ABLJs

[Penguinboy]

Hi,

I'm a relatively new diver and looking into buying my first full set of kit. I've already got a lovely pair of regs with 2 gauge console and now I'm looking at BCDs. I have one in mind and have actually ordered this on a sale or return basis - it's British-make but here is the site: http://www.apvalves.com/uk/products/bc/commando/. It looks like a great BC and I've only ever heard good things about the make. It comes with 3 optional extras and it's one of these this post concerns. (The others being weight intergration and a mouthpiece on the inflator hose, both of which I am going for.)

The ABLJ cylinder extra on this BC is £30/$60, and I don't know what to do with it. I've heard that they are called "suicide bottles", and can leak and cause uncontrolled ascents, and a whole load of other scary stuff. It's also another thing I have to get serviced, not to mention an extra mass on my BC setup and another £30 out the window. On the other hand, they could be useful in a serious situation and save lives. I don't know whether to buy the thing now and keep it for the future, or just to leave it.

Any advice here?

Thanks!

 

[Diving Doc]

Hi Pingu and welcome to the board from another Englishman!! Whereabouts are you?

The buddy commando is and absolutely bullet proof BCD and will keep you going for years and years and the after sales service is excellent!

however, the biggest thing with BCD's is fit so you need to make sure it fits you properly.

The only thing that I dont like with this particular bc is its sheer size and weight. I find the pockets restrict my arm movements and when i am in the water the shoulder straps tend to leave my shoulders, leaving my face slightly in the water.

The 'suicide bottle' is certainly something i would not have. I have heard of instances where that bottle has hit a rock and opened, thereby causing a rapid ascent.

At the end of the day its all horses for courses im afraid bud!

Good luck,

Doc

 

[Penguinboy]

Hi Pingu and welcome to the board from another Englishman!! Whereabouts are you?

The buddy commando is and absolutely bullet proof BCD and will keep you going for years and years and the after sales service is excellent!

however, the biggest thing with BCD's is fit so you need to make sure it fits you properly.

The only thing that I dont like with this particular bc is its sheer size and weight. I find the pockets restrict my arm movements and when i am in the water the shoulder straps tend to leave my shoulders, leaving my face slightly in the water.

The 'suicide bottle' is certainly something i would not have. I have heard of instances where that bottle has hit a rock and opened, thereby causing a rapid ascent.

At the end of the day its all horses for courses im afraid bud!

Good luck,

Doc

Hi Doc,

I'm in Leicestershire, and I did my OW and Dry Suit course at Stoneycove. I do have fit in mind, hence the sale or return try for me soon. This new BC has some new technology called Element fit and so I hope this will be good for me. I'm having trouble getting the try I want though as I ordered it 7 weeks ago and have been in contact with AP Valves themselves. They have been helpful despite this being probably the fault with the LDS, and so I can vouch for their excellent customer service.

Thanks for the opinion on the ABLJ. Thats the response I've found generally about them and I believe now I won't buy one, but I'm indecisive

Thanks!

 

[String]

Hi,

I'm a relatively new diver and looking into buying my first full set of kit. I've already got a lovely pair of regs with 2 gauge console and now I'm looking at BCDs. I have one in mind and have actually ordered this on a sale or return basis - it's British-make but here is the site: http://www.apvalves.com/uk/products/bc/commando/. It looks like a great BC and I've only ever heard good things about the make. It comes with 3 optional extras and it's one of these this post concerns. (The others being weight intergration and a mouthpiece on the inflator hose, both of which I am going for.)

The ABLJ cylinder extra on this BC is £30/$60, and I don't know what to do with it. I've heard that they are called "suicide bottles", and can leak and cause uncontrolled ascents, and a whole load of other scary stuff. It's also another thing I have to get serviced, not to mention an extra mass on my BC setup and another £30 out the window. On the other hand, they could be useful in a serious situation and save lives. I don't know whether to buy the thing now and keep it for the future, or just to leave it.

Any advice here?

Thanks!

Commando BCDs are excellent pieces of kit, they're bullet proof and will probably outlive you. AP valves after sale support is also legendary - anything you want, phone them and its sorted, usually free. If had lots of things off them that 'd broken or lost just sent free.
First owner lifetime guarantee too.
The above is why you'll see about 75% of UK club divers wearing them on an average day. Its basically standard kit in the UK.

As for the suicide bottle i'd say leave it. Firstly it does add bulk, secondly it needs to be serviced at cost or it turns into a grenade as people have realised lately. Its also an aluminium tank so needs servicing more often than steel (i think its annual as opposed to every 2.5 years..could be wrong).
I also think they're dangerous. Ive seen them leak, ive also seen the knocked on by mistake sending someone to the surface rapidly. Have also heard of incidents where people have been pinned in wrecks by them.
Its a relic from the ABLJ days where they didn't have LP inflators, SPGs and so on. Not needed any more.
In the UK for buoyancy you'll have your BCD, Drysuit and DSMB, your buddy will also have the same at least. These cylinders aren't needed, make the kit heavier and in my view provide no extra safety.
Also forget the AIR-II on them.

 

[Penguinboy]

Commando BCDs are excellent pieces of kit, they're bullet proof and will probably outlive you. AP valves after sale support is also legendary - anything you want, phone them and its sorted, usually free. If had lots of things off them that 'd broken or lost just sent free.
First owner lifetime guarantee too.
The above is why you'll see about 75% of UK club divers wearing them on an average day. Its basically standard kit in the UK.

As for the suicide bottle i'd say leave it. Firstly it does add bulk, secondly it needs to be serviced at cost or it turns into a grenade as people have realised lately. Its also an aluminium tank so needs servicing more often than steel (i think its annual as opposed to every 2.5 years..could be wrong).
I also think they're dangerous. Ive seen them leak, ive also seen the knocked on by mistake sending someone to the surface rapidly. Have also heard of incidents where people have been pinned in wrecks by them.
Its a relic from the ABLJ days where they didn't have LP inflators, SPGs and so on. Not needed any more.
In the UK for buoyancy you'll have your BCD, Drysuit and DSMB, your buddy will also have the same at least. These cylinders aren't needed, make the kit heavier and in my view provide no extra safety.
Also forget the AIR-II on them.

Thanks String. One question, why would you also lose the Autoair? Admittedly without the ABLJ it is fairly pointless, but I hadn't thought of taking this off too I suppose it would save another slice of the overall price.

Thanks!