BC Inherent Buoyancy - Compiled Data

[jeffrey-c]

There have been numerous posts about the inherent buoyancy of BCs with many tidbits of data, but I haven't seen these compiled in one place for comparison. Below is a summary of what I've found from a combination of Scuba Lab tests and SB members experiments:

None:

Aeris Reef Rider
Oceanic Islander
DUI Delta Wings
Oceanic Probe QLR
Intl. Divers Advantage​

Less than 1 pound:

Dacor Falcon
Mares V1 MRS
Deep Outdoors Neutrino
Sea Quest Passport
Triple-L Aquarius
Zeagle Stiletto
Zeagle Concept II Pro
Scubapro Knighthawk
Sea Quest Black Diamond
Oceanic Pro Tour​

1 to 2 pounds:

Aeris Atmos XT
Deep Outdoors Matrix
Sherwood Outback
Cressi-Sub Aqualight
Sea Quest Balance
Sherwood Scuba Tortuga
Zeagle Ranger​

2 to 3 pounds:

Tusa Imprex Pro Cubic
XS Scuba Advantage​

More than 3 pounds:

Genesis Scuba Tropic
Ocean Master Knight Pro
Seaquest Fusion
Riptide Trek
Mares Syncro Power
Aqua Lung Malibu RDS​

Caveat - I've simply compiled the data from various sources and make no claim as to the accuracy. If people have additional and/or conflicting data, please speak up!

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Hmm... interesting idea.

 

[jonnythan]

My BC is about -7 pounds. I don't see it listed.

 

[jeffrey-c]

My BC is about -7 pounds. I don't see it listed.

What is it and how was the buoyancy determined?

 

[jonnythan]

What is it and how was the buoyancy determined?

It's a Halcyon Pioneer 27 with 6-lb SS backplate and 1-lb STA.

 

[jeffrey-c]

Since all BP/Ws have negative buoyancy basically determined by the easily-determined weight of the components, I suggest we keep the BP/Ws out of the discussion and focus on those BCs that have inherent buoyancy. This way people can better understand their weighting options and problems, compare between BCs (including BP/Ws), etc.

BTW, to me this is one of the big advantages to the BP/W setup as so many others have also discovered - no positive buoyancy!

 

[SkiDiver]

Do wings and harnesses have no positive bouyancy at all? Does this vary by manufacturer (Halcyon, Oxycheq, DSS, OMS, DR, etc.)? By model within manufacturer?

If there is variation, that could be useful information to add to the easily computed figures for backplates, STAs, etc.

 

[jonnythan]

The webbing I use on my harness just slightly floats, but when you add 5 D-rings, a buckle, and steel triglides to it, it most definitely sinks. The wing itself is negligible and probably best offset by the steel hardware in the harness, making the wing+harness negative. Toss in the STA and/or plate and that's just more negative buoyancy.

It might be interesting to have someone take a Transpac, an OMS Comfort Harness, etc, and see what the buoyancy on those is like.

When talking about a standard hogarthian harness, they are just that - standard. Just plain webbing and 5 D-rings with triglides and a stainless steel buckle. I doubt there will be any significant difference between manufacturer's wings. There's no padding or anything.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Do wings and harnesses have no positive bouyancy at all? Does this vary by manufacturer (Halcyon, Oxycheq, DSS, OMS, DR, etc.)? By model within manufacturer?

If there is variation, that could be useful information to add to the easily computed figures for backplates, STAs, etc.

I agree with Jonnythan.

I don't know of a wing that uses buoyant materials. Designs differ a bit, but the materials of construction are all pretty close to SG =1

In my experience inherent buoyancy is mostly a matter of padding, shoulder strap pads, back pads, cumberbunds etc.

As along as a wing can be fully vented it will be very close to neutral.

Tobin

 

[Chad Carney]

There have been numerous posts about the inherent buoyancy of BCs with many tidbits of data, but I haven't seen these compiled in one place for comparison. Below is a summary of what I've found from a combination of Scuba Lab tests and SB members experiments:

None:

Zeagle Stiletto
Aeris Reef Rider
Oceanic Islander
DUI Delta Wings
Oceanic Probe QLR
Intl. Divers Advantage
​

Less than 1 pound:

Zeagle Ranger LTD
Dacor Falcon
Mares V1 MRS
Deep Outdoors Neutrino
Sea Quest Passport
Triple-L Aquarius


Zeagle Concept II Pro
Scubapro Knighthawk
Sea Quest Black Diamond
Oceanic Pro Tour​

1 to 2 pounds:

Zeagle Ranger- four D-rings more buoyant than a LTD; about 1.25 lbs.
Aeris Atmos XT
Deep Outdoors Matrix
Sherwood Outback
Cressi-Sub Aqualight
Sea Quest Balance
Sherwood Scuba Tortuga
​

2 to 3 pounds:

Tusa Imprex Pro Cubic
XS Scuba Advantage​

More than 3 pounds:

Genesis Scuba Tropic
Ocean Master Knight Pro
Seaquest Fusion
Riptide Trek
Mares Syncro Power
Aqua Lung Malibu RDS​

Caveat - I've simply compiled the data from various sources and make no claim as to the accuracy. If people have additional and/or conflicting data, please speak up!

The above Zeagle buoyancy info in bold are from my personal tests.

Chad

No bladders I've ever seen have buoyancy when deflated. It might take a little time for the final bubbles of air between inner bladders and outer covers to find their way free when testing shallow, but at depth they get squeezed pretty quick.

Some kinds of closed cell padding produces inherent positive buoyancy, some padding that is porous does not. Zeagle's cushy lumbar pads are not buoyant. The thin padding in shoulders and waist areas has slight buoyancy.