BC Info

[grwilson]

My son got certified a few months back. He has rented equipment on several dives since. He complains that the BC is not like the one he used in class. Does any recognize the brand and model of the BC pictured? I know there is not much in the photo.

 

[chrpai]

BCD's generally come in back inflate and vest inflate models. That is a Zeagle (not sure which model ) back inflate BCD. He's probably been getting a "vest" style jacket lately and not liking it.

Presumably you want to buy him a BCD. I'd recommend researching the Zeagle Express Tech or back plate and wings (back inflate) setup.

 

[keller34]

Looks like an aqua lung or zeagle

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[chrpai]

You are correct. The picture is small and couldn't tell if that was a Z or a Swoosh.

This might be it:

Pro LT

If not, take a look at:

Aqua Lung BC Range

Looks like a vest BCD. At least it didn't have the i3 system.

 

[keller34]

Yea that is why I wasnleaning twords aqua lung. Take him to a shop that has them and take a look at a few. See if any fit the way he wants or just call the place you got your cert.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[grwilson]

Thanks for the info. I'd like to know from the experienced diver's perspective, if it were your son, age 14, growing 3" a year, would you rent or buy?

Some background: I was certified years ago, and will be getting re certified due to his interest. We live in Tampa, own a 23' cc, and do an annual keys trip. He has always been hard to get out of the water.

On one hand, I want him to have comfortable equipment, but on the other dropping that much cash on a bc that I know he will outgrow seems like a waste of money.

 

[keller34]

There are many bc's that are adjustable. My son is bigger than me at 16 and still growing. I got him an adjustable from l to xxl. It will grow with him

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

---------- Post added July 5th, 2013 at 09:47 AM ----------

I also live in Tampa...his growing will slow down by 16. Btw my son is 6' 1" 240lbs.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

---------- Post added July 5th, 2013 at 09:48 AM ----------

See if he likes a bp\w

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[chrpai]

Thanks for the info. I'd like to know from the experienced diver's perspective, if it were your son, age 14, growing 3" a year, would you rent or buy?

Where do you live? There is a configuration called "back plate and wing" that many of us like a lot. It has a lot of advantages one of which is that it's infinitely adjustable. You could be 120lbs or 300lbs and still get a perfect fit. I understand not wanting to buy something he might not like so maybe a diver around you could do a show and tell, give it a try and decide.

 

[grwilson]

Thanks again. I did not realize that there were adjustable options. The bcs we have tried on in the shop seem to require a pretty good fit. I like the idea of the "back and wing" for myself. Intuitively, it seems like it would offer better trim and more room in front where your arms are. But for my son, I like the idea of a vest that seems like it might be more safe. Is this incorrect? The adjust-ability is compelling. If the consensus is that back plate and wing is equally safe for a 14 year old, I would rent one for him to try.

Chrpai - We live in Palm Harbor.

Keller34 - Does your son use a bp/w, if so, how old when he started?

 

[MrChen]

Thanks for the info. I'd like to know from the experienced diver's perspective, if it were your son, age 14, growing 3" a year, would you rent or buy?

Some background: I was certified years ago, and will be getting re certified due to his interest. We live in Tampa, own a 23' cc, and do an annual keys trip. He has always been hard to get out of the water.

On one hand, I want him to have comfortable equipment, but on the other dropping that much cash on a bc that I know he will outgrow seems like a waste of money.

I have an Apek's Black Ice and it is a XL/XX. The BCD has hard mounted nuts/bolts which can be mounted differently to increase or decrease size. Look at this chart and you will see that they only sell it in 3 sizes. BTW: This is a back inflate BCD as well.

BC Size and Lift Chart

And growing in height might not change the fit of the BCD as much as around the mid section