Where might that answer be? I read the whole thread and couldn't find a real "ET deluxe vs. the ET" part.
I'm definitely getting one, I just don't know which version or which bladder I'm going for. It's either going to be the 30lb donut bladder or the 35lb U shaped "stilleto" bladder.
I'm very much leaning towards the theluxe version because it seems easier to take it on and off, and I need that for my DM training AND! I'll need it if I go on to become an instructor to show that skill to students. It's a piece of cake with a jacket BCD and I want it to be a piece of cake with the ET as well.
I'll also go for padding because I end up carrying other people's gear and cylinders while wearing my own gear, so the extra comfort on the shoulders is nice (I actually considered the diverite transpac harness because of this).
I'd be getting the ripcord weight system with it, and just in case I need it after all probably a crotch strap as well.
I'd like to get one or two pockets I can put on the lower (waist) belt to put some gear in, like a slate, pencil and/or an extra weight.
Right now I dive overweighted so that I can give extra weights to other people (which I need to do on occasion: "yeah, I think I'll try it with one kilo less this time".... me walks to the weight basket to get an extra weight...)
I also dive deep (52 max so far) and plan to dive a bit deeper. There is a nice wreck here at about 55-60 meters.
Also, some of the places here can have strong down currents.
Because of these reasons I am thinking about a bigger bladder.
Don't confuse this with what Zeagle is calling the Ranger bladder used for the Express Teck.
THIS bladder is coverless and tucked in by bungys. It looks smaller than it's lift rating would indicate. When inflated it expands against the bungy It is very light weight, sleek on the bc and packs small.
Minimum the 30lb donut, but will that be enough? And if I go for the 35lb or the 44lb, since they are not donut shaped, do they have dump valves on both sides? I can't find any reference images to check it out.... anyone? And if not, can you get different bladders elsewhere that ARE donut shaped and fit to the backplate?
And will I be able to add some extra D rings on the harness with the deluxe version? (it looks like you can remove the shoulder straps, but again, no clear reference images)
So short version: I'm thinking about the ET deluxe (which I can convert to regular with some webbing), with the ripcord weight system, a pocket or two, shoulder and backpads. For the bladder I haven't decided, and I do not know how much lift I will really need. I prefer the donut shape, but I am new to diving and will want to use this BCD in a lot of places. I am 1.90m, weight 90Kg and use 4 or 5 Kg weight. Right now I dive warm water, but that might change in the future.
So what do you think? ET deluxe with extra D rings and which bladder?