bcd

[cfnney]

im a new diver interested in getting equipment including a bcd what brands or types do u recommend

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Get the one that fits you the best. I own 2 Mares, 1 Omega Aquatics, and 1 Dive Rite bp/w.

To answer your question in the intro/greetings post. Have a look at Dan's Dive Shop in St. Catherines, Dan and Matt are great people. You can go in and try stuff on and buy online if you want.

Ontario Scuba Diving Courses| Scuba Diving Equipment| Technical Diving Courses| Snorkeling Equipment Canada| Learn to dive scuba dive classes padi

 

[herman]

It is mostly what you like and want. Any of the major brands are fine. I would avoid store brands or ones that don't have a presence in your area, simply because if you need help with it, a brand not supported locally can be a hassel. Don't overlook used BCs. They can often times be a very good value and unlike regs really don't require much in the way of maintenance. If they hold air for more than a few hours, will inflate and deflate they are usually good to go. Often times, they are being sold because the owner want the next latest and greatest thing or simply lost interest in diving.

Welcome to the board.

 

[Crush]

im a new diver interested in getting equipment including a bcd what brands or types do u recommend

You might consider if you plan to ever take your dive equipment to a dive site that will require you to fly to get there. If the answer is "yes" you might consider the weight and bulk of the bc you are buying. I have found that many bcs with integrated weights were very bulky. Personally I opted for a light travel bc - the Zeagle Scout. I used a weight belt with it. The standard Scout lift bladder gives you #24 lift - I found that this was just enough when I wore a 2-piece 7 mil wetsuit, booties, hood, and gloves. A drysuit is not an issue. With a thick wetsuit and a smaller lift wing the trick is often to be about #2-#4 positive at the beginning of the dive. Once you dive down 10 feet or so suit compression will make you neutral or negative. At the end of your dive you will have lost weight (consumed air) but cold neoprene rebounds slowly - I have never failed to maintain a safety stop at 15 feet. I also found that ascents to the surface from the safety stop were slow and controlled.

 

[a22shady]

I personally like Backplate/Wing. I like fit and feel of them plus they basically are customized to you. You fit it how you like it. They can be less expensive then tradition BCD's and have the ability to grow with you as your diving does. Such as going to doubles/Adding a canister light/Scooter. These can be done with a jacket as I have seen them but is better with the BP/w they are lost of brands that are really good and comes down to personal prefrence. (Halcyon - Diverite-DSS-OMS-HOG-Hollis) are a few all are very good each have little differences. Halcyon Probably mosr expensive (I own and Love) HOG is probablt least expensive but don't let price make you think cheaper means less quality cause not true in this case.

 

[Crush]

My aluminum BP/w packs slightly smaller than my Zeagle Scout. However, the scout is slightly lighter. Either work well for me - I fly with most of my gear carry-on.