Triple-L BC's and Products in general

[Fishy8411]

I purchased the Triple-L "Instructor" BCD. Which is an upgraded version of their "Stratos" jacket type BCD. As far as I could tell the "Stratos" has the best reviews of all the Triple-L bcd's, with the "Libra" model being a close second. The "Instructor" came with a safety sausage, extra pouch and five extra pounds of lift, over and above the stock "Stratos" model. The price difference was only nine dollars and I thought the safety sausage was worth at least that much. I've only been using it in the pool so far, but I have no complaints. I've also had other people give it the once over and they've found it to be a solid BCD. Once I get a few real dives in, I will post a better review.

I checked into the "Orion" Back inflate and I read mixed reviews on the internet. I was able to contact a person in Australia, who gave me his opinion. Overall he was satisfied with the BCD, especially considering the price. But, he had trouble with one of the Wing Straps (where it attaches to the harness) loosening up, after every few dives. He suggested periodically checking it. He also had a problem with the left dump valve coming undone (only once), a part came loose prior to a dive.

I will be looking forward to your review of the "Orion".

Tom

 

[jreihl]

I have had an Orion for almost one year and love it. For the price you cant beat the quality.

Here are some of my personal pro's/cons
PROS
- Solid construction
- Two tank straps
- Numerous D-rings
- Fits me very well. A lot of room for adjustmens. I need it, I'm 6'-6, 240lbs.
- Wing dumps are well places
- Great price
CONS
- A bit heavy
- Small front pocket
- No local service that I know of. May have to send away for any repairs.

Let me know if you have any specific questions or need some detailed pictures.

 

[Fishy8411]

I have had an Orion for almost one year and love it. For the price you cant beat the quality.

Here are some of my personal pro's/cons
PROS
- Solid construction
- Two tank straps
- Numerous D-rings
- Fits me very well. A lot of room for adjustmens. I need it, I'm 6'-6, 240lbs.
- Wing dumps are well places
- Great price
CONS
- A bit heavy
- Small front pocket
- No local service that I know of. May have to send away for any repairs.

Let me know if you have any specific questions or need some detailed pictures.

Do you use it with doubles or just a single tank? If you use it with doubles, how is it?

Tom

 

[ae3753]

jreihl: additional questions for you. . .

1. How is buoyancy control?
2. Issues with wing trapping air?
3. Issues with straps disconnecting?
4. What other BCDs would you say is comparable?

Thanks!

 

[startag]

jreihl: additional questions for you. . .

1. How is buoyancy control?
2. Issues with wing trapping air?
3. Issues with straps disconnecting?
4. What other BCDs would you say is comparable?

Thanks!

just to add....

5. What other BCD's have you used?

 

[cfleming]

I dove with my Orion BC yesterday. It was fabulous. No issues with it. WEights stayed in place very nicely, not to forgetthe wing just didnt fly off leaving me stranded. Very nice and sturdy set up. I somehow was managing to stay vertical at the top of the water very easily. Except, it was fairly hard to get horizontal until I really started focusing on that aspect. Its probably just that I am a newb, and will soon learn how to excellently place the weights. All in all a nice BCD.

To answer your questions:
1. BOuyancy control is nice. It was one smooth operation power inflator!
2. Didnt trap any air. The only time I was out of trim, was when my weight belt shifted! Excellent BC!
3. No straps disconnecting. THe straps that do hook over the cumberbund are quite long though, they probably could be a bit shorter.
4. hmmmm dont know
5. I used the seaquest Black Diamond, and I much prefer my orion over that. Now just to get a crotch strap!

Chris

 

[cfleming]

Not to forget, WELL WORTH THE $150!

 

[ae3753]

Thanks for the 411!

 

[ngray]

Hey, after reviewing the aussie & northwest reviews, as well as some reviews of the poseidon (Biscaya Techlift), I've ordered the Orion. Seems like it's a proven design, even if it's under a new brand, and that I should be able to get service through poseidon even if the triple-l thing doesn't last.

Ordered the thing for 145 bucks. For real. I'd love to see them take off, that's an incredible price. I also like the ability to add on the double tank wing & kit down the road when I get more serious about tech. It's like a mini BP/W setup.

I'm not an experienced diver, I've only been a few times since getting certified last year due to an awful certif experience. I really didn't care for the Tusa Charters we learned in, just hated the 'sqeeze'. I was hoping to get a zeagle concept 2 or ranger, but it was just out of the price range starting out.

In a few weeks, once I've gotten it and tried it out a few times, I'll report back to the board on my thoughts.

(Search fodder and other useful links below)
Triple-L http://www.triple-l.biz
Gemini Orion Stratos Libra Pegasus Nuno Gomez Aquarius Pisces Altair Isis Instructor Taurus JUVI NEO
http://www.diveoz.com.au/gear_reviews/
http://www.northwestdiver.com/gear/20020624-1.php
http://www.scubadiving.com/article/1,7424,2-35-0-101-4-2X6X12-4,00.html
http://www.dive24.com/viewproduct.cfm?SHP_ID=43
http://www.simplyscuba.com/cgi-bin-ss/diveshop.cgi?SQLproduct=2022
http://www.poseidon.se/utrustning/produkt_sv.dip?_cr=id=48

 

[JPBECK]

I know a little about this company. It is rumored that they are the company that makes the Zeagle product line. If you look closely at their Orion product it looks fairly identical to the Zeagle Concept with the exception of the single weight dump pull.