BCD fit question

[TheDavil]

Hi all,

I finally pulled the trigger and bought my first BC (a vest-type). It's a L\XL. The cummerbund is very adjustable and fits fine no matter what. The straps (3 of them across the front) fit pretty good when the BC has some air in it, but when it's empty and I pull the straps tight, they're as tight as they'll go. In other words, if I lose any (and I mean any) weight, I won't be able to tighten the straps completely. This is in a 3mil wetsuit. Another plot point: I'm tall and the length of the BC is perfect.

I called the folks that I got it from and if I get a smaller size, it'll be a good bit shorter. They told me I'd be better off having it be the right length, even if it's a bit loose around the chest and stomach area. That sorta makes sense to me.

Other than that, I love the BC - it's comfortable and I got it at (what I think is) an excellent price.

So anyway, am I ok as long as it fits while inflated? Should I have a few extra tacos now and then to make sure I don't lose any weight? Should I just always wear a 7mil wetsuit?

Thanks for any input...

David

 

[rico68]

If I'm understanding you correctly, I have a similar situation due to a recent weight loss (yeah!).

The fit while inflated really doesn't play into this. It will only be inflated for the short time you're at the surface. During your entire dive, it will be either empty or filled with just a touch of air to compensate for your suit compression, either way, no where near fully inflated. During your dive it seems to me it will be loose on you and allow your tank to roll to the sides. That's what mine is doing now that I've lost the weight. Not comfortable and I'm constantly trying to roll the tank back to center. So I'm in the market for a new BC.

I can't imagine the BC as you describe it working out for you. It sounds too big for you.

 

[waynel]

Are you buying BC's on line? Not to start an argument on that topic but just like jeans I have to try them on before I buy. A knife or compass? On line. BC, mask, anything that needs to fit? LDS. Costs more? Yes. Assured it will fit before I buy? Yes.

 

[cdennyb]

If you forego the vest style (?) BC and opt for a wing type, all of that stuff is behind you and not dependant on your weight to fit well. If you use the harness system on a backplate and a wing, no matter which direction you want to go in the future, you'll only have to add equipment to it, not sell what you have and buy more later at additional cost.
Just your call. Pay now for the right stuff or pay later for the right stuff because you didn't buy it in the first place.
I used to use a Mares SynchroTech BC and after getting a plate and wing for my doubles, I sold my BC and now just swap over to a single tank adapter to use a single 80. It's way more streamline in the water and the drag is next to nothing...as opposed to the Mares BC which was a 'drag' if you know what I mean. It was cool looking and all, had lots of pockets, a cool clip here and there but in the end, it was not functional as it could've been.
Up to you.
db

 

[Richesb]

Simply stated your BC does not fit properly!

Your cumberbund probaly should be higher (above Waist). Price,brand should not be governing factor, fit is.
A BC that is loose at any time will allow your tank to shift. You will be swimming on your side etc.
The proper fit is all adjustments should be near the middle of adjustment available.
I won't go into wing/backplate because this is not for everyone even though I personally agree that it's the best for us in the type of diving we do. But it does take a bit of getting used to if you haven't used one.
Try a few you'll notice the difference.

 

[spectrum]

David,

It sounds like you need to go down a size. The only way to safely buy a BC is to try one in the water. How your body, the BC and the rest of your gear will behave is only revealed when you are diving.

As mentioned significant inflation should only be on the surface especially in a 3mm suit. If the BC will not conform closely when deflated then your cylinder will be all over the place and you won't be a happy diver. You mention that you are long in the torso but does the L/XL size leave your hips clear to wear a weight belt? There are a lot of good reasons to rear a belt even if you have visions of 100% integration at present.

The right fit is the right fir but if you are in between then the smaller size will serve you best. Also remember that cuts vary between brands and models.

Pete

 

[TheDavil]

Thanks to all for the info. A wealth of information, as usual. To respond to some concerns and/or refine my thoughts:

- Yes, I'm buying online. I was fully aware of the limitations as well as the advantages of buying online when I made the decision to do so. I'm patient and don't mind sending the BC back if it doesn't fit. I knew I might have to do so and was prepared for it. This is why I used a reputable dealer with a stellar reputation.

- This isn't the first BC I've tried, just the first one that I've bought.

- At this time, I'm not contemplating a BP/W setup. I know there's a chance (possibly a good one) that I'll go to a BP/W in the future. If so, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

- I have been in the water with the BC. It is comfortable and the tank does not roll to the side. I'm more concerned with what could happen in the future. If I lose weight or the straps stretch over time I want something that will shrink a bit with me.

Sounds like all the advice regarding fit is right on, especially these tidbits:

The fit while inflated really doesn't play into this. It will only be inflated for the short time you're at the surface.

Right. Typical case of me overthinking and not seeing the obvious. Some days I amaze myself that I can even put on my shoes correctly.

The proper fit is all adjustments should be near the middle of adjustment available.

Excellent advice. Currently I've got 6-8" of strap dangling off of each end of each of the three straps. I probably look like a giant waterlogged arachnid of some sort. This alone is probably a good reason to go to a smaller size.

does the L/XL size leave your hips clear to wear a weight belt?

I hadn't even thought of this. More good advice. The bottom of the BC comes down to an inch or so above my hip points - a good bit below my waist where a belt would sit. I'm 6'4" tall, but don't have a particularly long torso. I think I've got some room to work with on the length.

if you are in between then the smaller size will serve you best

That pretty much nails my predicament. Concise and using small words. My kind of information.

So, to sum up, I think that the conclusion that I've got a BC that's too large is the correct one. I'll be calling my ODS to arrange an exchange. Thanks for all the wisdom - I truly appreciate it.

David