Adjustable BCD for Right Handed Use

[jjcjrcpa]

Hi all,

I have a disability that limits the use of my left hand. I don't have fine motor control so I can't operate the power inflator with my left hand.

I'm looking for a BCD that has a center mounted inflator that can be routed over the right shoulder.

I really wish AquaLung's Dimension i3 could have the control lever mounted on the right side, but that doesn't seem to be an option.

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks so much!

John

 

[diversteve]

Just to be clear, you can or can not operate a conventional push-button inflator with your right hand?

If you can, many of them with top right dump valves can be fairly easily converted by simply unscrewing the inflator at the shoulder and swapping it. On the inflator end cut the cable ties, rotate it 180^o or whatever is comfortable for you and re-secure.

Check with your dealer but I believe this is possible on the Balance, Wave and Pro HD.

Some of Zeagle's line also. One advantage for you possibly is that Zeagle has a pull dump integrated into the inflator itself, so simply pulling down on the inflator assembly vents air - no need to push the exhaust button. If you switched it, you'd have to work out something for the right side pull dump cord when moved left as currently it rides in a small channel.

IDK about the new ones but on mine the velcro securing the inflator hoses is removable. So you could have it sewn on the right side. Or add a second one and use the original to control the pull dump cord on the right side.

I believe in their line only the Ranger or the new Halo - a jacket model - have the top right pull-dump. I dive/recommend the Ranger often.

A further advantage possibly is that the two Zeagle's also use their ripcord weight system - it's the red handle seen mounted to the BC on the lower right side. A single pull dumps both front weight pockets. The one time I pulled mine to test it, I used my right hand. To hand up your weights, there are zippers on top of each pocket - the provided/optional weight bags contain any weight per pocket and have a long fat handle.

I would contact someone in their forum here or at the factory also. A few years ago a veteran posted asking about a custom BC since he'd lost complete use of his left arm - they were able to configure a BC for him operable with his right. Home - Zeagle Systems

I3's or the Mares system only mount on the left since they're replacing a standard inflator. I don't believe it's possible to switch since the mounting plate is integral in the jacket and the linkages run down that side to operate the dump valves.

Also talk to Tobin at Deep Sea Supply (DSS) - they have their own mfr's forum here. Many of their wings mount the inflator connection exactly in the center of the wing so should be able to route down the right side also. It is a backplate/wing design so with the right tuning using the same tank, you wouldn't have any dumpable weight - or the need to do so as the rig is always balanced. In higher buoyancy situations they sell bolt-on weight plates as an option. https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?category=wings

hth, you might look at other mfr's lines also to see if they have a right shoulder pull dump, those should be possible to be converted also. One possible issue might be to check that the bladder mount for the inflator is the same on either side - some might be lighter weight since they don't expect most people to swap.

 

[jjcjrcpa]

That's what happens when you post late at night. I fixed the post

Thanks for that lengthy reply; much appreciated!!

My concern with just changing the shoulder position on a BC with a left mounted inflator is that the available length will be much shorter if it has to cross my back.

edit: Nevermind; I see what you are saying with regards to the swappable inflator port. I'll have to go look at those then. That might be easiest. The Ranger can be swapped like this too? If so, that might be the best option especially with the one handed rip cord.

Thanks again,
John

 

[tbone1004]

Call Tobin at Deep Sea Supply. most of his wings have centered inflator hoses so you can set them to come from the right side. There is also a quick slide type adapter that allows the shoulder straps to move a bit easier.

 

[rhwestfall]

Call Tobin at Deep Sea Supply. most of his wings have centered inflator hoses so you can set them to come from the right side. There is also a quick slide type adapter that allows the shoulder straps to move a bit easier.

the covert "Get a BP/W" recommendation.....

 

[jjcjrcpa]

the covert "Get a BP/W" recommendation.....

LOL, They do seem quite popular here

I'm not sure I'm quite ready to go that route though.

 

[tbone1004]

it will be cheaper, and better for you long term.... You asked for a BC that has center or right mounted inflate. I gave you an option. I suggest calling Tobin because he will be able to put a dump valve on the right side for you as well if you explain your situation to him. There is a reason they are popular and get recommended. For people in your situation, it is a far better solution than any stab jacket, and better yet. Comes from a manufacturer where you get to the talk to the guy who owns it and may be willing/able to help you....

 

[TSandM]

That was also my first thought. The DSS wings have an inflator takeoff in the center, so it can be routed either way.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Hi all,

I have a disability that limits the use of my left hand. I don't have fine motor control so I can't operate the power inflator with my left hand.

I'm looking for a BCD that has a center mounted inflator that can be routed over the right shoulder.

I really wish AquaLung's Dimension i3 could have the control lever mounted on the right side, but that doesn't seem to be an option.

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks so much!

John

Hi John,

We have in the past built special wings with the OPV on the diver's right instead of diver's left.

These are special order. We have to build a "reverse" bladder and reverse shell. No really a technical challenge, but it can be really hard to do things backward, habit (and our patterns and die cutting dies etc.) are all marked to prevent "backwards" wings. Muscle memory and such.

If you are interested best to give me call so we can select the right wing capacity. Usually takes about week to produce a special.

626-799-5074

Tobin

 

[diversteve]

edit: Nevermind; I see what you are saying with regards to the swappable inflator port. I'll have to go look at those then. That might be easiest. The Ranger can be swapped like this too? If so, that might be the best option especially with the one handed rip cord.

Sorry, I was looking at a Ranger LTD which has the top right dump - a standard Ranger doesn't. It's unfortunately a $200 upgrade.

I can't find a back view of the new LTD to confirm it but here's my premise. Zeagle only has one style of dump valve/inflator housing. You can see it on this back shot of their new Halo. A Halo is a jacket - not a back-inflate design. But notice how both valves look identical where they join the bladder.



My assumption is that the LTD is similar, I have a previous generation LTD but they added the dump on the newer one a few years ago. All three of the dumps on mine are similar - same thread, same looking housing. The plastic is built up around them so I would have no concerns swapping them. An LTD also has 4 pull dumps so you'd have one on either side at the bottom. You can barely see the pull for the right dump here on the new LTD:



hth, I'd call Scubatoys and ask them. They're very helpful and can probably tell you quickly. On some brands they show MSRP at the mfr's request but the real price can be less. So worth a call. Zeagle's are modular also so they might be willing to swap a 4 dump wing into a Ranger Jacket for you - they sell a custom model called a Brigade which is a Ranger Jacket with an Escape wing for several hundred dollars less than even the Ranger. I swapped the wing on my LTD when I bought it and was credited for the difference - locally not from ST.

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I also assumed that the Aqualung models I mentioned in my previous post are similar but I have no experience with them other than seeing a Pro QD once at my AL dealer and I didn't look at the inflator mounting once I saw it was a jacket. Although it does seem like it would work also:



The Balance uses their flat valves so IDK if they can be switched as easily - I've never seen a Wave.

Another option might be a ScubaPro Seahawk. It's a 3 dump system though but the lower dump is on the right side. SCUBAPRO - SEAHAWK