Anyone who can give me recommendations?

[crazym0nkey89]

Hello all avid divers out there!

Can anyone give me any recommendations on what kind or what type of bcd i should get for my first bcd? Any brand or model because I am looking at a few. Are there any legitimate online scuba store that ships bcds or dive equipments to Asian countries like Singapore?

Thanks Alot in advance for those who have replied!!

 

[tomboyy]

The only advice i can give on brand names Is SeaQuest, I have 2 Jacket types... like them both. I would say to rent as many different types as you can and if ya got time write down their pros and cons. Talk to people at your LDS and get their opinion. Asking questions here like your doing now is great. TAKE YOUR TIME. If you do your homework and take your time, you be happy

Just know that this prolly won't be your first and last BCD. I just bought a jacket BCD in Feb.2008 and while I like it, I'm thinking of going to a different style, thats why I say take your time

 

[FireDiver443]

In addition to asking questions at your LDS, if you happen to find shops in your travels, stop at those too. Sometimes your LDS will recommend BCDs that they just-so-happen to carry and, while less than reputable, will flame other BCDs you might ask about that they don't so you spend your money with them. My LDS pushes Scubapro but I really liked Zeagle (before I went to my BP/W). Subsequently, I went with Zeagle, but not with them.

There's often good information in some of the trade journals as well when they do gear reviews. They sometimes toss out something you might not have thought of too.

Lastly, try as many as you can... rental gear, BCDs that your dive buddies might use, etc. I personally have always preferred back-inflate over vest, but that might not be your thing.

I agree with Tomboyy... take your time, but also realize your 1st BCD is probably not going to be your last. Enjoy the ride.

See you down there!

 

[crazym0nkey89]

hello tomboyy and FireDiver443,

Thanks for the advice that you guys have given me. I have to say that i fully agree with you guys. I should borrow more bcds and try them out first to see which type of bcd i like be it jacket style or back inflates. Yeah and checking LDS is fairly important if i wanna research on what type or which bcd i would eventually decide purchasing. Thanks guys for the advice. Im currently looking at Zeagle, Scubapro and Cressi bcds.

Dive Happy, See You Somewhere In The Abyss

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

Check out the equipment forums. You will get alot of information there on many types of BCD's and you will also get good help from the manufacturers too.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/buoyancy-compensators-bcs-weight-systems/

Good luck and Happy bubbles!
Carolyn:shark2:

 

[CoralSeaMan]

It is hard to get any feel for a BCD until you dive with it. In general, jacket BCDs are easier to get accustomed to initially. I've had Oceanic, Seaquest, Riptide (now Omega) and Cressi BCDs. Each is different, but from my point of view none is bad.

 

[spectrum]

Trying them is very important, very very important. Equally important is fit. If it fits and you feels go in it then it's good.

Aside form that you want to be looking at desired features like D rings, particular dump valve locations, weight integration (or not) number of cam straps, amount of padding (or not) and so forth. By trying a few you will discover your likes and dislikes and narrow things down.

Pete

 

[ucfdiver]

I would call deep sea supply. They can suggest the best bc for your style of diving, as well as one that will grow with you.

 

[crazym0nkey89]

whao thanks guys for the advices i really do think that checking various bcds is very important to decide on which and what type of bcd that really suits me and that i like..
can anyone of you guys tell anything about dump valves..i mean having how many is efficient? which is better back inflates or jacket style for someone like me

 

[wetvet]

I am a big fan of the versatility of the Dive-Rite Transpac system. It is very travel friendly, back inflate, and can grow with you, even to the start of some technical stuff. Lots of places to clip stuff, and gives you a bit of a feel for streamlined setups.

Remember to try to think ahead to the kind of diving you may do in the future, and think of the equipment that you will want for that. We all have several sets of gear from not thinking ahead very well.


Wetvet