What BCD?

[Divingminxsy]

Have got a new Buddy Commando ( last year ) and it's fab !

Don't feel like I am wearing anything it's so comfy.......you can't get many that feel that good. Had a Mares before and always felt like I was diving in a dressing gown

[mmw109]

Going back to theSeac Sub, I would reccommend that, I have a Seac Sub BCD , and the balance of the air is almost like a wing so it holds me level in the water quite well (as well as claiming to be able to handle twins - but I've not tested that).

Lots of solid pockets and d-rings as well.

[KezzaKentLad]

2pence worth...

I'm going to second a few of the people here, go somewhere and try a load on, I was set on the Buddy before I went to try it on, found it a little uncomfortable and thought the inflator hose seems huge!! Also, it weighs a TON so can be a little prohibitive for travel, BUT it is an EXCELLENT bcd.

I settled with a Seaquest ProQD i3 (a gimmick I know, but does free me up space on chest D-rings) the i3 is a little heavier than the normal. The design is nice, big pockets even when the integrateds are stuffed, has trim weight pockets hidden away as well.

[Kent Shrimper]

I was also set on a Buddy but tried on the Seaquest Pro QD, which i eventually bought. Again felt right and couldn't ask for a better BCD for ME. I couldn't agree more with the advice, try as many on as possible!!!

[thehappychappy]

Have a wee read of Bitz Scuba Diving Equipment Guide - Buoyancy Compensators

Its actually linked from a sticky in this very forum.

Have fun.

Davie.

[MartinJ]

I've got the Tusa Platina Evolution Cubic and the Buddy Techwing...I like em both but. The Tusa is a great BCD (for me anyhow). Loads of metal D-Rings, comfortable even when fully inflated and most of the air sits nicely in the back of the bladder around the tank and feels really stable in the water and comfy on the surface too. I also like the Techwing and think its a great piece of kit for the price but next time will go for a metal backplate etc....

I do have to agree with one of the other posts stating get a cheap one as you will learn and change your mind after your first piece of kit......saying that I would stll get another Tusa IF I wanted another BCD! On this note there is always this:

Aqua Lung Pacifica BCD in BCDs,Mens from Simply Scuba

Not a clue what it's like and cant recommend it in any way but looks a good starter BCD to me. Just a bit lacking on D-Rings

Martin

[Arfie]

I've got an Aquatec Atlas which has been fine. I paid £100 brand new of eBay, they now go for about £140 and it is identical to a Northern Diver and a Camaro BCD which are both over £300.

I have had problems with it, in that I lost an integrated weight pocket and I broke part of the plastic backplate assembly, but the manufacturer has sent me replacement parts for both free of charge and 3 spare weight pockets.

If I were buying another though I think I'd go the Buddy route too, they look bulletproof and having seen divers on boats that have had them in weekly use for over 10 years they are obviously well made.

Arfie

[MartinJ]

Yeah I got an Aquatec Atlas for my daughter and it does her just fine

[Seal diver]

For what it's worth I use a Buddy Commando and it handles considerable use (abuse!) in the North Sea without problem.

I have the one with a crack bottle and I have never had any problems with it. (If you need a seperate (emergency)source of buoyancy then it's guarenteed and quite easy to use with a wee bit of practice)

The only issue I have had is with the zip closure toggle on one of the pockets which broken off (or was it snapped off by a playful seal!)

My wife uses a Seac Sub and it's very easy to clean, tough as old boots and comfy.

safe diving,
Ben "Seal diver"
YouTube - bburville's Channel

[TEN24 IT]

I currently use a Buddy Commando BCD which is absolutely stunning! Built like the proverbial outhouse, loads of lift, and loads of D rings for attaching gadgets and bling. Only thing I don't like about it is that when I stuff the integrated weight pouches full of shot the pockets get a bit tight. There's no way I could stick a reel in there with my weight pouches installed.

I bought the Commando after trying out one of the Tigulio T52 Hover bcds everyone was raving about. It was quite comfortable underwater with good trim but the build quality was absolutely horrendous. The inflator buttons fell off during one dive!

Fortunately John at Divers Warehouse was gracious enough to give me a full refund on the T52 and proposed I try out the Commando instead, which was definitely a good idea!

To the OP the best bet is definitely try a load on for size and find something your comfortable with.