Inspiration Evolution Boxes

markdavison · 22nd October 2006, 16:36

Hi

I am looking at replacing my Yellow Box on my Evolution and therefore would value any experiences that users may have had.

My logic for replacing the original box is to provide a box that is longer and therefore more comfortable to kit up. The second reason is that it appears that I should be able to reduce weight off my belt.

I have found three manufacturers:

Decoweenie (original?) , Kent Tooling (Flat pack) and DiveDesign AliBox and TitanBox. Are there any others?

Two of my mates have the Decoweenie Box and if I am honest I am not too impressed with the build quality.

Kent Tooling box looks quite good, but I am not too interested have one that flat packs. I am more intersted in something that is well constructed and robust. Comments from users, how easy was it to convert
and what was it lik eto convert.

The Dive Design Boxes look really neat, I discount the titanium version as it is heavier than the Ali version and far too expensive. The Ali version looks good, but still expensive and I wonder why it is not made from stainless steel, which would reduce its volume and therefore be better from a belt weight position. Again comments from users, how easy to convert and what was it like to use?

Finally I am interested in something that is easy to put together, I don't want to have to redesign and modify it just to make it work, again my mates had to buy longer hoses and make other changes just to make thier Decoweenie versions work. If I have to get longer hoses or make any other changes I want to know in advance, or have the work done my the manufacturers.

Thanks for your comments

Mark D

colinicky · 22nd October 2006, 17:14

I have the KT Frame & love it but it is a bit heavy at 5kg although John is going to look at changing things after xmas .I use mine in the frame all the time & I need no extra lead at all .The build quality is excellent & it will put up with rib diving or hardboat diving .Not to certain on the evolution which version of the KT you would need ,there is a standard "classic inspo" frame & also the "vision " version the difference being the bottom cage to accomadate the taller scrubber on the vision .In the standard vision form there are no modifications needed to anything to fit it in the frame would seriously suggest using a backplate which can still be used with the vision harness or any other .
I used to use 9kg of lead with the yellow box & still need a good duck dive to get down the first couple of metres ,but with the KT I sink very easily .If you need alot less than 9kg on the evo then I would be very carefull of being over weighted on the frame even without lead .
I believe Lou has a write up that is/will be in the library which covers the building of the KT/Inspiration

I have only seen the weenie frame & have concerns about the strength BUT it should be remembered that when it was designed it was for lightness & traveling it was not intended

for use as an everyday frame but that is what it is being used for .I know people who use it & love it .
Decoweenie is meant to be building a slightly thicker material frame after xmas I believe.

The Alibox i have not seen but there are others around :- DT box ,Jan box also others appear on ebay from time to time .
HTH

decoweenie · 22nd October 2006, 19:56

Quote: (Originally Posted by colinicky)

...BUT it should be remembered that when it was designed it was for lightness & traveling...

Thank you Colin for explaning why it is named the "Travel-Frame"...

and not "Save-lead-off-my-weightbelt-Frame"...

colinicky · 22nd October 2006, 20:03

Like most people don't read the Instructions then wonder why it doesn't do what they "THINK" it should

***diverklondike*** · 22nd October 2006, 20:17

Here is a thread that has some pictures of two different configurations that i have used on my rig with an Alibox....

http://www.rebreatherworld.com/rebre...ghlight=alibox

Here are a couple additional thoughts...

1) Not to knock anyone elses quality but Michael Hearn has done an AWESOME job with the quality of the kit....

2) I think you will find it to be a much closer fit than any of the rest of the options that you have mentioned...

3) As far as weight goes... I have taken off 6 lbs now that I have switched to the Alibox...

4) As far as setting your kit up with the box it's a piece of cake... Should not take you more that 30 minutes to get things initally set up.

5) While I have not traveled with it "yet"... It will easily fit in a roll-aboard....

Dive Safe...

Mark

Alan Gough · 22nd October 2006, 20:27

My vote's for the kt frame. Extra weight of frame above water but lead off weightbelt in. I now use no lead when diving freshwater with two 7l bailout (aluminium) bottles.
Just fitted a lift bar which helps me (an office bod) cope in lifting and carting it about.
The quality is excellent.

jkaterenchuk · 23rd October 2006, 02:50

I have seen the Decoweenie Travel frame, a Titanium version of the Ali box and I use the KT frame. I can echo everything that has been shared so far.

Decoweenie - really suited for travel
Ali box - best for permanent use as replacement
KT Frame - can perform both travel (because of ability to disassemble into flat pcs) and permanent replacement.

I selected the KT because I wanted only one replacement frame that could be used for both. You can see some of my evaluation comments and pictures of the KT assembly with a Inspiration Classic in the article that Lou will be posting soon.

markdavison · 25th March 2008, 13:29

Firstly thanks to all who responded to my original post, these were really useful responses and I thought I should share my experiences having made a purchase.

I bought the KT box, my logic was that I though that the DT box was not robust enough - as previouisly stated it is a travel box. I liked the Ali and titanium boxes, but I wanted something with a high specific gravity ie heavy for its volume. These boxes were also a tad expensive.

The KT box is really well made and comes with all the instructions and tools required. It does not take long to convert from the original box, what may have been helpful would be photos of suggested hose routes, but I suspect that these are down to preference. I am happy to photo mine as an example, if anyone wants to see. I also took KTs sound advice and invested in 4 cam bands to hold cylinders.

In use I found that I could drop an amazing 9kg from my weight requirement, this alone made a huge difference to my diving

. I suspect this could be more in some cases as I was light with my original box and I am still a tad heavy with the new KT box.

From my prospective I would have prefered the box to have been less deep, it is about 2 inches too deep and wide and the legs are about 2inches too long, these are great when kitting up, but the base just goes a bit too far down the spine. The width and depth issues are only relevant on boats with limited carring capacity ie Ribs and getting into areas of limited access - wrecks etc. I have passed these comments to KT and I expect that they may modify the future design.

Overall I give a huge thumbs up for the KT box.

Mark

marinetek1 · 25th March 2008, 13:41

yes please for some piccies of your KT implementation

divetheworld · 25th March 2008, 13:44

Shame you didnt go for the Alibox. Quality is second to none and unbreakable. With the Alibox my lead went down to 6kgs for me in a neoprene suit. It displaces less water than your ABS case, so requires less lead to get down but still light enough to carry easily. BTW, it only weighs 4kg.
Everyone who saw mine and were in the market for a new frame bought one because they were so impressed.
I was so happy with the years of service it gave me without problem, I bought the titanbox.

Also......
With regards to the Weenie frame. The weenie frame may not be as strong as the others, but it is by no means fragile. Pictures below, yes that is a quad set its supporting. Has done for a year without bends or breaks.

22nd October 2006, 16:36	#1 (permalink)
markdavison New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Poole Posts: 7	Inspiration Evolution Boxes Hi I am looking at replacing my Yellow Box on my Evolution and therefore would value any experiences that users may have had. My logic for replacing the original box is to provide a box that is longer and therefore more comfortable to kit up. The second reason is that it appears that I should be able to reduce weight off my belt. I have found three manufacturers: Decoweenie (original?) , Kent Tooling (Flat pack) and DiveDesign AliBox and TitanBox. Are there any others? Two of my mates have the Decoweenie Box and if I am honest I am not too impressed with the build quality. Kent Tooling box looks quite good, but I am not too interested have one that flat packs. I am more intersted in something that is well constructed and robust. Comments from users, how easy was it to convert and what was it lik eto convert. The Dive Design Boxes look really neat, I discount the titanium version as it is heavier than the Ali version and far too expensive. The Ali version looks good, but still expensive and I wonder why it is not made from stainless steel, which would reduce its volume and therefore be better from a belt weight position. Again comments from users, how easy to convert and what was it like to use? Finally I am interested in something that is easy to put together, I don't want to have to redesign and modify it just to make it work, again my mates had to buy longer hoses and make other changes just to make thier Decoweenie versions work. If I have to get longer hoses or make any other changes I want to know in advance, or have the work done my the manufacturers. Thanks for your comments Mark D __________________ Mark Davison http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/markdavison/
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22nd October 2006, 17:14	#2 (permalink)
colinicky Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: uk Posts: 669	Re: Inspiration Evolution Boxes I have the KT Frame & love it but it is a bit heavy at 5kg although John is going to look at changing things after xmas .I use mine in the frame all the time & I need no extra lead at all .The build quality is excellent & it will put up with rib diving or hardboat diving .Not to certain on the evolution which version of the KT you would need ,there is a standard "classic inspo" frame & also the "vision " version the difference being the bottom cage to accomadate the taller scrubber on the vision .In the standard vision form there are no modifications needed to anything to fit it in the frame would seriously suggest using a backplate which can still be used with the vision harness or any other . I used to use 9kg of lead with the yellow box & still need a good duck dive to get down the first couple of metres ,but with the KT I sink very easily .If you need alot less than 9kg on the evo then I would be very carefull of being over weighted on the frame even without lead . I believe Lou has a write up that is/will be in the library which covers the building of the KT/Inspiration I have only seen the weenie frame & have concerns about the strength BUT it should be remembered that when it was designed it was for lightness & traveling it was not intended for use as an everyday frame but that is what it is being used for .I know people who use it & love it . Decoweenie is meant to be building a slightly thicker material frame after xmas I believe. The Alibox i have not seen but there are others around :- DT box ,Jan box also others appear on ebay from time to time . HTH __________________ Colin I trust my rebreather completely , I just don't trust the user onwards & downwards
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22nd October 2006, 19:56	#3 (permalink)
decoweenie Crash Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cairo Posts: 5,510	Re: Inspiration Evolution Boxes Quote: (Originally Posted by colinicky) ...BUT it should be remembered that when it was designed it was for lightness & traveling... Thank you Colin for explaning why it is named the "Travel-Frame"... and not "Save-lead-off-my-weightbelt-Frame"... __________________ "...after a while you get bored offering advice to a bull that like to keep butting the fence with its head rather than walking through the open gate..." - Rebreather World PM
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22nd October 2006, 20:03	#4 (permalink)
colinicky Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: uk Posts: 669	Re: Inspiration Evolution Boxes Like most people don't read the Instructions then wonder why it doesn't do what they "THINK" it should __________________ Colin I trust my rebreather completely , I just don't trust the user onwards & downwards
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22nd October 2006, 20:17	#5 (permalink)
*diverklondike* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Delaware, USA Posts: 1,563	Re: Inspiration Evolution Boxes Here is a thread that has some pictures of two different configurations that i have used on my rig with an Alibox.... http://www.rebreatherworld.com/rebre...ghlight=alibox Here are a couple additional thoughts... 1) Not to knock anyone elses quality but Michael Hearn has done an AWESOME job with the quality of the kit.... 2) I think you will find it to be a much closer fit than any of the rest of the options that you have mentioned... 3) As far as weight goes... I have taken off 6 lbs now that I have switched to the Alibox... 4) As far as setting your kit up with the box it's a piece of cake... Should not take you more that 30 minutes to get things initally set up. 5) While I have not traveled with it "yet"... It will easily fit in a roll-aboard.... Dive Safe... Mark Last edited by diverklondike : 23rd October 2006 at 02:58.
(Online)

22nd October 2006, 20:27	#6 (permalink)
Alan Gough New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Walsall, U.K. Posts: 42	Re: Inspiration Evolution Boxes My vote's for the kt frame. Extra weight of frame above water but lead off weightbelt in. I now use no lead when diving freshwater with two 7l bailout (aluminium) bottles. Just fitted a lift bar which helps me (an office bod) cope in lifting and carting it about. The quality is excellent. __________________ Alan Gough England Expects Last edited by Alan Gough : 22nd October 2006 at 20:28. Reason: punctuation
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23rd October 2006, 02:50	#7 (permalink)
jkaterenchuk . Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lititz, PA Posts: 749	Re: Inspiration Evolution Boxes I have seen the Decoweenie Travel frame, a Titanium version of the Ali box and I use the KT frame. I can echo everything that has been shared so far. Decoweenie - really suited for travel Ali box - best for permanent use as replacement KT Frame - can perform both travel (because of ability to disassemble into flat pcs) and permanent replacement. I selected the KT because I wanted only one replacement frame that could be used for both. You can see some of my evaluation comments and pictures of the KT assembly with a Inspiration Classic in the article that Lou will be posting soon.
(Online)

25th March 2008, 13:29	#8 (permalink)
markdavison New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Poole Posts: 7	Re: Inspiration Evolution Boxes - update 2008 Firstly thanks to all who responded to my original post, these were really useful responses and I thought I should share my experiences having made a purchase. I bought the KT box, my logic was that I though that the DT box was not robust enough - as previouisly stated it is a travel box. I liked the Ali and titanium boxes, but I wanted something with a high specific gravity ie heavy for its volume. These boxes were also a tad expensive. The KT box is really well made and comes with all the instructions and tools required. It does not take long to convert from the original box, what may have been helpful would be photos of suggested hose routes, but I suspect that these are down to preference. I am happy to photo mine as an example, if anyone wants to see. I also took KTs sound advice and invested in 4 cam bands to hold cylinders. In use I found that I could drop an amazing 9kg from my weight requirement, this alone made a huge difference to my diving. I suspect this could be more in some cases as I was light with my original box and I am still a tad heavy with the new KT box. From my prospective I would have prefered the box to have been less deep, it is about 2 inches too deep and wide and the legs are about 2inches too long, these are great when kitting up, but the base just goes a bit too far down the spine. The width and depth issues are only relevant on boats with limited carring capacity ie Ribs and getting into areas of limited access - wrecks etc. I have passed these comments to KT and I expect that they may modify the future design. Overall I give a huge thumbs up for the KT box. Mark __________________ Mark Davison http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/markdavison/
(Offline)

25th March 2008, 13:41	#9 (permalink)
marinetek1 New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Buckinghamshire, UK Posts: 14	Re: Inspiration Evolution Boxes yes please for some piccies of your KT implementation
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