Like a Hug….While Diving
You know that feeling when you’re wearing your glasses on top of your head and you look everywhere for them, but you can’t find them? Well, that’s how I felt when I was first diving with the Axiom i3+. I’m used to reaching near my left shoulder to grab and adjust my power inflator, but on the Axiom i3+, you must reach down toward your hip to make those same adjustments.
It’s not a safety issue at all; we wouldn’t recommend this BCD if it was. Call it muscle memory gone rogue, because that’s what it felt like. I say all this just to give you insight into diving an i3+. For brand-new divers it probably will be easier to get used to. For experienced divers, it might take some time.
Now that that’s all been said, let’s dig into the Axiom i3+. This is one of the most comfortable BCDs we’ve had the pleasure of testing. The “mini backpack” design and the “Wrapture Harness Comfort System” make it feel almost like a second skin—it really does conform to your body that much.
The chest strap slides (and locks) up and down so you can find your perfect positioning. I am typically a backplate and wing (BPW) diver, as I don’t like having weights or any kind of impediments along the front of my hips. But, even though the Axiom i3 is a full jacket, the weight pockets don’t get in the way of anything.
I’m a huge fan of clips. I clip everything on—my SMB, my reel, my SPG, etc.—and those clips need somewhere to attach. The Axiom i3+ has five stainless steel clips and two plastic clips. I never felt as though I was searching for a place to clip something on. If you’re not a fan of clips, the Axiom i3+ has two pockets, one of which is expandable. It’s big enough to fit many of your needs.
For all of my test dives I felt great buoyancy and was able to dive with great trim. I tried my hardest to get the integrated weights to fall out, but they stayed put. I tried rocking and rolling side to side, but the Axiom i3+ stayed where I set it.
Spec Breakdowns & Features
The Aqualung Axiom i3+ is a traditional jacket-style BCD. As with any jacket-style BCD, you will float face up in case of an unexpected emergency. The “SureLock II” integrated weight system keeps your weights secure, yet it’s simple enough to ditch them in case of an emergency.
While the weight is not shared by the manufacturer, a simple at-home weigh-in showed the Axiom i3+ to be roughly 9 pounds. With an impressive lift capacity of 39 pounds (in the large model*) you can be confident in either an aluminum or steel tank. Having the ability to use up to 20 pounds** of ditchable weight in the large model gives the diver plenty of options in weighting.
Adjustment points at both shoulders, hips, and across the chest ensure you can find the perfect fit. Standard with a “GripLock” tank band, your cylinder will be safe from sliding around, and your fingers will be saved from damage.
*Lift capacity: XS: 27 lbs.; S: 27 lbs.; M: 35 lbs.; ML: 38 lbs.; L :39 lbs.; XL: 43 lbs.; 2XL: 48lbs.
**Ditchable weight: XS–ML: 20 lbs.; L-2XL: 30 lbs.
Accessories
Aqualung has been making great diving accessories for years, from masks to snorkels, fins, wetsuits, bags, hoods, and lights. One accessory every diver benefits from is a good dive computer. Relying on tables is so last century. While Aqualung makes a handful of computers, the i300c is a good intro to advanced choice.
Price/Quality Ratio
While the price is a bit high for a traditional jacket-style BCD, the features you get with the Axiom i3+ are numerous. For starters, the “Wrapture Harness Comfort System” can mold to, and fit, nearly every diver. It delivers comfort to the extreme.
The fully adjustable harness, along with an adjustable chest strap means finding the right setting for you is just one added feature making the Axiom i3+ worth the few extra dollars.
Most traditional jacket-style BCDs have pockets that are hard to reach, and they really don’t hold that much equipment. The Axiom i3+ has an extending pocket that can fit even a full-sized slate in addition to reels and an SMB.
You can’t put a price on comfort, but if comfort is what you’re after, the Axiom i3+ delivers. Nobody wants to suffer through long dives on multiple days, and you won’t with the Axiom i3+.
This is one of the most comfortable BCDs we have tested, both on land and in the water.
Do we recommend the Aqualung Axiom i3+?
We do recommend the Aqualung Axiom i3+ BCD. While the price is a bit high for a traditional jacket-style BCD, the features you get with the Axiom i3+ are numerous. For starters, the “Wrapture Harness Comfort System” can mold to, and fit, nearly every diver. It delivers comfort to the extreme.
The “SureLock II” system allows divers to snap in their weights and hear an audible click. Then, up to 20 pounds of integrated weights can be removed with a smooth pull. And, with five stainless steel D-rings, divers have the choice to carry a variety of accessories.
The i3+ system takes some getting used to if you are not accustomed to it, but once you do it delivers just the right amount of air. The same goes for the rubber oral inflation tube. No more pushing a button and timing your exhale; now you just have to put your mouth to the outlet and, with a little forward pressure, blow.
Specs & Features
| Inflation | Weight-integrated traditional jacket |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Lift capacity | 39 pounds (size large) |
| Clips/D-rings | Five stainless steel D-rings and two plastic D-rings |
| Adjustment points | Each shoulder, chest, and waist |
| Tank attachment | One “Griplock” tank band and one tank height strap |
| Weight capacity | 20 pounds ditchable (XS-ML); 10 pounds non-ditchable |
Love my i3+ – had it for about 20+ dives now. Truly love it.