Aqua Lung Lotus I3 Ladies BCD

Women love diving, too so Aqua Lung came up with the Lotus i3. This feature packed, back inflation BCD was built to wrap specifically around the feminine form and incorporates many of Aqua Lung's proprietary features such the Wrapture Harness System, the i3 Control System, and the SureLock II Mechanical Weight Release System. No detail was spared in the Lotus i3's design and a myriad of things like a pocket within a pocket, knife attachment points to a more comfortable rolled collar show that this indeed is a well built, well thought out piece of kit. Here's a closer look at what the Lotus i3 has to offer.

Wrapture Harness System (patent pending)

This feature sees patented swivel shoulder buckles and a proprietary ultra-thin back plate working together to provide unparalleled comfort and stability. The Wrapture system was designed to stop the BCD from riding up when floating on the surface and to keep the tank close to the diver's center of gravity, effectively transferring the weight of the tank to the hips. This results to a being able to stand straight with a perfectly vertical tank behind you.

i3 Control System (patented)

The i3 system was designed for easy buoyancy control. This intuitive inflator does away with the inflator hose on traditional BCDs and replaces it with a simple lever that you pull up to inflate and push down to open all your dump vales and deflate. This makes trimming faster and more precise and lets you enjoy more of your time at depth.

SureLock II Mechanical Weight Release System (patented)

The i3 features integrated weights and keeps them locked in with the SureLock II. This system is the epitome of simplicity and its weight pouches just slide and click securely into place. SureLock II also adds an extra layer of safety to your dive by allowing you to quickly ditch your weights in an emergency with a single pull.

Streamlining

The i3 lends itself to creating a very low drag, streamlined profile. Its designers began by routing hoses through the back of the BCD and using flat, one-way e-valves that effectively keep water out of the bladder. A bladder retraction system is also employed to pull in the sides of the bladder during deflation to maintain a low drag configuration.

Functionality and Safety

The i3 showcases a number of smart features that ultimately contribute to the safety and enjoyment of every dive. It sports a stowed yet easily deployable oral inflator, a right shoulder pull dump, an adjustable chest strap can be raised or lowered, a non detachable weight pocket at the back to help maintain proper attitude and a pocket that keeps your octopus out of the sand while still leaving it clearly visible.

Other Features

The i3 features a security pocket inside a larger pocket, easy access knife attachment points that work with many Aqua Lung knives, four stainless and one plastic D ring and a comfortable rolled collar. All i3 sizes can hold up 30 lbs (13.5 kg) of lead weight.