BC life expectancy

[ev780]

My old Scubapro Accent was about 15 when I retired it. It was working fine but the Velcro had become so useless that my weight pouches started falling out. Used it as an excuse to buy a new Oceanic. Liked my Accent better. maybe I will get the Velcro freshened up and put it back in service.

 

[lowviz]

My latest Scubapro Classic is about 13 years old ...//... I have been trying to find an excuse to buy a new BC but it has been difficult to come up with one. ...//...

Won't happen.

I got my first cert in that jacket. Loved it. Then I progressed to the Knighthawk (AKA training wheels for a BP/W). Ditched the Knighthawk rather quickly for BP/W. If I had to pick just two buoyancy compensators, it would be a classic and my current BP/wing rig. But then again, I'm old school. If I was really 'with it' it would be a Classic and some wanker sidemount rig.

 

[BoltSnap]

The only reason I see to get new one is if I go Side Mount and/or drysuit.

Won't happen.

I got my first cert in that jacket. Loved it. Then I progressed to the Knighthawk (AKA training wheels for a BP/W). Ditched the Knighthawk rather quickly for BP/W. If I had to pick just two buoyancy compensators, it would be a classic and my current BP/wing rig. But then again, I'm old school. If I was really 'with it' it would be a Classic and some wanker sidemount rig.

---------- Post added July 29th, 2013 at 01:42 AM ----------

My old Scubapro Accent was about 15 when I retired it. It was working fine but the Velcro had become so useless that my weight pouches started falling out. Used it as an excuse to buy a new Oceanic. Liked my Accent better. maybe I will get the Velcro freshened up and put it back in service.

Wow, Accent with Velcro, that's old. They changed to using clips for the weight pocked at least 10 years go (most likely more).

 

[lowviz]

-works just fine with a DS.

 

[BoltSnap]

Damned it, then a Side mount BC.

 

[lowviz]

Face it, you 'first string' instructors are just expected to have side mount down pat. Job requirement.

My only suggestion is that getting fully tripped out for side mount is *at the present time* much like buying technology. So go for the very best you can get in both gear and instructor training. By doing so, you can get some reasonable lifetime from both. And when it all becomes passe', you will have yet another "classic".

Best.