Question BCD advice

[scuba2025]

Howdy all, new here, but not to scuba. 25+yrs, and PADI DM.
Couple of questions for you...

1. What age to replace your BC? I've read at 10yrs, start looking. I'm now at 22yrs on mine! (borrowed time? I am meticulous with care, but it's likely time, rather than risk a 'surprise event'). What y'all think?

2. So I currently have a Genesis Phantom. It's been great and served me well. Integrated weights, lots of D-rings... it's been a solid choice. Also, good lift (I'm a bigger person and have a drysuit as well). I'm not someone that needs a 1600$ certain brand (and no offence whatsoever to those that do). I like function, practicality, reliability. Curious for your thoughts ref buying a new one, something similar to what I've described. I haven't done much shopping, but peeked at the Genesis Origin, the Aqualung Pro HD. They *seem* comparable to mine. I do prefer jacket style. Any thoughts / inputs / recces?

Much appreciated!

 

[BoltSnap]

1. https://scubapro.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/bcds/hydros-x-bcd-men



2. https://scubapro.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/bcds/glide-bcd


Either will last you a very long time. The Hydros X will last you a lifetime.

 

[Wallowa]

Howdy all, new here, but not to scuba. 25+yrs, and PADI DM.
Couple of questions for you...

1. What age to replace your BC? I've read at 10yrs, start looking. I'm now at 22yrs on mine! (borrowed time? I am meticulous with care, but it's likely time, rather than risk a 'surprise event'). What y'all think?

2. So I currently have a Genesis Phantom. It's been great and served me well. Integrated weights, lots of D-rings... it's been a solid choice. Also, good lift (I'm a bigger person and have a drysuit as well). I'm not someone that needs a 1600$ certain brand (and no offence whatsoever to those that do). I like function, practicality, reliability. Curious for your thoughts ref buying a new one, something similar to what I've described. I haven't done much shopping, but peeked at the Genesis Origin, the Aqualung Pro HD. They *seem* comparable to mine. I do prefer jacket style. Any thoughts / inputs / recces?

Much appreciated!

Always your call for what best fits your needs and wants....but....if it is not broken, don't fix it.....time limits on gear are very arbitrary and most probably driven by 'popular acclaim' or gear retailers....still functional and meeting your needs? Not deteriorated? You have it dialed in, but if something new urges you on...go for it! I am WAY past my "use by date" but still functioning fine.

 

[wlecyt40]

My take is if you are taking good care of your gear, maintaining it and making the repairs as needed, why fix what ain't broke? I plan on keeping my Rogue until I either stop diving or it finally decides it's time to go. Hopefully, not during a dive. I take care of my BCD and service it yearly. Same as my regs.