Back inflate bcd tilting to the side

[Geopatriot]

Not so many posts out there about the Exotec, but I thought I'd update this for the record in case it helps any new divers to this model. It does seem that most all of the comments thus far are based on theory only and not experience with the Exotec, specifically.

I had two qualified "Diving Coaches" help me with this exact issue and we established a couple of things that might be helpful to other Exotec divers. First, there can be residual air hidden in various places with this BCD design. Sometimes, you think you've deflated it because you're pulling the dump valve and nothing else comes out, but in fact there's some air hidden in some crevices. It really helps if at the beginning of the dive and maybe once or twice more, to reach back and grab the bladder on each side and pull it out.

Also, we saw that left to its own devices, the bladder might be oriented more to the right or left side. So, again, if you grab both sides and pull it back and forth until you've opened it up and get it centered, all of these problems will go away.

Now, that I know what is happening and how to address it, I really don't mind. adjusting these sides puts me more in-tune with my gear. It's kind of like why some people prefer driving a manual car vs. automatic.

In addition to trim and overall buoyancy in the deep, these residual air pockets also caused some issues with a sudden and fast ascent which caused me even greater concern. But, once I learned how to stretch out the bladder and open it up so that the air flows freely, I've never had any ascent problems.

One could read my comments and say that this is a poorly designed BCD, and that would be a shame. Honestly, this is so comfortable, so convenient and so flexible, that I'm a big fan. The BCD moves naturally with your body, both on the surface and underwater. Whether you’re gearing up, reaching for accessories, or twisting through tight spaces, the backplate pivots with you, eliminating pressure points and making long dives genuinely comfortable.

 

[rongoodman]

So you're a big fan of a BC which you admit is prone to trapping air?

 

[Geopatriot]

I wouldn’t say the Exotec is “prone” to trapping air. It has a unique design that requires a bit of technique to ensure all air is vented. Once you’re aware of this and know how to manage it, it’s not an issue—and the comfort and flexibility more than make up for that small learning curve. For divers who take a moment to learn the Exotec’s setup, it’s a non-issue.

Have you dived with one?

 

[rongoodman]

I bought a BP/Wing as soon as I finished my OW class, so no. Nothing about the description makes me want to consider it either. Why would you want that amount of lift for a single tank BC? It's no wonder that it traps air.

 

[Geopatriot]

Ron, In general, you're probably right for most people - that may be a fair comment. One of the reasons I chose the Exotec is its upgradeability—I can easily add the twinset kit if I decide to move to twin 10 liter tanks. I am currently diving with single 15 liter tanks, and although there are other, smaller BCD's that could handle this, I appreciated that the Exotec can handle this easily. It's also right-size for cold-water diving.

You have a lot more experience than I do, so I'm sure you know what you're talking about. I'm just answering my perspective.

I can see that BP/Wing is also modular and in some configurations, more streamlined. I chose the Exotec because it was right in the middle with comfort, integrated weights, convenient and large sized pockets, good-looking design, and it fit perfectly in the water and out of the water. I feel confident diving with it, particularly now that I know how to adjust my trim and buoyancy properly.