Here were my reasons,
1) Ghost is light - yes, i know you could modify other BCD's with aluminum backplates and plastic buckles but there are two problems with that. First, you may have to pay extra. Second, it's a hassel and integrity may diminish.
2) Ghost is cheap - While it may not be as cheap as the hollis ride, it is cheaper than the other hollis tech BCD (HTS 2). All of the Zeagles are more expensive. If you dont get the weight pockets the Ghost is $619 with $699. I haven't found any other BCD's for technical diving under or even at $700.
3) Ghost is future proof - It appears as if I may have been wrong about this, in which case I will reconsider. I thought you could get one of the double wings from xdeep and get it on the ghost but I guess I was wrong.
4) Ghost is nice - It looks like a really nice BCD. I won't go into all the features but for me (I am 6'4") I always have a problem with my fins sinking. I think the harness instead of crotch strap and the shape of the BCD will help keep my torso horizontal, and keep me upright with good lift at the surface.
I think you could use the ghost with stages but I'm not sure about that.
A BP/W system is modular you can mix and match components and it does not impact strength. For example, many divers use AL plates with steel doubles because they don't need any additional weight. There is nothing wrong with plastic cam buckles either. Most rec BCs use them without problems. Plastic buckles and d-rings are fine on the harness also if you are doing straight rec diving.
What components does Xdeep include in the weight figure? I never see any cam straps. They also don't talk about lift. It may be not be significantly lighter than other rigs.
You are not comparing apples to apples. Here is a
link to a Dive Rite system for $299. If you want to build a system with a Hollis wing start
here. So at $619 it is not all that cheap. DSS will sell you a complete system for $460.
As others have chimed in, the XDeep is not future proof and cannot be used with doubles. It can be used with stages but so can most any bc that has the proper lift. Also is has a single bladder wing which I would not use in any environment where it can get punctured such as a wreck. Most manufacturers have abandoned single bladder wings because of the puncturing problem. However, for rec use they are great, some of use wish they were still made.
I agree that the ghost is cool looking and you won't see many of them on a dive boat.
As far as your trim problems I would fix them first before purchasing the system . If your feet sink then your fins are heavy or your wearing your weight too low. A pair of XS weight pockets on your cam straps for $20 may fix the problem. Also what exposure protection are you wearing? If you switch to a dry suit your feet may be too light.
In the end it is your money and your decision. We just want you to be an educated consumer, many of us were taken advantage of by dive stores selling us products we did not need.
If you are in Charlotte then visit Divers Supply to see what they have. They carry Hog, Hollis, and Dive Rite so you can compare.
