Buying a new BCD?

[tjflynn04]

Hi Everybody, I am new to diving and need to purchase a BCD. Here is what I am considering: Aeris Atmos XT, Oceanic Islander, Mares Morpheous or Mares Vector 1000. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!

 

[divinginn]

i had the vector 1000 ,loved it,wished i had kept it,it was very comfortable and layed out well,very well built,best of all it was 150 dollars at joe divers..

 

[123Scuba.com]

We have a great in-store special on the Aeris Atmos XTs. If you decide to go that way give us a call and well extend to you the instore special (plus your 10% ScubaBoard Discount.) Feel free to ask for me directly... I'll also be happy to answer any questions you may have about the product.

 

[laserdoc]

buy a zeagle!! THEY ARE THE BEST!!!

 

[Hawkwood]

I have an Atmos XT and have been very happy with it. The air bladder on the side only comes around to the side of the waist, so you don't have any squeeze around the waist. The BCD is fairly simple, with not a lot of "do-dads" - only a few "D" rings, and one zippered pouch that can be located on the left or right side of the belt.

I have found it very comfortable to wear, the back is nicely padded. I also happen to like the carry handle.

My only other experience has been with the Sherwood Axis, which is back- inflate only. I found that a bit awkward at the surface (I know that trim and experience would alleviate that feeling).

 

[Surveyor]

Just a thought, but have you ever considered the Sherwood Axis. Its a great rec BC, XL has 42lb lift, 30lb weight capacity and is comfortable to boot. I bought one last spring and love it.

 

[realdiver7]

I know this isn't listed as one you are considering, but I would buy a simple Backplate/Wing with simple one-piece harness. You cannot got wrong with this setup, and you won't need to use as much lead weight.

 

[Otter]

Hi Everybody, I am new to diving and need to purchase a BCD. Here is what I am considering: Aeris Atmos XT, Oceanic Islander, Mares Morpheous or Mares Vector 1000. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!

Before one should comment on the appropriateness of the gear, we really need to know a couple of things.

1. What type of diving are you going to do?
2. How much weight do you dive with?
3. What type of exposure suit are you using?
4. Why do you dive? Photo, hunting, etc...?
5. How long have you been diving and might you continue your diving training into more 'technical' type diving?

 

[Tienuts]

If you are diving singles, use a travel or venture wing. If you are diving doubles, use a wing apropriate to the doubles set you are using. Dont try to use one wing for both. Call Dive Rite Express, they will tell you the same thing.

And in my opinion, a properly fitted transpac is just as stable as a backplate for doubles. I have used both for a double set of x7-100's I have and I find the transpac is just as good.

 

[ZzzKing]

Before one should comment on the appropriateness of the gear, we really need to know a couple of things.

1. What type of diving are you going to do?
2. How much weight do you dive with?
3. What type of exposure suit are you using?
4. Why do you dive? Photo, hunting, etc...?
5. How long have you been diving and might you continue your diving training into more 'technical' type diving?

All good questions but not knowing these things has not prevented 5 of the 8 responses so far from recommending something that the OP did NOT ask about. The surprizing thing is that only 2 of those went immediately to the BP/W hardsell.

I haven't used any of those mentioned but Oceanic makes great gear and have a strong presense on this board so if you have any questions, they are good about helping out.

It would be good to ask yourself all of Otter's questions and then do some shopping. Keep in mind that, although 99.9% of Scubaboard members apparently use a backplate and wing, probably 99% of the rest of the divers in the world don't.