Choosing the Right BCD: A Divemaster Trainee's Guide

[DeepThoughts&MixedGas]

"From debugging code to debugging regulators!

After years of staring at screens and fixing system errors, I've decided to trade my ergonomic chair for a wetsuit and my corporate meetings for underwater briefings. Yes, folks – this software engineer is taking the plunge (literally) into the world of professional diving!


Now, I need your expert input! I'm on the hunt for my first BCD as I start my Divemaster journey. Currently eyeing the Aqualung Dimension ($600-700 range) for its durability and comprehensive features, but I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences!


What I'm looking for:

• Something that can handle frequent diving
• Durable enough for daily use
• Within the $700-900 budget
• Ideally with good weight integration

Is the Aqualung Dimension the way to go? Or are there other BCDs I should consider? Drop your recommendations below!


Looking forward to the day when my biggest debugging challenge will be figuring out why a turtle is giving me side-eye!

Thanks in advance.

Tincho.

 

[Outbound]

What brand(s) does the shop you’ll be doing your DMC (or working as a DM when done) with sell? Some shops only want their pros in equipment they sell. Others don’t care.

 

[DeepThoughts&MixedGas]

What brand(s) does the shop you’ll be doing your DMC (or working as a DM when done) with sell? Some shops only want their pros in equipment they sell. Others don’t care.

Great point! I'll be doing my DMC in Córdoba, Argentina - they carry both Cressi and Aqualung gear, and these days Mares as well. I've been eyeing the Aqualung Dimension, so that works perfectly with their lineup! Any experience with this model or comparable Cressi/Mares BCDs?

 

[MB NZ]

BP&W unless you are planning to become an instructor.

 

[DeepThoughts&MixedGas]

BP&W unless you are planning to become an instructor.

Actually, becoming an instructor is part of my long-term plan! Though I'm curious - what makes BP&W less suitable for instructors? I've heard great things about their modularity and durability. Would love to hear your thoughts on this! Thanks.

 

[MB NZ]

Actually, becoming an instructor is part of my long-term plan! Though I'm curious - what makes BP&W less suitable for instructors? I've heard great things about their modularity and durability. Would love to hear your thoughts on this! Thanks.

My opinion is that instructors should have similar format gear to their students. To do otherwise could potentially confuse new divers.

Yes, a BP&W is modular and highly durable. All the weight of the gear is carried by webbing straps. There is literally nothing that can tear or break due to weight loading with normal use. I setup my current BP&W in 2007. I may not have been very active diving over the last few years, but it's seen some action and still functions like new (650 dives).

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Where will you be doing this?
What water temps and environment?

 

[DeepThoughts&MixedGas]

Where will you be doing this?
What water temps and environment?

Let me share the details about diving in Córdoba, Argentina, and my future plans!


In Córdoba (where I'm starting):Summer (Dec-Mar): Water temp is 20-24°C (68-75°F), with surrounding air at 30-35°C (86-95°F). Training mainly at Lake San Roque, Los Molinos Reservoir, and Lake La Viña Dam or TRes Usinas.


Winter (Jun-Sep): Water cools down to 8-12°C (46-54°F), with air temps at 5-15°C (41-59°F).


These are all freshwater mountain lakes with generally calm conditions. I'll be starting my training here, but I'm planning to move to the Caribbean (probably Cozumel or another Caribbean location) in the next few years where I'll be dealing with much warmer waters and different diving conditions altogether.

 

[DeepThoughts&MixedGas]

My opinion is that instructors should have similar format gear to their students. To do otherwise could potentially confuse new divers.

Yes, a BP&W is modular and highly durable. All the weight of the gear is carried by webbing straps. There is literally nothing that can tear or break due to weight loading with normal use. I setup my current BP&W in 2007. I may not have been very active diving over the last few years, but it's seen some action and still functions like new (650 dives).

Thanks, I appreciate you input.
That's a super interesting perspective on the instructor-student gear match. Makes total sense - if I'm teaching newbies with jacket BCDs, probably best not to confuse them with totally different gear. Smart thinking there.


Man, your BP&W's track record is impressive though - 650 dives since '07 and still solid? That's some serious durability! Got me thinking... maybe I'll start with the jacket style for teaching, but definitely keeping BP&W in mind for my personal diving adventures down the road. Best of both worlds, right?


Hey, since you've logged so many dives with BP&W - think there's any benefit to knowing both systems as an instructor? Just curious about your take on this.

 

[MB NZ]

Hey, since you've logged so many dives with BP&W - think there's any benefit to knowing both systems as an instructor? Just curious about your take on this.

It depends. You could put a harness on a BP&W with adjustable straps and quick releases and then it's very much like any other BCD to use. However, many (if not most) would choose a single, continuous piece of webbing to make a harness which is not easily adjustable and configured to an individual diver. If you go down this route, there are a few tricks to getting it setup properly and using it. There will be lots of threads on this subject.