Just got one. Moving from Mares Prestige to this Tusa, really looking forward to using it next month on an Aggressor trip, and for years as an instructor. Thanks for the video..
Congrats Mike, I really enjoy teaching and fun diving in my Hybrid Axiom. I had the TUSA before, actually 2 of them, and have also dove the HOG Pro Hybrid.
I just completed my AOW and FFM this weekend, this BCD was fantastic and was easy to control my buoyancy both vertical and horizontally. I don't feel I will dive with anything else for now on. Thank you for your review and opinion about it. Dive safe. 🇺🇲 👌🏼
Interesting… this particular BCD reminds me a lot of a zeagle ranger with the trim weight pockets in the back. I’m also willing to bet this also a bit more affordable for a new diver than a zeagle Ranger possibly. Great video and explanation of features!
Thanks SB, The big difference between the Ranger is it's a Back Inflate, great under water but less desirable for divers on the surface. *See note below These Hybrids (don't read Hybrid as a Travel BCD) because of their bladder design, are more friendly at the surface and plus give you the Back Inflate feel U/W. *Note... Yes there are those out there that can do anything in anything and RESPECT to you, BUT my comments about the Hybrid are about new or divers that lack experience/confidence diving in certain situations.
I live in Minnesota so I haven't had a chance to dive with the hybrid bcd I got for Christmas but I'm looking forward to using it throughout the summer and well into the future.
Most of the Instructors that pass through our IDC usually end up with Hybrids... Personally I have an AquaLung Axiom but I have dove this TUSA Conquest many times... Thanks for your note.. wow Spring/Summer is a way.. Chicago was 12 so I can only image what it was near you...
Where are you in Minnesota? I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I dive Lake Huron, mostly, and have dove Lake Superior once. I live by a couple of underwater preserves if you ever get over this way.
super helpful info thanks. I've had a back-inflate for years, and it's always bugged me the way it drags me into the neutral position, which isn't great if you want to hover upright or whatnot.
They Hybrid BCD (TULSA Conquest) looks like a nice BCD, I also like how the supplemental weight pockets are slightly lower which puts them closer to a persons CG. I haven't seen these at our local shops.
It's interesting that so many shops pass on stocking this BCD. Hate to say it but the biggest draw-back is the goofy weight pocket closures. Amazing how some companies try to reinvent the wheel. Can you live with them, Yes. The BCD's other great features over-ride this one nit-pick. Thanks again for your comment.
You know Mike it is a great BCD But, the weight pocket just, how do I say this, create negative pressure. This is why most folks/shops shy away from it. I have heard from TUSA that they will be changing the pocket design... when ? You got me !
I have the Conquest 1 and I like better than my Zeagle Covert BCD. I had missed my pockets and I had lost a weight pouch, but I love Tusa’s locking system.
@@DiversSupplyYT Thank you for reviewing a lot of channels don't review Tusa and I've been using Tusa for many many years since 1989 and have never encountered issues with the top of the line products. You can call me a fan boy because I love the gear and feel if it wasn't good they wouldn't be around as long as they have been around. Thank you again hope to see more reviews on TUSA's. Dive Safe. 🇺🇲👌🏼
Great Product the only downside I for me is too many failure points. If it had only one middle dump on top and one middle dump on the bottom this would be perfection in the from of a BCD.
Yes I understand your point, did you actually own one of these or is your comment based on ??? I dove this BCD for over two years and had no issues even with Chlorine and sun.. my biggest issue was the weight pockets were poorly designed. The other unique features were a pleasure.. thanks for your comments
Hybrid anything is always a compromise. There is nothing that would combine benefits only. It combines draw-backs too. It is good to be aware of it. Things that I love about wings are mostly missing on this BCD. In my opinion, it looks more like a jacket rather than a wing. There is still air around your waist which obstruct your front. Lack of harness simplicity and cofigurability that comes with wings usually. Wing has only one buckle and one strap (not counting a crotch strap), which is super simple. Buckle is made of stainless steel, which is indestructible (almost :D). It has also replaceable bladder, which is easy to repair in case of rupture. Advantage of this BCD is lack of heavy backplate, which makes it great for traveling. And for jacket lovers, it has most of the features they got used to on jackets. So in my opinion this product has very narrow target group.
Petr, Thanks for your comments... While nothing is perfect for every type of diving, even BP/W have their drawbacks depending on your point of view based on your level-abilities-budget-etc. I must dis-agree with the comment, that to take the underwater positioning benefits from BI/BP/W BCDs and add the surface safety benefit of the Jacket Style BCD within the realm of the average diver, that the Hybrid is not a good choice. My video comments are from my having been a diver for over 50 years, rated as a Course Director Trainer and used about every configuration and application of dive gear ever developed over those 50 years. Your views are respected and I'd enjoy seeing your video evaluation when you make one.
Wasn't one of the first bcd's, the Scubapro Master Jacket (which is still around to this day), a proper "hybrid" as well ? Maybe even more since it has 3 coupled bladders...
@@DiversSupplyYT Thanks Bob! I really apreciate watching your videos. By far the best comparisons and explanations to find in the web. Greetings from Austria Christian
@@ChristianTraxler-q2w Thank you Christian ! For your kind words, I enjoy doing the videos for everyone. A favorite trip for me while stationed in Sardinia, was to motorcycle up into Austria and base myself in a little hotel in Mutters outside Innsbruck. I'd ride the wonderful mountain roads each day and return to a great meal, maybe a beer and destroy other guests with my very bad Italian and German language skills.
Hi John, The Stiletto is a Back-Inflate BC this TUSA is a Hybrid. Saying one is better than the other depends on what aspect of the BCD you're evaluating. Yes it's a cheap cope-out answer but really applies here. Materials - Stiletto gets the check mark. Inflator- Conquest gets it. Teaching BCD- It goes to the Conquest Advanced Diver BCD- Go Stiletto Weight System- Not a fan of the Zeagle Rip-Cord. Price- That depends on your bank account... Thanks for the comment Bob C
Hi D, yes I often use a green screen. If I'm shooting during shop open hours I do. The latest video on the TUSA Tina BC I shot that one out on the sales floor. I think once or twice you can see someone walk by in the back ground. I try to use a 1.8 or 1.4 lens to create blur behind me. Thanks for asking !
@@DEVINE.IMAGE. Will do Dd, We enjoy doing the vids and always hope people find something that helps them buy wisely or techniques they can use as divers.
John, to answer your answer I went out and pulled out one of the weight pockets. In reality it can hold a 6-lb soft nicely but a curved 6-lb hard is a bit of a struggle. For me I pay more attention to what is the reality not what its rated for... So 6 pounds per front pocket and 3 pounds in Trim pockets.
Just got one. Moving from Mares Prestige to this Tusa, really looking forward to using it next month on an Aggressor trip, and for years as an instructor. Thanks for the video..
Congrats Mike, I really enjoy teaching and fun diving in my Hybrid Axiom. I had the TUSA before, actually 2 of them, and have also dove the HOG Pro Hybrid.
I just completed my AOW and FFM this weekend, this BCD was fantastic and was easy to control my buoyancy both vertical and horizontally. I don't feel I will dive with anything else for now on. Thank you for your review and opinion about it. Dive safe. 🇺🇲 👌🏼
Nice work! Rocky
@@DiversSupplyYT Thank you so much Bob. 🇺🇲👌🏼
Interesting… this particular BCD reminds me a lot of a zeagle ranger with the trim weight pockets in the back. I’m also willing to bet this also a bit more affordable for a new diver than a zeagle Ranger possibly. Great video and explanation of features!
Thanks SB, The big difference between the Ranger is it's a Back Inflate, great under water but less desirable for divers on the surface. *See note below
These Hybrids (don't read Hybrid as a Travel BCD) because of their bladder design, are more friendly at the surface and plus give you the Back Inflate feel U/W.
*Note... Yes there are those out there that can do anything in anything and RESPECT to you, BUT my comments about the Hybrid are about new or divers that lack experience/confidence diving in certain situations.
Brilliantly explained - thank you very much! Your new subscriber... :-)
Thanks Axel ! Very kind words... I try to give good info...
I live in Minnesota so I haven't had a chance to dive with the hybrid bcd I got for Christmas but I'm looking forward to using it throughout the summer and well into the future.
Most of the Instructors that pass through our IDC usually end up with Hybrids... Personally I have an AquaLung Axiom but I have dove this TUSA Conquest many times...
Thanks for your note.. wow Spring/Summer is a way.. Chicago was 12 so I can only image what it was near you...
Where are you in Minnesota? I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I dive Lake Huron, mostly, and have dove Lake Superior once. I live by a couple of underwater preserves if you ever get over this way.
super helpful info thanks. I've had a back-inflate for years, and it's always bugged me the way it drags me into the neutral position, which isn't great if you want to hover upright or whatnot.
Thanks AF, the reality of Hybrid BCDs is just really starting to catch on with Divers.
The evolution of dive gear continues to march on...
Whoa! I like it, may be my next purchase! Great review!
Thanks Michael, the Hybrids are the sweet spot in today's BCDs.
They Hybrid BCD (TULSA Conquest) looks like a nice BCD, I also like how the supplemental weight pockets are slightly lower which puts them closer to a persons CG. I haven't seen these at our local shops.
It's interesting that so many shops pass on stocking this BCD. Hate to say it but the biggest draw-back is the goofy weight pocket closures. Amazing how some companies try to reinvent the wheel. Can you live with them, Yes. The BCD's other great features over-ride this one nit-pick. Thanks again for your comment.
You know Mike it is a great BCD But, the weight pocket just, how do I say this, create negative pressure. This is why most folks/shops shy away from it.
I have heard from TUSA that they will be changing the pocket design... when ? You got me !
I have the Conquest 1 and I like better than my Zeagle Covert BCD. I had missed my pockets and I had lost a weight pouch, but I love Tusa’s locking system.
Yea that system is really good.
I love mine, it's the best one I ever got to own. 🇺🇲👌🏼
Thanks for the comment Rocky
@@DiversSupplyYT Thank you for reviewing a lot of channels don't review Tusa and I've been using Tusa for many many years since 1989 and have never encountered issues with the top of the line products. You can call me a fan boy because I love the gear and feel if it wasn't good they wouldn't be around as long as they have been around. Thank you again hope to see more reviews on TUSA's. Dive Safe. 🇺🇲👌🏼
I have a set of the new TUSA Pro Switch Fins and their new mask on the way... look for them in the future !
I love mine !!
Thanks Mike !
Great Product the only downside I for me is too many failure points. If it had only one middle dump on top and one middle dump on the bottom this would be perfection in the from of a BCD.
Yes I understand your point, did you actually own one of these or is your comment based on ???
I dove this BCD for over two years and had no issues even with Chlorine and sun.. my biggest issue was the weight pockets were poorly designed.
The other unique features were a pleasure..
thanks for your comments
Hybrid anything is always a compromise. There is nothing that would combine benefits only. It combines draw-backs too. It is good to be aware of it. Things that I love about wings are mostly missing on this BCD. In my opinion, it looks more like a jacket rather than a wing.
There is still air around your waist which obstruct your front. Lack of harness simplicity and cofigurability that comes with wings usually. Wing has only one buckle and one strap (not counting a crotch strap), which is super simple. Buckle is made of stainless steel, which is indestructible (almost :D). It has also replaceable bladder, which is easy to repair in case of rupture.
Advantage of this BCD is lack of heavy backplate, which makes it great for traveling. And for jacket lovers, it has most of the features they got used to on jackets. So in my opinion this product has very narrow target group.
Petr,
Thanks for your comments... While nothing is perfect for every type of diving, even BP/W have their drawbacks depending on your point of view based on your level-abilities-budget-etc.
I must dis-agree with the comment, that to take the underwater positioning benefits from BI/BP/W BCDs and add the surface safety benefit of the Jacket Style BCD within the realm of the average diver, that the Hybrid is not a good choice.
My video comments are from my having been a diver for over 50 years, rated as a Course Director Trainer and used about every configuration and application of dive gear ever developed over those 50 years.
Your views are respected and I'd enjoy seeing your video evaluation when you make one.
Wasn't one of the first bcd's, the Scubapro Master Jacket (which is still around to this day), a proper "hybrid" as well ? Maybe even more since it has 3 coupled bladders...
Great video. Good information.
Thanks Bernard, this is really a good BCD.
Does the Conquest II have a cut-out (handle) in the backplate for easy lift?
Yes sir it does ! Thanks Bob C
@@DiversSupplyYT Thanks Bob! I really apreciate watching your videos. By far the best comparisons and explanations to find in the web. Greetings from Austria Christian
@@ChristianTraxler-q2w Thank you Christian ! For your kind words, I enjoy doing the videos for everyone.
A favorite trip for me while stationed in Sardinia, was to motorcycle up into Austria and base myself in a little hotel in Mutters outside Innsbruck.
I'd ride the wonderful mountain roads each day and return to a great meal, maybe a beer and destroy other guests with my very bad Italian and German language skills.
How would that BCD compare with a Zeagle Stiletto BCD? Is it possible to say one is "better" than the other? Thank you.
Hi John, The Stiletto is a Back-Inflate BC this TUSA is a Hybrid. Saying one is better than the other depends on what aspect of the BCD you're evaluating. Yes it's a cheap cope-out answer but really applies here.
Materials - Stiletto gets the check mark.
Inflator- Conquest gets it.
Teaching BCD- It goes to the Conquest
Advanced Diver BCD- Go Stiletto
Weight System- Not a fan of the Zeagle Rip-Cord.
Price- That depends on your bank account...
Thanks for the comment Bob C
@@DiversSupplyYT Thank you for your thoughts.
Are you using a green screen and then adding the shop behind you after at all
Hi D, yes I often use a green screen. If I'm shooting during shop open hours I do.
The latest video on the TUSA Tina BC I shot that one out on the sales floor.
I think once or twice you can see someone walk by in the back ground. I try to use a 1.8 or 1.4 lens to create blur behind me.
Thanks for asking !
@@DiversSupplyYT keep up the videos these have help me and alot of divers out over and over
@@DEVINE.IMAGE. Will do Dd, We enjoy doing the vids and always hope people find something that helps them buy wisely or techniques they can use as divers.
How much weight can you put in the weight pockets?
John, to answer your answer I went out and pulled out one of the weight pockets. In reality it can hold a 6-lb soft nicely but a curved 6-lb hard is a bit of a struggle.
For me I pay more attention to what is the reality not what its rated for...
So 6 pounds per front pocket and 3 pounds in Trim pockets.