Best BCD for both cold and warm water

[mgunnycappo]

My son and I are new to the sport having just been certified. We love it and really want to purchase our own gear. Can someone give us some advice for a good entry level BCD (so far we've only used a side inflate). We live in Calfornia but travel frequently to tropical waters including Hawaii and the Carribean. My son is 13 although he is very large for his age, 5'8" 150 lbs. I am a bit on the fat side, 5'10", 225lbs.

Thank you for any suggestions you have!

 

[spectrum]

I'd try to avoid the entry level mentality. Virtually all BCs even those with the technical mystique are functionally the same. harness, tanks straps, bladder, inflator and another dump valve or 2.

The Sherwood AVID is a nice general purpose BC that served be well from Bonaire to under the ice. Here is an old post of mine about features. It may be helpful in sorting out what you want.

There are some lightweight travel BC's including some in the plate & wing format that may be good. Before cutting corners more info on your local diving intentions is important.

Peet