Diverite vs SPro Hydro vs AL Outlaw vs Helios ?

[AquaBreath]

I usually have problem when renting jacket bcd. Since size xs fit me perfectly but no enough to life my chin out of water. Size S does, but pretty loose for me that I have to fold waist band to fit me.
I weigh 51kg. Used to dive with 3 stones (sorry, whatever it called for weight belt). But once I start holding camera (tg4+inons200+arm system) I reduced my weight belt to 2 stones only and still not enough to life me. I tried with 1 stone once and it wasn't enough weight to keep me balanced in water. Since my hands held camera, my feet lifted up to surface.
So I finally decide to buy my own reg & bcd. But still can't decide.

I usually dive in warm water, 2-3 trips a year. BW&P seem to be a good ideal for me since I was looking for light & flat for travelling. But there're so many choices in market and all seem to be good. I can't decide :/

Firstly I interested in outlaw since the flat weight is only 1.8kg. But some suggested to look for Diverite or Helios or Hydros. Some even said diving without plate isn't good. Which makes me more hesitate on my choices.
I need more advise from experienced please. Would be great if I can get details on weight too.

 

[claymore]

Aqualung has a new BC called Rogue. Supposedly a cross between an Outlaw and a Balance.

 

[Dogbowl]

I usually have problem when renting jacket bcd. Since size xs fit me perfectly but no enough to life my chin out of water. Size S does, but pretty loose for me that I have to fold waist band to fit me.
I weigh 51kg. Used to dive with 3 stones (sorry, whatever it called for weight belt). But once I start holding camera (tg4+inons200+arm system) I reduced my weight belt to 2 stones only and still not enough to life me. I tried with 1 stone once and it wasn't enough weight to keep me balanced in water. Since my hands held camera, my feet lifted up to surface.
So I finally decide to buy my own reg & bcd. But still can't decide.

I usually dive in warm water, 2-3 trips a year. BW&P seem to be a good ideal for me since I was looking for light & flat for travelling. But there're so many choices in market and all seem to be good. I can't decide :/

Firstly I interested in outlaw since the flat weight is only 1.8kg. But some suggested to look for Diverite or Helios or Hydros. Some even said diving without plate isn't good. Which makes me more hesitate on my choices.
I need more advise from experienced please. Would be great if I can get details on weight too.

If size vs. lift is an issue, I'd definitely go for a modular design, such as a BP&W. You can buy a harness and adjust it to fit properly, and buy a wing with the required amount of lift that you need.

You mention Dive Rite and I'm also looking into their stuff right now. I've been going back and forth between Transpac XT (soft plate) and their Transplate (hard plate). They have matching wings with all kinds of lift that you can pair it with, so no problems there. Some people like the one-piece harness, but I prefer the chest strap and quick releases for the type of diving I do, which is off a boat in warm tropical waters, 2-3 times a year, just like you!

BTW, I'm not experienced, but going through the same research and thinking as you. Just wanted to get that out there!

 

[lexvil]

3 stone is 42 pounds, way to much.

 

[Dogbowl]

3 stone is 42 pounds, way to much.

I'm not sure if she's using the word "stone" to refer to the unit of measurement. I think she may be referring to the weight as a "stone"???

 

[lexvil]

Stone is an English weight, 14 pounds to a “stone” I’m not sure this is what was meant but makes sense with the problem staying above water, her weight is 112lbs I doubt there is so much boyancy to warrant more than 8 pounds in addition to the camera.

 

[C P]

Aqualung has a new BC called Rogue. Supposedly a cross between an Outlaw and a Balance.

Got to see the Rogue at DEMA. It is a lot like the Outlaw but with the (from my point of view at least) concerns addressed; stainless rings, availability of weight trim pockets, ditch able weight pockets included and slightly larger wing with a right shoulder dump valve. I was impressed with it, a lot of sizing options available in the near future and it looks like it will pack up easily for travel. I'm looking forward to trying one

 

[AquaBreath]

If size vs. lift is an issue, I'd definitely go for a modular design, such as a BP&W. You can buy a harness and adjust it to fit properly, and buy a wing with the required amount of lift that you need.

You mention Dive Rite and I'm also looking into their stuff right now. I've been going back and forth between Transpac XT (soft plate) and their Transplate (hard plate). They have matching wings with all kinds of lift that you can pair it with, so no problems there. Some people like the one-piece harness, but I prefer the chest strap and quick releases for the type of diving I do, which is off a boat in warm tropical waters, 2-3 times a year, just like you!

BTW, I'm not experienced, but going through the same research and thinking as you. Just wanted to get that out there!

From looking through website. I'm wondering what is the different between Travelpac and Transpac XT+Wing. Why they cost way much different? Since there's only 1 wing and also for single tank with soft pack as well.
Which one you would buy ?

 

[AquaBreath]

I'm not sure if she's using the word "stone" to refer to the unit of measurement. I think she may be referring to the weight as a "stone"???

I've no idea what it is actually called in English. It's a thing we put on weight belt, here is usually 0.8kg per stone. And I used to use 3 but reduced to 2 since I start carrying camera with me.

 

[AquaBreath]

Got to see the Rogue at DEMA. It is a lot like the Outlaw but with the (from my point of view at least) concerns addressed; stainless rings, availability of weight trim pockets, ditch able weight pockets included and slightly larger wing with a right shoulder dump valve. I was impressed with it, a lot of sizing options available in the near future and it looks like it will pack up easily for travel. I'm looking forward to trying one

If you get to try one, would you mind giving a review ?

And when I look through those details on website about weight, I wonder how can I calculate which lift capacity I have to use.
Some people said the lean body would be heavier to chubby one, which requires less stone, like a stone compared to cotton puff.
But I don't think human body can make that much differences though. My body could be more lean than my friend who use 4 stones (3.6kg) , without camera, and still floating.