Back Inflate BC Question

[biggmarty]

I've been trying out the SeaQuest Balance Back-Inflate BC at my LDS and in the pool where I practice (the LDS let me try it out in their pool, and one of my friends has one) and I've had a little bit of trouble "dumping" air from it when I've put just a shade too much in it and I'm floating up. I've been told to get slightly more vertical and then try, and that works somewhat. I'm going to keep practicing, but anybody who has one or one like it, I'd love your thoughts on getting used to this/working this problem out.

thanks

 

[DIR-Atlanta]

I've had a little bit of trouble "dumping" air from it when I've put just a shade too much in it and I'm floating up. I've been told to get slightly more vertical and then try, and that works somewhat.

Does it have a back dump? If so, then you should be able to dump from there while remaining horizontal.

 

[RonFrank]

BC's can trap air. The Balance is a good BC, and if you are having issues with it, I think you will have issues with other Back Inflates.

Some ways to dump air is to...
1) stick you butt up, and use a lower dump valve
2) roll while dumping (I do this sometimes) Rolling will shift air, I roll my left shoulder up as that is where my drysuit dump is.
3) get vertical to shoulder dump (you should NOT have to go fully vert).

Another thought is why are you adding much air in the pool. Sounds like you are overweighted! That is a horse of a different color, but if you have to add much air to maintain buoyancy at 12 feet, then you are generally overweighted.....

 

[LowVizWiz]

Like others have said, use the rear dump while horizontal... Or even the front shoulder pull dump will work.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

I usually tip my butt up, and then dip my right shoulder, since the rear dump valve is on the left. It's a little more difficult to dump air from it than my Cressi jacket BC, but not too bad.

 

[biggmarty]

Another thought is why are you adding much air in the pool. Sounds like you are overweighted! That is a horse of a different color, but if you have to add much air to maintain buoyancy at 12 feet, then you are generally overweighted.....

Quite possible. However I always wear my wetsuit in the pool (to get used to it, I guess...) and the day I tried out the B.C. I was in a 3mm wetsuit and 2mm shorty, w/ 8 lbs. I could use less weight if I breathed easier, but I'm still getting used to it.

thanks,

martin

 

[Archangel]

Does it have a back dump? If so, then you should be able to dump from there while remaining horizontal.

Cut all the padding out of it, use duct tape to clean up the gaping holes, and then you wont have such a floaty BCD. . .

. . .or in the alternative, you could purchase a Back Plate and Wing and be on the way to spot on trim. . .

OK, let the flaming of BP/no BP start

T

 

[hoopstar2323]

I usually tip my butt up, and then dip my right shoulder, since the rear dump valve is on the left.

rolling my shoulder is the way i do it easily.

 

[Flatliner]

OK, let the flaming of BP/no BP start

T

Dude, you are a glutton for punishment!

Flat

 

[divinginn]

i have a seaquest black diamond with the same issues,the rear dump is located in a spot i just cant find while diving,so i use the inflater dump,just have to roll vertical some and dump some air,i wished that one had a sholder dump on it,would make it a little easier,i might try a longer string on the rear dump that might make it easier to dump.