Best BCD for Around $500

[chadhender]

I am finally going to replace my old sherwood BCD because it was filling up with air itself last year, and its getting old. What is the best BCD around $500 or less with intergrated weights. I need a tough bcd because I am also a spear fisher and I am a frequent Oil Rig hunter. Also where is the best place to get it. Thanks in Advance

 

[bdshort]

Everyone else will tell you the same thing, so I'll start. You should consider getting a BP/W setup I have an OxyCheq setup, and their new Mach V Extreme is supposedly bulletproof. Although from what I read here, DSS also makes a great setup for less than $500.

 

[scarefaceDM]

YUP Back Plate and wing...under 500$ cannot go wrong.

On the flip side. Zeagle Ranger new or used. Bullet proof. Look on EBAY or even here on SB. I think I seen one for sale..scan the used gear section.

 

[tnfireman]

If you were happy with the Sherwood you have check out a new Sherwood, I have been very happy with my 2006 Sherwood Avid. It seems very tough and has integrated weights.
Ray

 

[herman]

Not everyone will tell you the same thing, tried a BP and was not impressed. My preference is one of the Zeagles. Tough and comfortable BCs with outstanding customer support. For a dealer, drop Scubatoys a line. They are a Zeagle dealer and also offer a Scubaboard member discount.

 

[Jasonmh]

I am finally going to replace my old sherwood BCD because it was filling up with air itself last year, and its getting old. What is the best BCD around $500 or less with intergrated weights. I need a tough bcd because I am also a spear fisher and I am a frequent Oil Rig hunter. Also where is the best place to get it. Thanks in Advance

Lots of good options. One good one would be:
http://www.deepseasupply.com/page12.html
The DeepSeaSupply single tank rig w/hog harness for $445.00. Add 2 of the XSScuba weight pockets that attach to the BP harness for your integrated weights at about $9 bucks each. So that would be a grand total of $463 plus shipping.
Or, if you don't like that idea, then the Zeagle Brigade at ScubaToys is also a great choice.

 

[Hop Devil]

If you want to save some money at the cost of a few emails you can put something like this together and end up with a great rig.

Hammerhead aluminum backplate with Sta 69.99
Hammerhead Hog Harness 44.99
XS Bladder or Dive Rite Trek Wing 225.
Leisure Pro Cam Bands 2 @ 14.95 ea 30
XS Scuba Weight pouches 30.
Total Cost $396.
Add shipping on the above 30.

If you want true ditchable weight pockets you could go to the dive rite for about forty bucks more.
Heck of rig for $400. and way better than any BC you could buy.

 

[redacted]

You can get a new inflator for about $30 which will correct the auto-inflate problem. Servicing the old one would probably just be a little cheaper. But if it is just time for retirement then look hard at a BP and wing. Weight integration is possible but usually unnecessary as the plate will provide part or all of your need. And, because it is readily repairable and upgradable, you may never have to retire it.

 

[WallDiver77]

If you want to save some money at the cost of a few emails you can put something like this together and end up with a great rig.

Hammerhead aluminum backplate with Sta 69.99
Hammerhead Hog Harness 44.99
XS Bladder or Dive Rite Trek Wing 225.
Leisure Pro Cam Bands 2 @ 14.95 ea 30
XS Scuba Weight pouches 30.
Total Cost $396.
Add shipping on the above 30.

If you want true ditchable weight pockets you could go to the dive rite for about forty bucks more.
Heck of rig for $400. and way better than any BC you could buy.

Just why do you consider your proposed setups better than....... say a Zeagle Ranger? I am reading/consuming all these different threads regarding BP/wing setups just as fast as I can, But...... I'm just beginning to consider buying a new bc that will accomodate doubles for deco diving. I'm not sure that I'll ever get into hard-core tech diving, but I now see the need for a setup that will handle doubles. Most of my diving will still be travel based warm-water diving with an occasional deep deco dive on a wreck somewhere.

I'd rather not hi-jack this thread..... so if necessary we can Pm each other.

Thanks for you comments!

 

[The Kraken]

There is no "best". The "best" accolade lies within the eyes of he who has purchased that which he has.

The only way someone could say which is the "best" is to have purchased every B/C which falls into the category of which you speak. Even if such person exists, there would be personal biases of the individual.

the K