BCD for new instructor

[Isa.nerwen]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a new BCD as my current one is not a great one and it's falling apart. I'm a new instructor.
I've a few different brands from friends and I think my favourite brand so far is Aqualung, so I was looking at the Axiom or at the Lotus.
I also have quite a low budget but I'm willing to spend a little more if it's really worth it.

Any recommendations/advice? Thanks

 

[Edward3c]

That’s such at open ended question.

Is the new kit for your personal diving or teaching students.

Are you teaching as part of a shop or doing your own thing (remember in the U.K. you have to follow the Diving at work Regulations, which means you can’t teach open water on your own).

 

[Landau]

The Lotus has great cargo pockets. They hold lots and are mounted lower than most BCDs so are easy to access. I had a Dimension which is the same model in Men’s sizes and the pockets came in very handy while teaching to carry spare weights, fin straps, defog etc.

The disadvantage of Aqualung is the weight system. It is very easy to get the “Sure Lock” weight pouches only half clicked in so they would turn into “Sure Loss” and fall out.

And congrats on becoming an Instructor!

 

[USdiver1]

Are you associated with any particular training centre? If so, you can probably score the equipment line(s) they promote at a heavy discount; having staff kitted in the shop's equipment brands is preferred by most owners and they are willing to help you achieve such a goal.

 

[boulderjohn]

I went to your profile page and learned nothing of your current situation that would help me provide advice specific to you. If you give more information about yourself, people can give better advice.

USDiver1 asked an excellent question about being associated with a dive shop. If you have an agreement with a dive shop to work for them, then they will want you to use the gear they sell. They may either sell you gear at a discount or let you use stuff from their rental gear. I never used my own gear when instructing pool sessions--I used the same rental gear the students used, at least for the pool sessions. I often used my own gear for the OW sessions, but that gear was a brand the shop sold.

Taking that one step further, if you are not currently with a shop, any gear you buy now may be only for your personal use if you eventually work for a shop that sells a different brand.

So if you do not have an instructor job yet, the smart thing to do is to continue using your won gear for a while.

 

[Nemrod]

If you are working for a store providing instruction for them then they should provide your gear and especiually if they want you using what they sell. Otherwise, if they do not provide gear, and for myself, my personal gear, I would want a small capacity (18-23#) wing and soft plate for warm water and a medium capacity (30-35#) wing and aluminum plate for cooler water.

 

[Redtwo]

I would consider an aqualung rogue also. Very streamlined and nice compact bcd and still usable as a demo bcd for training.

And for a dive shop pushing certain brands. Yes is possible but not a given. In my area everybody is free to dive what they want while teaching.