Buying My first BCD

[Wael]

Well am considering buying my first jacket type BCD, i have a limited budget. I have noticed the dacor condor and sherwood slihouette but some have posted that they dont recommend dacor these days because it might be closing down or sth....would that be a good choice, what about lift capacity? i am 190 lb, and i dive with 20 lb weight belt....would appreciate your advice. thanx

 

[DomaNitrogen]

Hi wael;

U seem fixed on Jacket BCD. I just want to tell you before you commit yourself with jacket give the wings a 2 dive try before you make the purchase.

It's always a good idea to widen the scope and try first; I have a Halycon Pioneer and a beuchat jacket BCD; never dived the jacket when i get the halycon

 

[m3830431]

If the jacket fits you and it has all the features you want than it really does not matter the brand on a limited budget.

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.
I would suggest you consider a good quality used BC instead of a lower quality new BC. Quality BC's will last many years and most are replaced because of style or just because we want something different. I have a early 80's BC that I bought used and it's still in fine shape to dive, a little warn around the edges and faded but still completley usable. I never dive it becaues I wanted a back inflate. There are a lot of them around if you look. Like the other I would also suggest you try (rent/borrow) a back inflate of some type before buying. A lot of us prefer them over the jacket style.

 

[scubatoys]

There is nothing wrong with buying current dacor products... they are supported... but I would tell you not to bother with a condor. You will want at least want a weight integrated BC, and with your sb discount, you could move up to a Talon for about 50 bucks, and that would be with metal d-rings, and front and back weight pockets.

Or if you wnat to get into the 300 range, there are options from some back inflate BCs as well.

 

[Blue Dolphin Scuba]

Hi Wael, I would try both types of BCD's first, and then you decide which works best for you. Remember this, you get what you pay for, not only in terms of quality but customer service. Scubapro and Aqualung are superior products, with over 60 years of experience. Also a great feature, you cannot purchase this quality gear online, which helps support your local dive center. It is worth spending a few dollars more for the best.

 

[Damselfish]

Scubapro and Aqualung are superior products, with over 60 years of experience. Also a great feature, you cannot purchase this quality gear online, which helps support your local dive center. It is worth spending a few dollars more for the best.

There are many brands with excellent BCs. It's good to support your LDS if it makes sense, but I wouldn't consider not being able to buy something online a "feature," I suspect most would consider it a negative. (Also not true in this or almost any case though whether it's the best route in any given case is a different discussion.)

 

[Jstew]

If your really sticking to that budget “Scuba L” a.k.a. “Triple L” BCD’s came highly recommended to me. I don’t know too much about them, but they are really cheap and offer both BI and jacket styles. Oh plus they come with a 2 year warranty.

 

[bigkfisk]

In addition to the info on SCUBAL, they have another model that incorporates BOTH the jacket style and Back inflate. It is called the Gemini. As if any of us need more gadgets! Just FYI.

 

[alo100]

The cheapest bp/w setup... $260 wing + $ 45 (buckle + D-Rings + harness) + $100 (ss plate + STA) = total around $400 min.

Seaquest Spectrum $174.95 leisurepro.com/scuba.com (I have used this for ow training, thumbs up, I still recommand it, esp if you plan to travel. A lot of people here would also recommand Seaquest)
Tusa 2100 BCD $124.95 leisurepro.com/scuba.com (Heard about good feedback on this also)

If you want to spend a bit more, keep on looking at Seaquest and Tusa.