Kit advice pls

Hi!
I currently use a Dacor RIG3 that I bought s/h when I started UK diving last
year. I am happy with this apart from the fact that it is a little short on
pocket space, but this is too bulky to stick in my suit case when holidaying
so I would like to get something more compact to travel with that I could
use in UK waters should I (feel the) need.

I have a budget of around £200 and have looked around a little and come up
with a by no means exhaustive list:
- Buddy Sport PD (Buddy Explorer with velcor instead of zip pockets???)
- Buddy Travel Wing 16 (Same as the Buddy TechWing?)
- Beuchat Masterlift Airplus

Slightly less substantial
- Cressi Aqualite
- Cressi Aquapro 5/6 (?)

I came across the Beuchat in a dive shop near work today and it looked quite
substantial and well apointed and seemed to fit nicely, but I was suited and
booted so this may not be a good indication of fit :)

My dad has a Buddy Explorer that I will be (hopefully) trying in the pool
this week to get an idea about the Buddy jackets. After reading and asking
around they seem to be like Marmite - you either love them or hate them.
Some people swear by them and others wouldn't touch them with the proverbial
barge pole.

Any thoughts, positive or neagtive about any of these or any glaring
omisions to this list then please let me know.

Thanks

Mark

"John Smith" <js@wzone.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:bv45vv$5ej$1$8300dec7@news.demon.co.uk...
> Hi!
>
> I have a budget of around £200 and have looked around a little and come up
> with a by no means exhaustive list:
> - Buddy Sport PD (Buddy Explorer with velcor instead of zip pockets???)
> - Buddy Travel Wing 16 (Same as the Buddy TechWing?)
> - Beuchat Masterlift Airplus
>
> Mark
>
>

I personally own a Beuchat Masterlift (one of the older models) and am
thoroughly pleased with it. It's starting to look tired now after about 200
dives.
If I had the choice, I'd go for the buddy. Chances are you'll still be
diving in it in 20 years time, and the customer service is about the best in
the dive industry.

The are slightly agricultural though, so don't expect anything amazing!