BCD Recommendations

[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

[tiggerbiker]

buddy commando!!

bullet proof and the backup you get from AP valves is just jaw dropping.

[mala]

Originally Posted by tiggerbiker

buddy commando!!

bullet proof and the backup you get from AP valves is just jaw dropping.

i agree.
and if you fancy trying twins later they are up to the job.
not everyone likes the auto air tho.

[tiggerbiker]

yeah, when i bought my buddy bcd then when i got my buddy tekwing, i ordered them without the suicide bottle and without the auto air inflator.

i was looking at putting a scubapro power inflator onto my tekwing but ended up buying a custom divers wing instead.

[mrfrosty]

cool, I'll look into it, thanks for the comments.

Marcus

[David]

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

just before you go buying a buddy, which is a great bit of kit.

where are you diving if you plan to travel alot they can be quite heavy if you plan to rib dive which I think causes a lot of wear and tear a buddy might be perfect.
I dive a small wing but you dont think you want one yet :-)


David

[JasonP]

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

[Richie]

Originally Posted by David

I dive a small wing but you dont think you want one yet :-)


David

Why not?

Better positioning in water, cheaper, less clutter.

Tekwing is cheap, simple and versatile or the new Frog wings which look great especially the single.

[tom]

Have you liked any of the BCDs you've rented? If so, buy one of those!

[David]

Originally Posted by Richie

Why not?

Better positioning in water, cheaper, less clutter.

Tekwing is cheap, simple and versatile or the new Frog wings which look great especially the single.

sounds you I think on simlar lines, but Marcus wanted a jacket and its his first
so I think he will change his mind just after parting with cash, like we all do.

I just tried to answer his question :-)

David