BCD for new instructor

[Isa.nerwen]

That’s such at open ended question.

Is the new kit for your personal diving or teaching students.

Are you teaching as part of a shop or doing your own thing (remember in the U.K. you have to follow the Diving at work Regulations, which means you can’t teach open water on your own).

Sorry!
I need it for teaching mostly, so I need pockets to store things I need, slate, extra weights etc.
I will be moving around a bit but comfort takes priority over weight for me.
I plan to move around to work, but most probably not the UK

 

[Isa.nerwen]

The Lotus has great cargo pockets. They hold lots and are mounted lower than most BCDs so are easy to access. I had a Dimension which is the same model in Men’s sizes and the pockets came in very handy while teaching to carry spare weights, fin straps, defog etc.

The disadvantage of Aqualung is the weight system. It is very easy to get the “Sure Lock” weight pouches only half clicked in so they would turn into “Sure Loss” and fall out.

And congrats on becoming an Instructor!

Thanks!
I very leaning towards the Lotus, mainly because like the pockets
I heard about the issue with the the weight system but I thought it was an old issue... To be honest, when I teach I will mostly use weight belts though, because that's what the students use here. I will use the integrated ones whe I do fun dives.
Which other brand would you recommend? I've tried a few Scubapro and Mates and I did really like them, obviously I didn't try all the models

 

[Isa.nerwen]

I went to your profile page and learned nothing of your current situation that would help me provide advice specific to you. If you give more information about yourself, people can give better advice.

USDiver1 asked an excellent question about being associated with a dive shop. If you have an agreement with a dive shop to work for them, then they will want you to use the gear they sell. They may either sell you gear at a discount or let you use stuff from their rental gear. I never used my own gear when instructing pool sessions--I used the same rental gear the students used, at least for the pool sessions. I often used my own gear for the OW sessions, but that gear was a brand the shop sold.

Taking that one step further, if you are not currently with a shop, any gear you buy now may be only for your personal use if you eventually work for a shop that sells a different brand.

So if you do not have an instructor job yet, the smart thing to do is to continue using your won gear for a while.

Sorry, I will update my profile now, I haven't used the forum in so long.

I am currently associated with a dive shop, but most shops around where I have worked (south east Asia) don't really care about the heat you wear. They mostly want you to use your own, of you use theirs you will have to pay.

I am planning to work seasonally and change place so I don't think the brand really matters for the dive shops

 

[Isa.nerwen]

I'll chime in on the Axiom. Good "hybrid" BCD (mostly back inflate with much smaller air pockets in the "wings". The pockets are big enough to hold 1/2 a dive shop (EMT shears, GoPro, Flashlight, DSMB & spool, plus gloves) closed. I love the tank "strap" but Landau is right the security on the Aqualung weight pouches suck! Mine are now tethered with bolts naps to d-rings.

​

The comments about the weight pocket of Aqualung is starting to scare me

 

[Still Kicking]

The comments about the weight pocket of Aqualung is starting to scare me

Not really a problem -- you just need to make sure the pockets click when you insert them. If you hear the loud click, they are locked. No click...they will fall out. It is not an ideal design for sure but the issue is more about operator error (or ignorance).

FWIW my personal rig is a BPW but I teach in an Axiom. I find it to be a decent BC. Not an overly huge bladder like the Balance and the "wrapture" harness provides good support without the squeeze of a jacket.

 

[Searcaigh]

Quite a few instructors here teaching with a BPW these days including two main shops.

You can easily fit all your slates etc in a thigh pouch, which is a lot easier to reach than a BCD pocket, or wear tech shorts, which is my preference.

 

[Isa.nerwen]

Not really a problem -- you just need to make sure the pockets click when you insert them. If you hear the loud click, they are locked. No click...they will fall out. It is not an ideal design for sure but the issue is more about operator error (or ignorance).

FWIW my personal rig is a BPW but I teach in an Axiom. I find it to be a decent BC. Not an overly huge bladder like the Balance and the "wrapture" harness provides good support without the squeeze of a jacket.

I've never really dives with a BPW so I have no idea how I'd like it.
Also, at least where I am, you really need a BCD or at least a semi-wing because the BPW is too different from what the students use...

 

[Searcaigh]

@Isa.nerwen

Since you're based in SE Asia for now, make a point of attending ADEX in Singapore next year 10-12 April 2026.

You'll be hard pushed to see any manufacturers showing jacket BCDs, everyone is using BPWs.