Affordable BCD

[chiewbacca]

Hi All,

After lurking in the ScubaBoard forums for a couple of months since completing my OW course, this is my first (and hopefully not last) post to the forums.

I have been looking for an affordable BCD that fall within these parameters:

- suitable for predominately cold water diving
- no need for bells and whistles (e.g. I do not foresee getting into tech diving)
- require integrated weights
- require D rings and pockets
- under the $300 mark
- preferably new

Would appreciate any suggestions on this. All of the similar threads in this forum appear to be quite old. Look forward to hearing your responses.

Thanks,
Alan.

 

[JCDdiver]

This is one of the least expesive new BCDs around that is weight integrated, had D-rings, and is under $300.

 

[markfm]

You might poke around for a Riptide Zone II. A lot of lift, pretty rugged. Nominally it's over $400, but you might see good sales on it periodically (LDS sold them for much lower $ during a club day last Spring).

 

[O.M.O.H.]

I am also all for the RipTide Zone II. I trained and got certified in it and also used to dive in the North East US and Caribbean alike. It maybe a bit overpowered so the Rebel model with 40lbs of lift maybe considered as well. One drawback of the rebel is that it doesn't allow for backplate installation and diving with doubles.

From what they told me at my LDS (where I bought it) it is manufactured and was designed by the same company that develops BC's for Deep Outdoors, DiveRite, and DUI. (Custom Buoyancy) It is also manufactured in the US. Just for the heck of it the other day in the pool I tried DiveRite TransPack with RecWings and it feels, responds, and performs exactly the same as the Zone II for a fraction of cost.

 

[hunter991]

There are still some Aeris XT Bc's from last years model line floating around in some shops inventory. I have a few in certain sizes. I can get you close to that price range for a really great BC.

Brent

 

[stefusa]

I saw this one,,,
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=RipTideBC

 

[Sandbar]

My LDS is going out of business, and they have a complete line of SeaQuest BCD's that they are selling at cost. I just bought a PRO QD for $250...brand new. If you give them a call, I'm sure they would be willing to discuss what inventory they have, and you would probably have to pay shipping, but there are some great deals. The Dive Shop - 954-796-9780

 

[ams511]

I saw this one,,,
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=RipTideBC

You can see that one from outer space. lol

 

[Saskia]

hey Sandbar

where abouts is this going out of business LDS? sounds like a place where i might be able to get some goodys for a nice price! Thanks!

 

[dk2943]

I am also a fan of the Riptide Zone II. You can find them at big discounts. However, I have seen posts about a store in Coral Springs closing and offering great deals.