Cressi Air Travel

[Ixion]

I'm new to Scuba but just picked up an XS Cressi Air Travel a couple of weeks ago to use in Hawaii with my 3mm wetsuit. I'm assuming for the dives I hope to do next year in Southern California (Catalina Island, Northern Channel Islands) that I'll need to get a 2nd BCD for cold water (considering the ScubaPro Laby Hawk). Although what made me wonder, is that as far as fresh water goes, I needed 10 lbs with my 3 mm suit in the pool, and I needed 12 lbs in the lake with a 7mm suit. It states it can hold up to 20 lbs in the specs.....with switching to salt water, I'm unsure of how much additional weight I'd need (although I'll be able to find out for sure once I get a chance to dive in a couple weeks in the Kona area) but if what I needed was 20 lbs or less does that mean the Air Travel would work? I just like the idea of being able to take it with me if I fly to CA, since it weights roughly 5 lbs, easier then the heavier Lady Hawk,

Thanks for taking the time to help out a newb!

Nicole

 

[Kurt Steiner]

Hey Nicole,

The Cressi Air Travel will work for you in the colder waters. I've seen people dive with this BC in both warm water and cold water and they have not had a problem with it. If you need 12lbs in clear water with your 7mm wet suit then you may need 20lbs in salt water due to the extra buoyancy.
Hope this helps.

 

[ams511]

I would not purchase a new BC until you tried diving California with the one you have. I have no direct experience with that bc but the general rule is not to try to over stuff the pockets with weight as it causes more wear and tear on the BC. In some BCs it increases the chance of an accidental release of the weights. If you need close to or more than 20 lbs then split you weight between the BC and a weight belt. They are much cheaper than a new BC. The rubber belts are better than the nylon ones. Also check the lift of the BC to make sure you are not over weighting it.