Aqualung Dimension i3

[Jak Crow]

Great. If these new BCDs are out in the wild, it makes sense to incorporate how to work with them in a rescue class. I hope your students got a sense for how their own gear choices might hinder/help if they were ever to find themselves in a rescue scenario (as a victim or a rescuer).

FWIW, the i3 lever concept, in principle, appears to be similar to the Mares Air Trim gadgetry:

Same idea, though the airtrim seems closer to removing the end of an inflator hose and mounting on the BC like the i3 lever. I do like the lever idea more.

 

[diverdown250]

just wanted to comment that the I got to check out a Dimension i3, and it was AWESOME! the i3 system is genious, and the back inflate is so much nicer!

 

[The_Aft3rmath777]

FWIW, the i3 lever concept, in principle, appears to be similar to the Mares Air Trim gadgetry:

I own the Mares Morphos Pro with the Air Trim system and I absolutely love it! Being able to release air out of the BC in any position is amazing. Not sure if ill ever go back to an inflator hose. However I do plan on looking into the Dimension i3 because of the full back inflation making it less bulky with a lower profile and more comfortable to dive with (so ive heard).

 

[BKP]

Finally dove my new Dimension i3 today, and thought I'd comment here on 1st impressions.

PROS:

• This is the most *comfortable* BC I've ever worn. The combination of substantial lumbar padding, and the harness system puts the weight of the tank on your hips, and the weight of it seems to disappear, even out of the water.
• The real benefit of the i3 system is that the biggest 'dangly' on the BC -- the corrugated hose -- disappears. Since you rarely hit the lever (assuming you don't depend on it for constant adjustment), it's out of the way, inconsequential, and it simply works... simply.
• It's much easier to disconnect the i3 inflator hose, if need be, than a standard inflator, since the i3 is integrated into the side of the BC. You need only one hand to accomplish the disconnect. I suppose you can do it with one hand on a standard inflator, if you're practiced at holding it with a couple of fingers, and pull out the QD with a couple more... However, I don't believe that would be a simple process, especially in an emergency.
• When you hit the lever to deflate, every vent blows. Who'da thunk it? Deflate vertically, horizontally, head down, feet down... it doesn't care!
• The oral inflator hose is genius. It seems to be pure silicon, so it folds up accordian style under a velcro'd flap, out of the way, and deploys again, so simply, if/when you need it. Another plus is that, like a standard inflator, it's attached to the upper left dump, and since it's just a straight through hose with no bends and the simplest pass-thru mechanism at the end, unlike a standard inflator, it makes rinsing out and emptying the bladder a piece of cake, not to mention nothing to stick, freeze, or flow.
• It's now back-inflate, as opposed to jacket style wrap-around. Obvious advantages.
• The "sure-lock" ditchable weights are an Aqualung/SeaQuest standard, and keep the weights well situated, tight and accessible. Secure, but easy to ditch if necessary.
• Straps are very adjustable. Sternum strap not only adjusts in width, but rides up or down a rail to your personal sweet spot.
• The BC is not littered with D-rings, but, does place those it has strategically. No biggie here, but again, it's simplicity of design.
• The lever inflator hose, as well as the SPG hose are routed through an opening on the back of the BC, and under an elastic strap for the inflator hose, and under a velcro'd flap for the gauge. Keeps them out of the way, and mitigates the Borg hose effect of a typical BC *or* BP/W. The same flap that ties down the SPG hose is grommeted for a small BC knife -- nice touch.
• It's obviously built to take abuse. That's one of the first things you notice when it comes out of the bag. Thick material (not sure of the denier rating), and very solid build.
• The thing seems to trim automatically. No tank roll, no subtle turtling, and no bladder tacoing since it's internally bungeed *beneath* the bladder (no external bungee cord to snag anything). Can't say what I'd attribute the easy trim to, other than an overall balanced design.
• It has a single expanding pocket on the side opposite the i3 system. It also hides under a flap that when released expands to a sizable pocket, and stays tight and invisible if you're not using it.

CONS:

• The inflator hose is a little longer than standard, since it routes a bit further to reach the i3 lever. Not a big deal if you don't switch between BC's. However, I have three different rigs, so I'll be keeping both size hoses handy.
• It has a larger bladder than I would deem necessary... 50# lift, and the BC doesn't do doubles. I'd be happier with a 30# wing, however, I assume they do this to cover for cold water divers wearing heavy rubber and lots of lead.

Bottom line... the thing's a definite keeper. It's obviously well thought out, well designed, and the streamlining and functionality goes far beyond just the i3 system...

 

[chile7236]

how'd you like the non-removable trim weight pouches on the bladder, BKP? not a big fan of them myself but they do not change my opinion of the dimension...it's a great BC.

 

[BKP]

how'd you like the non-removable trim weight pouches on the bladder, BKP? not a big fan of them myself but they do not change my opinion of the dimension...it's a great BC.

Actually, I didn't even give them a thought, since I don't use them. I *did* use the one's on my Zeagle, however, it really didn't create a problem, since they're really only large enough to accommodate a couple of lbs.
If I were to use back trim weights, I'd probably use a trim leveler first: The weight that changed diving! Trim Leveler. This seems to put the weight where it would do most good (for a back located weighting) -- towards the top of the tank.

But, I agree... fabulous BC. I'm impressed...

 

[CuracaoJ]

BKP --

I actually swapped out my inflator hose with a regular one just to see if it would fit. It did, and I never bothered changing it back. Also, just of slight interest on the Borg Effect (you should trade mark that by the way -- its a perfect description) you can get an octo from Aqua Lung that has a quick disconnect from the hose. You can then route your octo through the back hole as well. I find that the octo hose then has an almost straight shot from the tank to my buddies mouth. This is good for side by side buddy breathing (especially if you have reversed the hose on the octo which I have), but would not be so good for the more traditional face-to face position. At that point the only dangly is your main reg, excellent for streamlining.

I agree with you on the comfort, although I would say while actually diving I think the Ranger LTD is a little more comfortable (although just barely and just my opinion). One thing that I perceive as a negative though, and I am curious what other people think is the design on the circular plastic swivel button that connects the shoulder straps. I love the swivel, but they just seem to be a little ...I dunno under engineered/not durable. I suppose time will see on that one.

Safe diving,
Jeff

 

[BKP]

CuracaoJ,

I just took a closer look at the swivels on the shoulder straps, that you mentioned, and I have to admit I had *NO* idea those were disconnect points by pressing on the circular swivel itself. So thanks for pointing that out! However, I agree with you, that once disconnected, that circular piece definitely seems a bit under-engineered compared to the rest of the kit.
I plan to write Aqualung, and see if I can get just that part for my save-a-dive cache. It would seem to easily thread off, once disconnected, and the strap's delrin pull removed (and perhaps replaced with a stainless steel split ring that you could take on and off at will). But, you're definitely right about that piece...
Your routing of the QD Aqualung octo is intriguing as well. However, I already have an Apeks on a standard length MyFlex. I plan to pick up a longer MyFlex, in order to take advantage of the built-in octo holder. I found on yesterday's dive, that the standard length hose wasn't cutting it with the Dimension's octo holder, and it came free a time or two (or three). A longer octo hose would remedy that, as well as make donating it, if necessary, a bit more practical (I obviously don't dive DIR, or use a primary long hose).

Thanks again for the pointers.

Dive safe...

 

[CuracaoJ]

Huh. I'm surprised that you can't get a standard octo into the holder. Mine is standard and fits fine even without routing through the back hole. Although I will admit I don't route it like they show in the pictures. I double over the hose and stick it in back to front, so the reg is coming out the back, and the doubled over hose is in the front. Going around the other way to me seems more likely to have the hose foul in an emergency situation under the weight pocket area. As for the coming free thing... I have a flashlight on my right chest D-ring, and sometimes I wedge it in the u-shaped hole of the doubled over octo hose. That depends on my buddy. My son, who is my normal buddy and I all train and practice taking someone's main in a OOA situation. So in that case I don't mind having the flashlight "lock" going on in the octo, as I can free it in a second or two. Any other buddies and I don't do it, although I've never had it come free either, I just do it as it's an easier dangle fix for my flashlight than the bungee that I have down there.

Let me know if you hear anything from Aqualung on that swivel piece. It never occurred to me to put one of those in my save-a-dive, but that's a good idea!

Jeff

 

[Hallmac]

BKP --

One thing that I perceive as a negative though, and I am curious what other people think is the design on the circular plastic swivel button that connects the shoulder straps. I love the swivel, but they just seem to be a little ...I dunno under engineered/not durable.

Jeff, that swivel quick release has been used on other models for years, I have yet to see one break. I release the left one on mine all the time when I am in a drysuit. It looks cheap, but it sure holds up well. Just my experience.