Decision time, new BCD and if so which one

[Olddiver1950]

I currently dive with an Oceanic Cruz BCD. Oh, maybe 12-15 years old. Still in excellent shape and i have it serviced annually. BUT, my mind tells me I should be looking for a new BCD whether "just because" or for better diving. I DM with a shop that doesn't do Oceanic but does offer Aqualung. So I'm pondering the Axiom or the Rogue. Axiom is comfortable especially since I have had back surgery and the Axiom rests on your hips instead of hanging from your shoulders. The Rogue is neat and lightweight but I wonder about longevity. At 68 I'll be diving at least another 5 years so what is the opinion out there? Time for new? If so, which does everyone like??

 

[runsongas]

will the shop give you a discount on the apeks d30 and plate?

 

[JackD342]

Depends on what kind of diving you do, and where you do it. Axiom will hold up well overall, but is a little heavier and bulky for travel. I use mine for cold water drysuit diving. Rogue would be a bit less suitable for that, and is my other BC that I use for travel. Aside from the modular aspect of the Rogue for custom fit, you can choose between the original waist strap, the Outlaw waist strap, or the new Rogue waist assembly with the more traditional integrated weight configuration. Also, Rogue is back inflation and Axiom is jacket style. You can even split the difference - the Dimension is a back inflation similar the Axiom, same Wrapture system moving the weight from your shoulders to your waist.

 

[Olddiver1950]

Thanks for the hint on the Dimension! I'll take a look. I'm not too sure about DM'ing with a back inflate. Students usually learn with a jacket style and I bet our shop would want a jacket. And the Axiom that is being discontinued is fr superior to the new Axiom and is on sale so though heavy, especially with the I3, I'm still pondering. But for my travel purposes and warm water diving (I'm a cold water weenie) the Dimension might be jsut the ticket. Thanks

 

[superheavydeathmetal]

Just keep in mind that a new BC isn't going to increase bottom time, so if your current BC is doing everything you want and doesn't have any annoyances, getting a new BC isn't going to help you any. It will just be a fun new toy. Which I can totally relate to.

 

[diversteve]

Since you DM which one has better pockets? My DM firiend carries a whole lot of loaner stuff when she works.

While the bp/w suggestion always happens here on SB, in this case I'd disregard it because if you have to demo skills to students - esp. doff/don - it would be harder. since they're likely in rental jackets.

I might go non-I3 for the same reason. It's more difficult to say OK - on your BC here's how to control inflation for your buddy but on mine you push this lever instead - or pull this tube out to manually inflate. Seems like that would confuse new students.

Of course the shop might want you promoting the I3 as the margin is likely better. And they certainly can expect future service revenues since it's all proprietary.

 

[Olddiver1950]

Since you DM which one has better pockets? My DM firiend carries a whole lot of loaner stuff when she works.

While the bp/w suggestion always happens here on SB, in this case I'd disregard it because if you have to demo skills to students - esp. doff/don - it would be harder. since they're likely in rental jackets.

I might go non-I3 for the same reason. It's more difficult to say OK - on your BC here's how to control inflation for your buddy but on mine you push this lever instead - or pull this tube out to manually inflate. Seems like that would confuse new students.

Of course the shop might want you promoting the I3 as the margin is likely better. And they certainly can expect future service revenues since it's all proprietary.

Excellent points. I'm nost sure of the I3 myself. I always dive with inflator hose and I know exactly where it is. Not in my way and not a nuisance. So now I am back to an original quandary; to teach a jacket style is preferred and with an inflator hose. And my Oceanic is still all good albeit a little rough on the back. But my shop wants me to teach in gear they rep which is completely understandable. So I might be in the market for two, one to teach (Aqualung, Scubapro, Zeagle) and one to travel (Aqualung or Scubapro...not sure I like the Zeagle rip chord weight system and Zeagle is heavy). Ah me, the trials of having a passion!

 

[Olddiver1950]

Just keep in mind that a new BC isn't going to increase bottom time, so if your current BC is doing everything you want and doesn't have any annoyances, getting a new BC isn't going to help you any. It will just be a fun new toy. Which I can totally relate to.

Amen brother! and that's also a major question. I can use my back as an excuse but my pocket book doesn't care about that. And bottom time is what it's all about. Thanks for a level head and common sense!

 

[JackD342]

Dimension has two pockets, rather than the single roll up pocket on many back inflates.
You could always put a standard Aqualung inflator on the shoulder of an i3, ether permanently or as needed. You would then have two inflation methods available.

 

[Olddiver1950]

Dimension has two pockets, rather than the single roll up pocket on many back inflates.
You could always put a standard Aqualung inflator on the shoulder of an i3, ether permanently or as needed. You would then have two inflation methods available.

Sounds like Dimension is the way to go, flexible, light, put an inflator on for teaching. IF I were to put on an inflator hose would I use the hose to the I3 or just replace that longer hose with a hose to the inflator? I am thinking the latter is the way to go. And more standard weight pockets ..... nice