BCD Recommendations

[Buoyant Babe]

Mr Helen's entry level Cressi BC is very light. It was quite cheap and although mostly used abroad I have found it perfectly adequate for diving singles in the UK as well.

[Tonio Anastasi]

Originally Posted by Buoyant Babe

I'd certainly suggest using integrated weights abroad, but I personally found using them in the UK cumbersome and bulky considering the amount of lead we have to use. I prefer using a weight harness instead.
Helen x

Yes. very true.
A weight harness is a good option.
I've seen them but never used them.
Are they comfortable on the back? Or do they sit like a weight belt would?
Hi all,

I'm looking at buying my first BCD after renting equipment from my LDS (usually ScubaPro ones) I'm just wondering what peoples recommendations are for BCDs - I'm looking at a jacket type one.Marcus

This may help you. The majority of UK divers and a growing number of German divers, that I see here in Malta, seem to prefer the Buddy BCDs.

That must mean something.

[Buoyant Babe]

Originally Posted by Tonio Anastasi

Yes. very true.
A weight harness is a good option.
I've seen them but never used them.
Are they comfortable on the back? Or do they sit like a weight belt would?

You can adjust a new harness to sit wherever you want. I have mine below my waist so that the belt of my harness (and previously the cummerbund of my BC) sat above the weight pouches. It is really comfortable and feels much more balanced that my old weight belt, making moving around easier. I use sheets of roofers lead in the pouches for a more comfy fit.

Sorry to take the thread off track for a bit

[JasonP]

Originally Posted by Buoyant Babe

I'd certainly suggest using integrated weights abroad, but I personally found using them in the UK cumbersome and bulky considering the amount of lead we have to use. I prefer using a weight harness instead.

I tend to spread the weight around in cold water conditions. So in the UK, I'll use my leadshot weight belt that I use for my twinset, and stick the other 9 or so lbs I need in the pockets.

You can make yourself very unpopular if you are diving from RIBs and have all the weight in your pockets. You also need to consider whether the rig will float on its own. A travel wing is going to be pretty touch and go whether it floats if you're diving in a 7mm semi and you've put all your weights in the pockets. And whilst you may not plan to take it off on the surface, you might have to and it's going to be a bit upsetting if it sinks.

Jason

[StuartC]

Originally Posted by Tonio Anastasi

This may help you. The majority of UK divers and a growing number of German divers, that I see here in Malta, seem to prefer the Buddy BCDs.

That must mean something.

My experiences of their service and support have been excellent and there are numerous posts on here attesting to their support too.

They're a UK company and the BCs were originally developed for the UK military, definitely worth a look if you're after a reliable bit of kit.

a quick ebay will reveal quite a few going all the time, so they're popular and desirable if you see the way the bidding goes on them. However, since this is your first set of kit the temptation will be to go for all new, and you get the backup of warranties etc, so be careful about considering this option.

My first Buddy BC was 15 yrs ago when I learnt with a BSAC club and stab jackets were new.
This one still works fine, and there are 2 buddy TDs currently sat in the luggage for our trip to Sharm this weekend. Both were off ebay and cost about 160-180 each, plus the cost of a service through my LDS.

Buddy have recently launched their new range of BCs, so you may get a bargain on the older models if people are carrying stock they want to clear.

[Mal Bridgeman]

Originally Posted by mrfrosty

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying my first BCD after renting equipment from my LDS (usually ScubaPro ones) I'm just wondering what peoples recommendations are for BCDs - I'm looking at a jacket type one.

Marcus

Hi Marcus,

There's a whole bunch of questions you need to answer first.....there is not a one answer fits all.

How much lift do you need, will you be diving in the UK, will you want to travel with it, do you have ambitions to dive deeper or longer, etc etc

AS had been said, pretty much any BCD will do if it can be adjusted to fit you, but some will fit better than others depending on your body shape.

Be cautious about advice on here if you don't know the person giving it....

You'll probably find your LDS will give the best advice because they should know you and the diving you aspire to.

HTH
Mal

[Buoyant Babe]

Originally Posted by Tonio Anastasi

Yes. very true.
A weight harness is a good option.
I've seen them but never used them.
Are they comfortable on the back? Or do they sit like a weight belt would?
Hi all,

I'm looking at buying my first BCD after renting equipment from my LDS (usually ScubaPro ones) I'm just wondering what peoples recommendations are for BCDs - I'm looking at a jacket type one.Marcus

I notice you've added the bold bits since I first responded to your question Tonio.

I'm taking your point but if you read my post I do state that I tried four BCs before deciding that a harness and BP are by far the best for me. I'm only suggesting that trying different types in the first place can save money in the long run. If I had even known that these things existed when I started diving I may have been able to make a better informed (and considerably cheaper) choice before shelling out my hard earned.

Hx

[Tonio Anastasi]

Originally Posted by Buoyant Babe

I notice you've added the bold bits since I first responded to your question Tonio.

I'm taking your point but if you read my post I do state that I tried four BCs before deciding that a harness and BP are by far the best for me. I'm only suggesting that trying different types in the first place can save money in the long run. If I had even known that these things existed when I started diving I may have been able to make a better informed (and considerably cheaper) choice before shelling out my hard earned.

Hx

Helen. A thousands apologies.

My skill with the PC is still at the rubbing sticks to make fire stage.
I could not figure out how to add Marcu's original entry using the quote button, together with your quote.

That is the Bold you read.

So I copied and pasted then put it in bold.

I did understand that you had tried various BCDs and were talking from the benefit of your experience.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[Kalahari Diver]

I like to split my weight between the jackat and the belt, 'cos it makes it all more managable but what suits you is good. I think you need to find one from a reputable maker that suits your shape and has the dumps you want where you want them.
Just my 2p,
David

[Tonio Anastasi]

Originally Posted by Mal Bridgeman

Hi Marcus,

How much lift do you need, will you be diving in the UK, will you want to travel with it, do you have ambitions to dive deeper or longer, etc etc

AS had been said, pretty much any BCD will do if it can be adjusted to fit you, but some will fit better than others depending on your body shape.
HTH
Mal

The how much weight you will need is a very important question, often forgotten because fit is given the main consideration.

I remember one guest, carrying 10kgs of weight, who seemed to struggle a lot on and especially below the surface.

I tested the BCD for her after one dive, and found that her fully inflated BCD could barley keep the 10kgs afloat and it was useless at 4M.

So fit and buoyancy should go hand in hand.

Marcus. If I where you, I'd see if there is a diving school or shop with a have a go policy,for BCDS you may be able to try out in their pool. That way you'll have first hand experience, of what we are all talking about.