djwang2000
Registered
Just finished my confined water training. Open water coming up in a few weeks followed by a number of dives already planned. Originally, I was going to hold off on buying a BC, but after a number of different BCs during the cw sessions -- all of them equally uncomfortable / confining / non-fitting, I'm electing to go ahead a get my own BC.
So, here are the factors --
I get cold easily, so even though most (if not all, initially) of my diving will be done in warm weather, I'll be wearing 3 or 5 mm full suits -- I'm 5' 7" / 135 lbs -- so no natural insulation at all!
I'd like a system that is (relatively) easy to travel with, but lightweight isn't absolutely critical.
Integrated weights -- very important (I find the weight belt very confining).
Back inflate - no question about this
I'd like to avoid something that isn't ready to go "out of the box" -- I saw a few posts about the express tech and was thinking that it wold be perfect, but then I got to ~ page 5 of the mega thread and all the talk about adding crotch straps and triglides etc. left me somewhat less excited -- I don't want to spend lots of time figuring out how to get the BCD to work for ME.
I'd prefer something with 2 tank straps (more comfortable in my mind) -- the AquaLung Zuma got ruled out on this account.
I don't like the idea of a crotch strap -- but maybe this isn't such a big deal?
I'm not too concerned with "I'd like to do tech / cave / etc... down the road" -- 1st I probably won't, 2nd if I do, I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
So, the Stiletto (or more likely Stiletto Ltd) seems to fit the bill. I might be able to try it on locally.
I was trying to learn more about the Halcyon infinity and traveler last night -- looks like those eliminate the chest strap and have a crotch strap, but seem very adjustable. I'm considering an oxycheq bp/w as well. Problem with these options is there are no dealers within a 100 mile radius -- any comments on "comfort" and fit of the halcyon?
Thoughts?
Thanks!
So, here are the factors --
I get cold easily, so even though most (if not all, initially) of my diving will be done in warm weather, I'll be wearing 3 or 5 mm full suits -- I'm 5' 7" / 135 lbs -- so no natural insulation at all!
I'd like a system that is (relatively) easy to travel with, but lightweight isn't absolutely critical.
Integrated weights -- very important (I find the weight belt very confining).
Back inflate - no question about this
I'd like to avoid something that isn't ready to go "out of the box" -- I saw a few posts about the express tech and was thinking that it wold be perfect, but then I got to ~ page 5 of the mega thread and all the talk about adding crotch straps and triglides etc. left me somewhat less excited -- I don't want to spend lots of time figuring out how to get the BCD to work for ME.
I'd prefer something with 2 tank straps (more comfortable in my mind) -- the AquaLung Zuma got ruled out on this account.
I don't like the idea of a crotch strap -- but maybe this isn't such a big deal?
I'm not too concerned with "I'd like to do tech / cave / etc... down the road" -- 1st I probably won't, 2nd if I do, I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
So, the Stiletto (or more likely Stiletto Ltd) seems to fit the bill. I might be able to try it on locally.
I was trying to learn more about the Halcyon infinity and traveler last night -- looks like those eliminate the chest strap and have a crotch strap, but seem very adjustable. I'm considering an oxycheq bp/w as well. Problem with these options is there are no dealers within a 100 mile radius -- any comments on "comfort" and fit of the halcyon?
Thoughts?
Thanks!