BCD for large guy

[Reow]

Hi Everybody,

I'm in the process of completing my certification in Australia, and the company I am doing it through (PADI) are already pushing me to buy equipment. The main reason for the push is that I am a large guy (1.85m 120kg/6'1" 265lbs) and the equipment they have doesn't fit me well (especially the BCDs). The point as to whether they should have equipment to fit me is moot - once I am qualified, I will need equipment to dive, and if I can't hire something to fit me comfortably, I will have to buy it.

They are pushing me to buy a ScubaPro T-Black for AUD$1395 (~A$1270). Compared to other BCDs that I have seen for sale this is _extreemly_ expensive. I've also been told that ScubaPro equipment is overpriced.

Can somebody please inform me whether this BCD is worth the investment? Can anybody suggest another (better or better priced) BCD that I should be looking at (keeping in mind that size does matter)?

Also, my instructor is suggesting that I buy an off-the-shelf ScubaPro ExtraFlex 5 wet suit for $495. Does anybody know anywhere in Australia where I can get a custom web suit (preferably semi-dry suit) made, instead?

Thanks In Advance,
Mark

 

[highdesert]

You have a great Zeagle rep down there, and their modular BCD's will fit virtually anyone, as you can interchange the various components, including the wing, giving you options in the amount of lift available. Couldn't tell you AUD prices. The following info is right off the Zeagle site. I also suspect many of your countrymen will be giving you info, as Zeagle is well-known there. Check out their BC's at Zeagle Systems - Scuba Diving Equipment Manufacturer


SCUBA IMPORTS
PO BOX 887 JOONDALUP DC
WA
6919 JOONDALUP DC
Australia
Phone: 61-411 406 796

Good luck!

 

[BlueWaterDiving]

For the bigger guy's I like to put them into a BPW. A BCD has too much in the middle for the bigger guy. The BPW goes around the middle like a belt.not across the belly. And then they can breath better.

 

[Osseous]

Check out the Zeagle Ranger- It comes in XXL and will easily fit you- I am a fair sight bigger than you and mine fits great. In fact, you may be able to get into their XL at that size. I chose it over the US market Scubapro Nighthawk, which is their back inflate design. The Zeagle just struck me as a better design and a better value.

 

[reddiver970]

I am 6'3 250 and use an aeris extra large fits me easy these are affordable and I really like them.

 

[anzac65]

Another vote for Zeagle. Versatile too. Check the sizing recommendations on the US website. At 5'10" and about 185lbs I'm only a medium.

 

[ekremer]

Another for Zeagle, if you can't find one to fit they will make it fit

 

[Riverrat Dave]

APEKS WTX harness, this will fit anybody.

 

[Jeff Castner]

I'm a little bigger than you and I just bought a sea soft. It is the best fitting BCD I've worn. SeaSoft Scuba

 

[1_T_Submariner]

I dive a Zeagle Ranger great fit and the pieces are interchangeable so you cna customize the fit. You might also look into a Back Plate and Wing as others have said (BP/W) it is even more adjustable from what I understand.

Edit
Plus with a Backplate you can lose some lead. I don't own one yet but it is my next purchase I think.