Nomad 2008 version or Nomad EXP

[tr909]

Why should i buy the the new Exp instead of the 2008 version?
What are the benefits?

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Looks like the Exp harness has the buttplate built in, rather than a seperate piece bolted on(2008 ).

[tr909]

Yes i have seen that,but do it make much difference?

[FW]

I would prefer the buttplate was removable. If you have to travel a distance to the water (like a sump dive) you might need to sit down along the way, and the buttplate is in the way. I take mine off, and just use the waist D-rings when doing that type of diving.

[newman_diver]

It looks like everything is one piece; wing, harness and butt plate. And it's got those cool steel blue accents ;)

[SLIM]

I would get what ever is cheapest.


Love my NOMAD and can't see why I should get a newer one

SLIM

[MDS]

I would prefer the buttplate was removable. If you have to travel a distance to the water (like a sump dive) you might need to sit down along the way, and the buttplate is in the way. I take mine off, and just use the waist D-rings when doing that type of diving.
2008 model it is then, thanks!

[WJefferis]

I like the 2008 version better, because for me it makes more sense. If something wears out ie wing, buttplate, etc then you can just buy a new part and change it out. If something wears out on an expedition you are going to have to buy a whole new one. I am not sure if by having everything in one piece, like the expedition, you get some added benefit to your diving experience. I kinda doubt it. Although I am sure it is great for DR when you go out and purchase a new rig from them.

[RN]

I like the 2008 version better, because for me it makes more sense. If something wears out ie wing, buttplate, etc then you can just buy a new part and change it out. If something wears out on an expedition you are going to have to buy a whole new one. I am not sure if by having everything in one piece, like the expedition, you get some added benefit to your diving experience. I kinda doubt it. Although I am sure it is great for DR when you go out and purchase a new rig from them.

ditto

One other difference between the 2 not mentioned yet, though is the EXP has 60lbs of lift and the 2008 model only has 50lbs of lift. Personally, I like less lift.

[Randy Thornton]

The Expedition seems like it is a little bulkier. I originally ordered an Expedition, but when it came I returned it for the regular Nomad.

[hfig]

The way I understand it is in early 2009 they started making the modular Nomads with the 60lbs bladder then mid 09 they started putting EXP on the new non-modular type Nomads. The 09 modular Nomads with the 60lbs bladders have the Nomad printed on the wing with white lettering. Anything sold 08 and below had a 50lbs bladder and sold in two different option the "basic" and the "expedition" rigs, the Nomad print on these models will be in all red.

[MDS]

The way I understand it is in early 2009 they started making the modular Nomads with the 60lbs bladder then mid 09 they started putting EXP on the new non-modular type Nomads. The 09 modular Nomads with the 60lbs bladders have the Nomad printed on the wing with white lettering. Anything sold 08 and below had a 50lbs bladder and sold in two different option the "basic" and the "expedition" rigs, the Nomad print on these models will be in all red.
that's helpful information, thankyou

[Surface Interval Clothing]

I use the 2008 Nomad with my Optima and its great. My wife has the EXP. It works well too but I don't really see any added benefit to it. Like others had mentioned, its easier to replace something that breaks on the 2008. That would be my pick.

[MDS]

Any advice/recommendations for/against the dual bladder Nomad apart from a safety back-up?

[Slüdge]

Any advice/recommendations for/against the dual bladder Nomad apart from a safety back-up?

Wetsuit? For.

Drysuit? Against.

[Dsix36]

I don't know how anyone can wear the dual bladder. The second inflator elbow digs into my shoulder blade and is extremely uncomfortable.

[sskasser]

I don't know how anyone can wear the dual bladder. The second inflator elbow digs into my shoulder blade and is extremely uncomfortable.

Odd, never even noticed mine being there.

[FW]

Odd, never even noticed mine being there.
Yours isn't a Nomad, the inflator is in a different positiion.

[WJefferis]

Any advice/recommendations for/against the dual bladder Nomad apart from a safety back-up?


I had a buddy who was diving wet with only a single bladder and the seal where the OPV and the wing meet failed causing a total failure of his wing. Luckily his buddy had a good eye on him and was able to inflate his NOMAD up and get them both out safely.

I am diving wet right now so after hearing of my buddy's incident when I decided to purchase my NOMAD I got the dual bladder and don't regret it a bit. The back up inflator comes up from the right side and ends up resting on the right stomach area. It is easy to access and I have no comfort issues with it at all.

[WJefferis]

I don't know how anyone can wear the dual bladder. The second inflator elbow digs into my shoulder blade and is extremely uncomfortable.


Odd, never even noticed mine being there.


Yours isn't a Nomad, the inflator is in a different positiion.


My back-up inflator comes up on the right side and ends up resting on my right stomach area. Have you made some kinda modification to make your inflator go over your right shoulder?

[Dsix36]

I don't personally dive/have one. I tried a dual rec wing with a transpac harness in the LDS and also tried a friends dual bladder nomad. Both of them had the same exact shoulder "poke". The redundant inflator was attached via an elbow on the upper inside right and came over the right shoulder.

[RN]

Wetsuit? For.

Drysuit? Against.

Ditto.

The dual bladder is slightly bulkier. I prefer a single bladder for a smaller profile. I do dive single bladder wet in the summer, but I use smaller tanks and use a lift bag for the redundancy. Usually I'm also diving smaller caves with buoyancy really isn't an issue either.