Michael McQueen
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Does anyone know anything about the IST Sojourn BCD; I am thinking about buying one.
IST Sojourn BCD?
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DevonDiver
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I haven't dived with the Sojourn, but it looks like a basic run-of-the-mill jacket BCD.
From the site, with my observations:
Sojourn is a significantly lighter and compact BCD which the travellers will appreciate. Significantly lighter/more compact than what? Not more than other comparable 'travel BCDs', but maybe more so than other IST BCDs. It will not take up bulk of the precious space in the baggage and the weight reduction meant more essential personal belongings can be brought on a dive trip.
The XS size is only 2.5kg, while S size is 2.55kg, M size is 2.6kg and L-XL size is 2.65kg in weight. That's still quite heavy for a specialist 'travel' BCD.
The Personal Harness System (PHS) can be easily adjusted to suit different diving conditions (i.e. the thickness of exposure suit needed) so a secure and personal fitting can be attained. Using a three-letter-abbreviation (TLA) doesn't make it clever - it's the same concept used on every jacket BCD. The plastic fitments don't look very robust - possible they will break easily. The simple but effective integrated Ballast Removal System (BRS) removes the need of a weight belt on most occasions. aka 'integrated weights' - it can only replace a weight belt "on most occasions" - the capacity of the integrated weights is quite limited (16lbs) and not suitable for the requirements of most cold water divers. Despite this special feature, Sojourn is durably constructed with the same care and attention like other BCD in the IST range. It can be used just like any heavier example on many weekend underwater excursions. Doesn't really say much - and not sure why they specify "weekend" excursions - I'd interpret that to mean "suitable for occasional use, not heavy duty".
Advanced features include:
Heavy duty 420D nylon. 420D isn't the most robust material on the market by far. 440 Cordura etc, is preferable.
Multiple adjustable PHS (Personal Harness System Yeah, yeah... it's got straps and buckles.
Ballast Removal System (BRS) takes up to 4kg (8.8lb) of weight on each sides. Integrated weights, but not sufficient capacity for most cold-water divers, and some warm water divers.
Cold water capable power inflator with pull dump No such thing as a 'cold water capable' power inflator. This is a BS statement. It's a standard power inflator.
1 additional rear quick air dump valve Fair enough, every BCD has this.
Adjustable sternum strap Fair enough, most jacket BCDs have this. Only needed if the BCD doesn't otherwise fit well. Nobody ever 'fell out' of a BCD on a dive.
Strong and lightweight delrin D-rings Cheaper than marine stainless steel D-Rings.
Additional tank stabilising strap If this was an additional cam-band, I'd say "great!"... but it isn't... it's a flimsy strap. Two cambands is a good feature. The 'additional' strap included wouldn't provide any extra tank security, so it's really a waste of effort and weight.
2 roomy side pockets They don't look roomy. They look tiny... and they're going to be quite inaccessible when worn, especially at the surface with the BCD inflated.
Padded backpack Great, if you're going to be hiking in the BCD. Otherwise, it adds buoyancy (more weight needed) and bulk (more packing space needed). A basic feature on most jacket BCDs.
Summary: This is a low range BCD, with similar features to other comparable 'economy' BCDs on the market - the sort of 'basic option' that many dive centres choose for inexpensive rental gear. If it wasn't very economically priced, then it won't offer much value, It's only a 'travel BCD' because they've used cheaper, less robust, materials to save weight; thinner nylon material and plastic d-rings. There's no 'innovation' in design to reduce bulk or weight for travelling. Their advertisement uses a lot of BS terminology to describe basic features common to most jacket BCDs. The pockets look useless. Integrated weights not sufficient for most cold/temperate-water divers...and the handles look badly placed for intuitive emergency use.
From the site, with my observations:
Sojourn is a significantly lighter and compact BCD which the travellers will appreciate. Significantly lighter/more compact than what? Not more than other comparable 'travel BCDs', but maybe more so than other IST BCDs. It will not take up bulk of the precious space in the baggage and the weight reduction meant more essential personal belongings can be brought on a dive trip.
The XS size is only 2.5kg, while S size is 2.55kg, M size is 2.6kg and L-XL size is 2.65kg in weight. That's still quite heavy for a specialist 'travel' BCD.
The Personal Harness System (PHS) can be easily adjusted to suit different diving conditions (i.e. the thickness of exposure suit needed) so a secure and personal fitting can be attained. Using a three-letter-abbreviation (TLA) doesn't make it clever - it's the same concept used on every jacket BCD. The plastic fitments don't look very robust - possible they will break easily. The simple but effective integrated Ballast Removal System (BRS) removes the need of a weight belt on most occasions. aka 'integrated weights' - it can only replace a weight belt "on most occasions" - the capacity of the integrated weights is quite limited (16lbs) and not suitable for the requirements of most cold water divers. Despite this special feature, Sojourn is durably constructed with the same care and attention like other BCD in the IST range. It can be used just like any heavier example on many weekend underwater excursions. Doesn't really say much - and not sure why they specify "weekend" excursions - I'd interpret that to mean "suitable for occasional use, not heavy duty".
Advanced features include:
Heavy duty 420D nylon. 420D isn't the most robust material on the market by far. 440 Cordura etc, is preferable.
Multiple adjustable PHS (Personal Harness System Yeah, yeah... it's got straps and buckles.
Ballast Removal System (BRS) takes up to 4kg (8.8lb) of weight on each sides. Integrated weights, but not sufficient capacity for most cold-water divers, and some warm water divers.
Cold water capable power inflator with pull dump No such thing as a 'cold water capable' power inflator. This is a BS statement. It's a standard power inflator.
1 additional rear quick air dump valve Fair enough, every BCD has this.
Adjustable sternum strap Fair enough, most jacket BCDs have this. Only needed if the BCD doesn't otherwise fit well. Nobody ever 'fell out' of a BCD on a dive.
Strong and lightweight delrin D-rings Cheaper than marine stainless steel D-Rings.
Additional tank stabilising strap If this was an additional cam-band, I'd say "great!"... but it isn't... it's a flimsy strap. Two cambands is a good feature. The 'additional' strap included wouldn't provide any extra tank security, so it's really a waste of effort and weight.
2 roomy side pockets They don't look roomy. They look tiny... and they're going to be quite inaccessible when worn, especially at the surface with the BCD inflated.
Padded backpack Great, if you're going to be hiking in the BCD. Otherwise, it adds buoyancy (more weight needed) and bulk (more packing space needed). A basic feature on most jacket BCDs.
Summary: This is a low range BCD, with similar features to other comparable 'economy' BCDs on the market - the sort of 'basic option' that many dive centres choose for inexpensive rental gear. If it wasn't very economically priced, then it won't offer much value, It's only a 'travel BCD' because they've used cheaper, less robust, materials to save weight; thinner nylon material and plastic d-rings. There's no 'innovation' in design to reduce bulk or weight for travelling. Their advertisement uses a lot of BS terminology to describe basic features common to most jacket BCDs. The pockets look useless. Integrated weights not sufficient for most cold/temperate-water divers...and the handles look badly placed for intuitive emergency use.
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