Kiss / rEvo Dilemma

SML

Hi Folks

I'm still new to rebreathers but have just bought a very nice looking KISS that I picked up yesterday

My dilemma is that I had a look at the rEvo at the dive show and was quite impressed with it and I'm now unsure which unit is the best long term option as I don't want to waste the money training on one unit to then switch to another.

I know both units will keep me going for the next few of seasons easily but have I made the right choice

I don't know much about the rEvo but all I have heard about the KISS is good apart from the displays :-) and I'm planning to add a Pursuit and HUD anyway but that's not cheap

Money wise they are about equal with the rEvo but adding the HUD to the KISS changes that

The only disadvantage I can see which is a big one is that there is no BOV on the rEvo but can be added but not sure how easy that is

Any advice would be appreciated

Cheers Simon

Dave Sutton

Owning both, I can say this:

rEvo is a better breather, better chassis, and has better displays. HUD, the excellent quick-attach brackets for cylinders and light/inflation bottle/etc. Fast change scrubbers... upgradable to double sized radials. Factory supported eCCR upgrade path with Shearwater. More rugged chassis, etc. KISS is getting long in the tooth, needs updating, and while a well liked rig has seen it's day (my opinion). I've seen several KISS divers upgrade to the rEvo and none have been dissapointed.

BOV is a 2 minute add-on to a rEvo. I use the one from my KISS, but if I was going to do it from scratch I'd use a Golem. It's a better BOV too. It just replaces the existing DSV with 2 zip ties.

My 2 cents, and I've been playing with the KISS (both classic and sport) since it was sold as a kit by Gordon. I almost hate to put aside my fond feelings for it to recomment the rEvo, but with one in the right hand and one in the left hand, there's no doubt which one comes out on top. Nothing wrong with a KISS either, but bang for buck in a new rig? rEvo. You would not waste your money on either but as a new buyer you can have a great choice or an excellent choice.


Dave

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Decodiver

Simon, as discussed

Why didn't we have this conversation a couple of weeks ago?

Speak to you soon.

Dave.

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Rebreather World Terms & Conditions

SML

I HAD made up my mind about the KISS as its still a superb unit but played with a rEvo at the show so still undecided for now.

lizardland

The single thing that swung it for me when I bought mine was that I have a lot of confidence that I can keep my CK running in the field with very little support, hand tools and a visit to either B&Q, Maplin or a pneumatics shop. If you dive anywhere you can't be confident of support or a massive spares kit then the KISS is an excellent choice.

Yep, the CK is getting a bit long in the tooth, Jetsam need to address the issues of the displays and the BOV or they are going to start losing out to other manufacturers. None of the fixes have been particularly good, I still think the 1st gen displays that I replaced my 2nd gens with are by far the best. The Mares BOV is huge though over the last 4-5 months since I replaced my Paragon it has been fairly reliable (apart from the exhaust shroom destroying itself).

All that said I'm not tempted by any other production rebreather.

The KISS is more than capable. Get it in the water and get time on it before you start considering it wasted money.

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Peter Piemonte

Simon: You have a "high grade" problem! Deciding between two great units!

I have owed and enjoyed a Classic Kiss for 3+ years and have done a lot of trouble free diving with it. Early on I flooded a display (yes, weak point) but overall, the unit is really reliable and trouble free. If it does break, you can fix almost anything on it in 5 minutes. (Just don't over-tighten any screws!)

I also have a rEvo. I have only limited experience with the unit. Initial training and a couple of dives. I installed a Golum Gear BOV and have leaned to like the HUD and the displays. It also trims better in the water than my KISS.

Because of it's largely steel construction, it is probably more robust than the KISS and it would appear just as easy to work on unless you want or need to open the chassis to access the counterlungs.

I find work of breathing to be a bit better on the rEvo but pretty comparable and a very subjective area anyway.

As my experience with the rEvo increases, it will be interesting to see which unit comes off the bench most often.

Good Luck! Peter

Ben Field

As another Happy KISS owner I have to say that as you have the second most numerous recreational unit on the market with one of the best scrubbers you are in a pretty damn good place to start.

I too have looked at the rEvo and it does seem to have been designed with similar intelligence, I would be sorely tempted if I was buying now, particularly as they've got together with Shearwater who IMVHO make cracking kit.

If you did change your mind I'd wager someone will tear your arm off for the Classic KISS, they are in constant demand, you'll probably get what you paid.

Lastly, ask your instructors about the KISS training and what it would take to cross over to the rEvo if you did later change your mind, from my examination of the unit I would have thought the cross-over would have been a joy ride for both you and them!

You have the enviable position of owning the best rebreather on the market and to be considering the only rival

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ReikiMaster

If you want to get yourself a rEvo, just give the KISS to your other half and everyone is happy

SML

She would be very happy indeed but seeing I have just bought her some twin 10's (with pink boots) and a wing, regs etc she has got enough new toys to play with for a while.

Still undecided as I know they are both great units, its my fault for going to the Dive show on Saturday, letting Jo take me to the rEvo stand and finally me for trying the rEvo on for size.

I've now got a very nice nearly new KISS on the lounge floor looking sad

Leaning towards the rEvo at the moment