advice needed!! bcd/computer for new diver for dm in Asia

[npolanszky]

hello everybody, this is my first post (so go easy haha) and hope I'm in the right category.

i have only been in the sport for about a year now, and have spent months reading up about what gear would be best to get to take with me to do my dm in asia. i will only be diving warm waters and only recreational stuff. i don't intend to go any further with it, no tech etc. only single tank set up. i am a larger guy approx 6ft 100kg and wanting advice on the best bc to get and take with me.

i have been using the aqualung axiom for some time now and can't really complain, besides you do feel a little constrained i guess, not that much freedom, and i find pockets a pain to use, i like the idea of everything clipped on. I have heard good things about the bp/w set up and am looking to go down this road (although i have never used one and don't have the opportunity to test one out)

i see the hollis ride is only 299 posted, was thinking not a bad price? so can anyone please give me some advice on the way i should go?

cheers

 

[Tbar]

Hi npolansky

I am not sure if you can get advice on the best bc to get and take with you. Best is feed back on peoples experience you will need to consider how this applies to your situation.

Are you doing an internship for you DM? If so does the operator offer a gear package at a good price? Does the operator expect a type of gear? If you do not know were or how you are doing you DM you may want to determine that first.

The Hollis Ride (I think) is a travel BCD/Wing and does not have a rigid tank holder. I would expect this not to be as durable as a solid back-pack plate or a BCD with rigid back.

For recreational purposes I see a couple of considerations for BP/W. 1) Generally the harness is a 'strong' webbing that does not have quick release on the shoulders. The guys I dive with that use BP/W expect that in an emergency/rescue sheers would be used to cut the webbing to quickly remove the gear. 2) often the BP/w and the tanks make-up the majority of the weight (double steel tanks) making it difficult to quickly dump weight to get positive buoyancy. And very heavy when moving above water.
These points are not negatives just need to be considered when diving with varying groups. The buddy needs to be familiar with your gear and be able when stressed to provide effective assistance. If you dive with many less experienced divers then having a standard set-up can reduce risk.

I have both BP/W and BCD. MY BP/W is a SEAC SUB Icaro Tech, with shoulder release, its okay. My bcd is a Scubapro Knighthawk, back inflate with a number of solid d-rings. This style of BCD is much like the BP/W. I prefer the Knighthawk, the fit is better as it comes in varying sizes. Both these BCs are very durable but do not come near the $299 new. Being both back inflate there is no constriction. I do not use BCD pockets as they are clumsy I prefer clips and using the d-rings.

 

[diversteve]

Does the operator expect a type of gear? If you do not know were or how you are doing you DM you may want to determine that first.

Good point, many shops are going to want you in a conventional BCD that their customers can understand. I know several instructors who have one just for that reason. Also if the shop promotes a certain brand other than Hollis, you become a marketing problem the first time someone notices you're not wearing "the gear" they're being pushed to buy. Shops generate the largest percentage of gear sales revenue during and immediately after someone completes a class. Some shops also get around this by requiring you to dive a rental in that brand so then your BCD choice becomes just for when you fun dive.

I know quite a few DM's also. Most dive a BC with pockets because they're often asked to hold things during dives. My buddy carries at about 8-10 lbs. extra in weight she can hand off as needed, a SMB/line/spool, at least one extra backup light, o-rings and as much of a save-a-dive kit as she needs to take with her u/w. Even a 2nd mask. It might be cumbersome to clip all that stuff off since the Ride only has 4 d-rings. One option is to buy a large pocket - there are many that would clip around the waist strap on the Ride - and remove it for fun dives.

I don't think you'll be able to do gear swaps with a recreational diving student effectively using a BP/W should your instructor ask you to help with that since most students will be in Jacket BCD's - they're the industry standard for student training gear since one size fits all.

I'd also ask someone who is very familiar with the line if 37# is enough lift to get both you and a student off the bottom and keep you floating at the surface. Given the minimalist nature of the Ride it seems like it should be but many instructors intentionally overweight students to keep them down. And you'll already be carrying some extra weight that you can hand off - in an emergency it's just one extra thing you'd have to remember to unclip/dump.