b.c. question

[High Plains Diver]

If a B.C. will strap around you with a little spare belting left, is it a safe fit? I have done the test where I put it on with my wetsuit on, inflated the B.C.and made sure it did not squeeze me. I have read a too big B.C. can be dangerous, but I am not sure on a slightly small B.C.
Thanks for your time.

 

[String]

Issue with slightly small are mainly (i) Comfort - does it hurt
(ii) Will it provide enough positive buoyancy (probably will..)
(iii) Will it squeeze the hell out of you to get the said buoyancy

Too big a BC

(i) Comfort - things tend to ride up, straps twisted etc
(ii) The entire thing can move and slide on your back which with the tank attached can throw you all over the place.

*slightly* small provided you are comfortable and it provides enough lift should be ok. I take it youve tried adjusting the straps?

 

[RICHinNC]

One of the main reasons I changed to a bp and wing. My vest type bc was a great one but I could never seem to get it tight enough to keep it from riding up on me. The cumberbun was long enough but difficult to tighten appropriately.

I dont have that problem with my bp and wing set up. The strap and the buckel are the better way to go for me.

 

[String]

Depends on shape and fit an awful lot along with design of BC - some are worse with others.

Personally i prefer a standard BC and also need the D-rings and pockets they provide. It also doesnt ride up on me although i do get some squeeze when the jacket is fully inflated (never except rescue practice in the pool) so not a huge issue.

 

[High Plains Diver]

Issue with slightly small are mainly (i) Comfort - does it hurt
(ii) Will it provide enough positive buoyancy (probably will..)
(iii) Will it squeeze the hell out of you to get the said buoyancy

Too big a BC

(i) Comfort - things tend to ride up, straps twisted etc
(ii) The entire thing can move and slide on your back which with the tank attached can throw you all over the place.

*slightly* small provided you are comfortable and it provides enough lift should be ok. I take it youve tried adjusting the straps?

Thanks for the info!

 

[High Plains Diver]

One of the main reasons I changed to a bp and wing. My vest type bc was a great one but I could never seem to get it tight enough to keep it from riding up on me. The cumberbun was long enough but difficult to tighten appropriately.

I dont have that problem with my bp and wing set up. The strap and the buckel are the better way to go for me.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[BuoyantC]

There are also velcro cumberbun extenders. I have used one so I could use a smaller BC in the pool. Actually the smaller BC was nice because it was so trim.

I see students in too large of BCs and the other posters are correct. They just flop all over the place and seem dangerous on the surface.
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D.C.C.