BCD info site?

[mksmith713]

Is there a web site that will show me different types of BCD's, options available and how they work?
Also, a table for divers weight vs BCD inflation weight so you can figure out how much bouyancy you'll need to look for when purchasing a BCD.

 

[Dive Rite]

Hi,

Good questions. Don't know about the comparison website. Would be interested in knowing if there is such a site (and who does the comparing!). We are always happy to help and educate based on our experience and variety of BCD options.

The key to lift is not how much you weigh, but what type of equipment you will be carrying. A 30lb wing is usually sufficient for a tall, heavy male with an aluminum single tank and loaded weight pockets. Occasionally, drysuit divers will move up to a 40-45lb lift wing to get extra lift when they are on the surface, loaded with weight, wearing a single steel tank.

If you are looking for a wing that will support double tanks, then it will depend on what size tanks, stage bottles, etc.

If you check out the wings on our website, they each give you a maximum tank size for their lift. For example, our Travel Wing has 30lbs of lift and is best for tanks up to an 80lb aluminum (regardless of diver body size). Our Venture Wing has 45lbs of lift and is best for tanks up to a 95lb steel (meaning you can wear an aluminum 80, steel 80, steel 85 or steel 95).

Hope this helps. If you can give me particulars of what you are looking for (type of diving you do, your typical tank(s), exposure protection, etc.) I can assist.

Best,
Kathleen

 

[Dive-aholic]

Not all the information you ask for, but it provides some basics on BCDs - Scuba Gear FAQs

 

[stefusa]

The BCD lift have almost nothing to do with the divers weight (except very large people or very muscled people).
The lift of your wing is dependant of the weight you need to hold a stop at 10 feet with 500PSI. The weight added is dependant on the wetsuit/drysuit used.
So in clear, 1) you figure the lead needed and 2) you figure the lift needed.

And lastly, check the stickies first
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...ems/158370-ultimate-wing-lift-calculator.html

If you have more questions...

 

[Dive-aholic]

Actually, the lift is dependant upon how much lift you need to float your gear at the surface, not what you need for a safety stop, especially one with only 500psi in your tank. For most recreational divers, 30-35 lbs of lift should be sufficient. When you begin to factor in cold water diving, steel tanks, etc, then the requirements go up. Tobin has posted the various calculations several times on this and other boards. Lift is for the surface. If you need all the lift of your bladder to keep you neutrally buoyant underwater then you're grossly overweighted.

 

[evil_xander]

30 lbs wing here, single steel tank all the time, works as a charm for both wetsuit and drysuit diving. Don't know why I'd need more as it never gets inflated more then 2/3 on the surface, and that is also rather rare, usualy about half of the volume is enough to keep me afloat.