that padding that people love in the shop floating around her neck and head in the water with a BP&W.
And a Vyper and Cobra use the same algorithm - hence the same "constraints."
And ditto what Raven said about trying a BP in the water. I've never met anyone in person who has dove a properly fitting BP, and decided then to go to a traditional BC. Properly fitting is key, however.
Well you never know she might find it more comfortable in the shop. Besides I think we could get some kind of shoulder pad if it was an issue. We are going to the store this weekend
Sounds good. I myself have considered a collar pad for my left side only to compensate for a prior injury that occaisionally gets tender if I have to wear/carry my full rig a long way.
PS - check into the Vyper. I think they are a very good choice.
I agree with Raven all the way. The first BP/W I tried on I hated it. It didn't fit properly but I didn't know any better. After getting with another diver who helped fit it to me, it was more comfortable but it wasn't until I got it in the water that I fell in love with the thing. I'll never go back to any other type of BC. One thing I did change was the continuous 2" strap. I prefer to use DiveRite's Deluxe Harness. The D-ring on the chest area provides a pivot point for the strap, making it more comfortable where the strap goes beside the armpit instead of into it.
The first thing she'll notice is how clean it fits. There's nothing hugging from the sides and the straps are narrower than regular BC's. In the water, she'll be amazed at how perfectly it stays in place, especially when on the surface. And underwater, she'll never know it's there. A BP/W is the truest custom fit you can get.
Like Raven mentioned, there are several ways to have weight pockets on the waist strap. I use HP steel tanks and seldom ever need to add weight except when in salt water. Halcyon just came out with new small 6# pockets that are great. I custom made my own 5# pockets. I've also added a small pocket to the right side for those incidentals I like to have with me.
Yes, but not air integrated! That air integration feature has helped me become more aware of my air consumption. e.g. When I did a quarry dive last year the comp said I had about 10 mins of bottom time left...time to end the dive. Nah my buddy signaled, let's go up 10 feet...I got my 10 minutes and then some.
RavenC:
Sounds good. I myself have considered a collar pad for my left side only to compensate for a prior injury that occaisionally gets tender if I have to wear/carry my full rig a long way.
PS - check into the Vyper. I think they are a very good choice.
I believe that is the exact reason why Raven was mentioning the wrist mounted computer, so you don't rely on the air intergrated computer to make your diving decissions. That way you are the one in control of your dive, not your computer.
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