Quote:
| Originally Posted by tiggerbiker buddy commando!!
bullet proof and the backup you get from AP valves is just jaw dropping. |
But very heavy for travelling and whilst they keep you nice and upright on the surface, they tend to do the same underwater.
I normally use a Transpac and a travel or trek wing when I'm diving singles. On my last trip abroad, weight was a bit of an issue and I wasn't doing a huge amount of diving, so I hired all my kit. And I realised I really, really hated jacket BCDs.
The first place had Oceanic BCDs. They had integrated weight pockets, so I put about 4lbs in either side and the rest on the weight belt. I was diving on the HMAS Brisbane which is a wreck, but there are any tight bits on it really. I managed to get one of the weight pockets caught and it fell out. Unlike the Dive Rite weight pockets, I thought the Oceanic weights came out far, far too easily.
Second place gave me some BCD which had no integrated weights and had no pockets for trim weights. So with an ally cylinder, it lifted off my back and it was practically impossible to keep a horizontal trim. Horrible piece of junk.
So if you must buy a jacket BCD, and I wouldn't, make sure it's got pockets for trim weights, because you'll need them when diving abroad with an ally cylinder.
Jason