BCD Recommendations

[windymiller]

I have used a cressi sub jacket whenever diving with single cylinders...used to have a buddy commando..looked brand new still after 3 years!

The cressi is an excellent bit of kit, mind..it has integrated weight pockets and trim weight pockets on the back by the cylinder..very well made, very comfortable and you can pick them up quite cheap second hand if you wanted one!

[Buoyant Babe]

Originally Posted by Tonio Anastasi

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.

Nee botha! (said in my best Geordie)

[StuartC]

Originally Posted by Mal Bridgeman

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

yep, wot he said.

Apols if I was giving the impression that ebay was a reputable source of essential kit for a first time buyer. I used this as an example to point out that Buddy kit is clearly popular due to the amount of bidding they attract.

Hang around on here long enough and you'll see enough comments about dumping gear on eBay that's not up to spec that you should be very careful (I was lucky with my BCs and had planned costs for servicing as it was 2nd hand.)

The same conversation with your LDS about your requirements also applies to your other major kit purchases. In order for people to give you advice that's relevant they need to know your requirements, and you need to know what options you have to consider so you can refine and communicate your requirements.

Put your budget to one side and consider what you need and what you maybe plan to progress to.

An economy purchase on some things may not be the best use of funds if you end up having to upgrade for more features in the future.

[msdkeith]

I'd recommend the Tusa Platina on the following grounds: quality construction, plenty of adjustment in the straps and a secure integrated weight system that is easy to use. Also good storage pockets and plenty of D-rings.

When I got my Tusa it immediately improved my diving simply because I could adjust it to fit snugly. Comfortable diving = relaxed diving = safer diving IMHO

[Mal Bridgeman]

Originally Posted by msdkeith

I'd recommend the Tusa Platina on the following grounds: quality construction, plenty of adjustment in the straps and a secure integrated weight system that is easy to use. Also good storage pockets and plenty of D-rings.

When I got my Tusa it immediately improved my diving simply because I could adjust it to fit snugly. Comfortable diving = relaxed diving = safer diving IMHO

This re-inforces my point I think and is why the OP should seek the advice of his LDS. The Tusa platina is one of the few BCDs I would advice caution over buying because it is the only BCD I have seen first hand where the shoulder clips have snapped. Now fair enough it was open water students that broke them because they are not as careful as they should be perhaps but there you go.

To the OP when getting advice from the LDS ask them about BCDs that get returned and the faults they have. If they have spares for particular makes of BCDs then you have to ask yourself why they keep them

That said, the Platina is a comfortable BCD with lots of adjustments so is ideal for moving between people....just not sure I'd buy one for myself.

HTH
Mal

[2DiVE4]

At present I believe the Scubapro T-Force is a cracking deal at £299.

Weight intergrated, trim pockets, two zip pockets and very comfortable.

You'll find everyone has there favourite brand but Mal's right. Pop into your LDS. They should give you impartial advice.

Steve

[msdkeith]

Can't argue with the advice that your LDS is a good place to get advice on kit.

I got my Tusa from the LDS that taught me to dive and I don't regret it in the least. I now frequent a more local LDS and I've spent a few quid there over the past 18 months but I've always got good advice and great backup service.

Stoney Cove can also be a good source of advice and equipment, their dive shop is excellent and the staff know what they're talking about.

[DM Dick]

Seac Sub Pro 3000

Well built with lots of lift and big pockets

[JasonP]

Originally Posted by msdkeith

Can't argue with the advice that your LDS is a good place to get advice on kit.

Some may talk sense, but some of them talk out of their a***.

Like the one that tried to persuade me I didn't need an isolator on my manifold because they didn't have any in stock.

Or the one that didn't do nitrox fills because they didn't recommend them on dives around Plymouth because of the "big tides".

That's still my favourite of all time.

Jason