andrew sham
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I'm trying to decide between buying a Mares Bolt or an Aqua Lung Rogue. Anyone have an opinion.
Mares Bolt or Aqua lung rogue
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Hoag
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I will try my hardest to limit my comments to only the two BCDs that you have mentioned.
I don't have either of these BCDs, so please take whatever I say with a grain of salt. In many ways, the two BCDs appear to be very similar but from what I have seen, all other things being equal, I would probably lean more towards the Bolt. The Bolt comes with an integrated weight system whereas on the Rogue, this would be an additional cost if you want to use it. The Bolt has a plastic plate to cradle the tank while it appears that the Rogue does not. Note that this is not the same thing as the plate on a BP/W, but it will serve as a cradle to give additional security for holding the tank in place. The Rogue also has a strap to locate the "height" of where the tank is placed. This can be somewhat useful to place the tank at the same height every time the BCD is mounted on a new tank. (Typically not a big deal for someone who dives a lot, but it can be useful when just getting used to where you want things.)
The Rogue seems to be very adjustable. This can be a double edged sword. If you order in (or can try on) the right sized components, you will end up with a BCD that fits you extremely well. On the other hand, with more choices, there is also the proportional potential to get it wrong. You could possibly wind up with a BCD that does not fit well at all, and it might be hard to figure out exactly why. One thing that I do like about the Rogue though is I really like its tank strap. The AL method is very good. (I use a generic version.)
I hope that helped and did not simply muddy the waters.
I would have been able to provide more complete advice if I had known what type of diving you do/plan to do. (Will it be a vacation BCD that needs to be easy to travel with? Are you looking to get into tech diving? Are you looking for a Brand because your LDS carries them and you want to be able to go back to them if/when you have questions?) The answers to these and other questions may help us to help you pick out what we think that you will like.
Best of luck. Let us know what you ultimately wind up getting.
woodcarver
Contributor
Can't speak to the Bolt, but the Rogue is essentially the same as the Outlaw, but with d-rings and a pocket. The parts are interchangeable. I have an Outlaw and like it. It has a bracket on the back to stabilize the tank. Very minimal and very comfortable. @scubadada picked up an Outlaw and did a really good write up in the thread Aqualung Outlaw.
They are a modular system that allows a great deal of adjustability (I have a L backplate waiting for me to trade an M for at the lds. Want the additional 1.5" of length). Packs completely flat because you can take it apart very easily. The Outlaw in M weighs less than 5# (not anticipating any noticeable change w/ the L backplate). All the connections are very strong, I have no concerns of them breaking.
The integrated weight pockets are an extra. They ride horizontally on the back/side instead of in the front, but are readily pulled if needed. Next to impossible to reinsert with the bc on. Putting them in on shore or on the boat is easy. Because of positioning, they are totally out of the way underwater.
Haven't used it anywhere but the pool yet, but it's been good there. It will get a full workout in Bonaire in August! Have fun with whichever you end up with!
They are a modular system that allows a great deal of adjustability (I have a L backplate waiting for me to trade an M for at the lds. Want the additional 1.5" of length). Packs completely flat because you can take it apart very easily. The Outlaw in M weighs less than 5# (not anticipating any noticeable change w/ the L backplate). All the connections are very strong, I have no concerns of them breaking.
The integrated weight pockets are an extra. They ride horizontally on the back/side instead of in the front, but are readily pulled if needed. Next to impossible to reinsert with the bc on. Putting them in on shore or on the boat is easy. Because of positioning, they are totally out of the way underwater.
Haven't used it anywhere but the pool yet, but it's been good there. It will get a full workout in Bonaire in August! Have fun with whichever you end up with!
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