BCD fit

[augustg]

Hi All,

So I received a hand-me-down BCD from a friend, a Scubapro Accent NT. It seems like a nice bc and I would have it serviced before I was to ever use it.

The only issue is with the fit. It is a large and it seems to be a little big, not terrible as I have size large on past dives, but it just seems a little big (I also lost about 20 pounds recently). How would I truly know if this bcd is too big.

I am 5'8" and 170.

Thanks all...I have learned so much from scubaboard!

Aug

 

[cummings66]

I would venture a guess and say if it feels big on the surface it is too big.

How to tell if it fits, how are the straps? Is it all the way in and you still can feel it moving around on you? If so it's too big.

 

[augustg]

Thanks Matthew,

I think that it may be just a bit too big...bummer...it'a a nice BC.

Aug

 

[Quarrior]

When you are trying it on, is it over your exposure protection or street clothes? Makes a big difference.

 

[cummings66]

That's an obvious point I failed to consider, and a very important one at that.

My personal desires is a BC that is in the middle of the adjustments, i.e. I can make it snug or loose by using the adjustments provided. If you're not done loosing weight it might be best to wait on the purchase.

One of the worst dives of my life was in a BC that was too large, cinched down all the way it rode up on me constantly and make my trim so bad it was a joke. It was a rental and showed me how important it is to get a proper fit and own your own gear so this hassle of not having the proper size bit never happened again.

 

[augustg]

Thanks for the replies.

I tried it on over street clothes, but I need to try it on over my wetsuit...good advice.

My main concern is the arm openings...I don't want it to ride up on me.

The last time I dove in a medium size bc it was a bit tight and it seemed to be a bit restrictive.

Thanks,

Aug

 

[spectrum]

In leiu of getting into the wetsuit a heavy sweatshirt can give a good idea. If it's possible to try on another size that may bracket things quick.

Regarding the riding up. If it has a depth compensating (elasticized) cummerbund be sure to preload it a little. it may feel a bit snug standing on the surface but in the water it won't be noticable and the rig will hang in place better.

I don't advocate 100% integrated weight but by keeping some weight in the jacket the lift is directly coupled to the weight and the jacket will be less likely to rise around you during surface flotation.

Pete