Choosing the Right BCD: A Divemaster Trainee's Guide

[happy-diver]

What I'm looking for:

See this one here, well the other one is you follow the line of whomever you are working for

Your quest is complete

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

think there's any benefit to knowing both systems as an instructor?

and here it all depends on how you wish to come across when asked questions
and would students credibly listen your other stuff, if you don't have an answer

 

[grantmac]

Many places teach in BP&W, it doesn't matter what your configuration is as a DM, the shop you eventually teach for should be more than happy to lend you a jacket BCD to match your students when the time comes if it matters.
Get the BP&W

 

[Ironjock]

I dive a AL Dimension and really love it. Very comfortable and it stays put on my frame. I had a Covert that always rode up. 2 Roll up pockets , octo storage area, knife mount.

 

[happy-diver]

Yeah and go and see your dive shop be their friend show devotion and get them to pay for everything

 

[halocline]

What I would advise is to forget about what you think the shop might want, or what might be best for some future possibility of teaching, and choose a BC setup that is best for you as a diver. Anything else is less important and pretty speculative at this point in time. If your upcoming training is good, then by the time you end up teaching students you will be a much better and more knowledgeable diver than you are now.

In order to learn what would be best for you, the only real option is to try different types of BCs, including a backplate/wing set up with simple webbing harness and a small wing. In my opinion, less is more when it comes to BCs.

 

[Eanxbr]

I used to dive conventional jacket BCs, but have migrated to BPW full time for fun and DM work for open water. I would recommend a single harness as opposed to the "comfort" or "elite" split harness configuration. Believe it or not, the single harness is easier to use and slightly faster to get in and out of the rig.

For pool sessions I still use a rental BC - the chlorine will take its toll over time on any gear, so I borrow gear from the shop for pool sessions.

Should you go the BPW route, please be advised there are currently 3 different materials for the plate: stainless steel, aluminum and composite (heavier to lighter). The size wing will depend on what size tank(s) you will be using and it is not uncommon for you to eventually have two wings.

Most of the instructors that I work with are currently on a BPW system, while most of the OW students will be in a conventional jacket BCD which is rented from the shop. As other posts have mentioned, it would be a good idea to align your gear with whatever the shop is selling, after all you will be a reference for newcomers.

Hope this helps, and let us know if you have any questions

 

[rongoodman]

It's unclear whether the OP even has an open water cert yet. Perhaps he is jumping the gun a little here?

 

[Allen-1]

I'm on the hunt for my first BCD as I start my Divemaster journey

Given that "first", "start", and zero-24 dive count - it appears as though you're just starting out and have a goal of being a dive master.

If that's correct, I'd suggest you go dive various BCDs and see what works for you. In my case, I was quite happy with the gear that the shop rented me, and my first/current BCD is essentially the same model.

If you haven't already - I'd focus on finding the "correct" mask first. An ill-fitting mask will make your day/week/life miserable. After that, boots, fins, dive computer and regulator. Take your time, rent/borrow stuff until you find what's best for you.

There are LOTS of options out there, and lots of advocates/devotees for the different choices. You have to find the gear that makes you happy.

At the end - you'll still have a bin of stuff you've replaced. Until/unless you sell it to someone else.

 

[Nick_Radov]

In order to learn what would be best for you, the only real option is to try different types of BCs, including a backplate/wing set up with simple webbing harness and a small wing. In my opinion, less is more when it comes to BCs.

I prefer a backplate and wing myself, but it doesn't help to tell an inexperienced diver to just try it. The proper harness adjustment isn't intuitively obvious. Mine wasn't quite right until I took the GUE Fundamentals course and the instructor got me squared away.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I would just use whatever they want you to use.
If you're DM'ing then you are working for them and especially as an instructor, they might have a certain uniform they want you to wear.
If you have a choice pick the simplest model they have even if it's a stripped down travel version of something for the water temps you describe, and then later off to warmer waters. Some of those travel models are limited on the amount of weight you can put in them.
It's almost like you need to experience all the different types of gear and dive it, live it, so you can physically understand why some people switch to BP/W later. Fast tracking somebody straight to BP/W and going Hog rigged isn't always the answer for every individual. I think they need to gain a lot of experience with all types of gear so they can make informed decisions.
Some people are perfectly happy diving jackets their whole career and that's fine.
A good diver isn't made by the type of gear they pick, a good diver can make any gear they
pick work.