Aqualung Dimension i3

[airizzy]

I am very intrigued by the new Dimension i3 BC. For those with i3 BCDs I was wondering if the push rods in the system are ever a problem with packing and carrying in gear bags? I think I would really like the i3 system but I don't want a rigid BC that is hard to pack into a gear bag. Any thoughts?

 

[Skooter]

I have been playing with my new Dimension for about three weeks now. Only had it in the pool so far. In fifteen years of diving I have not seen or used a bc that is this well thought out. It is extremely comfortable in and out of the water. I was afraid that the padding would add buoyancy but did the opposite. It is less buoyant than my other bc's. The harness does a great job of keeping the tank stable. No more shifting and rolling of the tank. The I3 is new to me but works well. Will be easy to adjust to. I don't expect any trouble packing with the push rods. They are very flexible and without the solid backpack the bc rolls and folds down nicely. If you have a chance try one out before buying, they will sell themselves.

 

[c5diver]

the i3 could be an issue with a drysuit trying to vent both at the same time. i liked the i3 with the pro qd but left it for a zeagle ranger.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I looked at a few of the Aqualung BCDs with the i3 feature.

While wearing the rig underwater, how can a diver disconnect the LP inflater hose in case the inflater mechanism is stuck open?

 

[c5diver]

its the same lp hose connection as any other inflator and can be undone with one hand. i do suggest a hose hat on it.

 

[Skooter]

the i3 could be an issue with a drysuit trying to vent both at the same time. i liked the i3 with the pro qd but left it for a zeagle ranger.

I looked very carefully at that on the I3. I see no problem with it. To vent air from the bc on the surface while dry suit diving it may be easiest to use the manual dump valve on the right shoulder. Same dump valve I have always used. During the dive I only use the drysuit for buoyancy so no issue there.
Disconnecting the inflator hose is actually easier with the I3, one handed since you don't have to hold the inflator with the other hand.
I got this bc for the comfort and relative light weight, not so much for the I3 since I rarely use the inflator during a dive. It has exceeded all my expectations.

 

[rickmichaelson]

Does anyone know the weight of the Dimension i3 (esp the XL)?

Thanks!
Rick

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Is it easy to operate the i3 lever when effecting a rescue of an unresponsive diver using an i3 BCD at depth (found with reg in mouth)?

The reason I ask this question is that, with a conventional corrugated hose and power inflater, the rescuer can visualize the unresponsive diver's power inflater, dump air conveniently, and add air easily (power or oral) all with left hand manipulation. The i3 system separates the point of control for power inflation/deflation and oral inflation. It's a minor point, but it should be considered in the context of a rescue scenario. I suppose if the mechanism catches on in the scuba community, rescue students will learn to "feel around" for the i3 lever and rapidly switch to the oral inflation hose if necessary. To me, it seems like the new device is unnecessarily complicated, though.

 

[mikeguerrero]

I believe it is the diver's respondsibility to inform his/her parnter and various other divers on a boat prior to a dive. This can be done through the briefing period.

It's part of the situational awareness that all divers should be mandated to perform.

Rather than view the I3 as the blame to a very preventable issue...

Is it easy to operate the i3 lever when effecting a rescue of an unresponsive diver using an i3 BCD at depth (found with reg in mouth)?

The reason I ask this question is that, with a conventional corrugated hose and power inflater, the rescuer can visualize the unresponsive diver's power inflater, dump air conveniently, and add air easily (power or oral) all with left hand manipulation. The i3 system separates the point of control for power inflation/deflation and oral inflation. It's a minor point, but it should be considered in the context of a rescue scenario. I suppose if the mechanism catches on in the scuba community, rescue students will learn to "feel around" for the i3 lever and rapidly switch to the oral inflation hose if necessary. To me, it seems like the new device is unnecessarily complicated, though.

 

[Kern]

Do you still use your i3 Mike? If not, why did you stop?