I picked it up on sale for 190.80 with free shipping and no tax. For someone that dives maybe once in 18 to 24 months can this be considered a good deal? I know its not the most technical piece of equipment but, since I dive so little I think it should do the trick. It should keep my afloat and water out of my lungs, yes?
Dacor (RAVBCD) ?
- Thread starter jadmcse
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
PurduEE
Guest
Its a pretty standard BC mostly aimed at the rental market. No frills, no weight integration, but it should be pretty tough and last as long as you would need it. The price is pretty good, right around the final price from LP ($175+shipping). It will keep you afloat if inflated, but I don't think it will keep the water out of your lungs unassisted. You'll need to handle that situation yourself.. 
Since you've purchased it, I'll keep negative comments to a minimum, but you may find that because it is a limited option BC, it may, as you grow as a diver, limit the way you can configure your gear so much that you will want to purchase a different BCD. If you are drawn to a more economical BCD, you might wish to rent some gear (since rental is normally this price point) and figure out which equipment you like best. I also believe that Rodales did a roundup of some economy BCDs no more than 4 months ago. If you know someone with a subscription, it may be worth checking out...
All in all, be happy and confident with your purchase, do some diving, and enjoy your brand new BCD...
Since you've purchased it, I'll keep negative comments to a minimum, but you may find that because it is a limited option BC, it may, as you grow as a diver, limit the way you can configure your gear so much that you will want to purchase a different BCD. If you are drawn to a more economical BCD, you might wish to rent some gear (since rental is normally this price point) and figure out which equipment you like best. I also believe that Rodales did a roundup of some economy BCDs no more than 4 months ago. If you know someone with a subscription, it may be worth checking out...
All in all, be happy and confident with your purchase, do some diving, and enjoy your brand new BCD...
well thanks for the constructive comments. I kind of figured that it was a pretty basic setup and that I may out grow it. That really depends on my dive times though. I'm usually the kind of person that sees something and then dives head over heals after it. By the second week of my new sport I own 14 grand worth of gear usually. Scuba is the first sport that is taking me a little longer to get into. So in this case I figured that I would just get some basic / beginner equipment and take it from there. The prices to rent in my area are pretty steep. After a little research I figured that the cost of buying cheap gear was actually cheaper then renting. Of course I wont start making money on my investment untill the second time I use it but that seems like a reasonable investment to me. As long as it keeps me afloat I think I can live with it. Thanks for the info
ew1usnr
Contributor
- Messages
- 471
- Reaction score
- 2
One person said that this is a basic BC with limited features. What else do you need it to do?
****************************
Dacor RAV BC
The Rav BC from Dacor is a full featured jacket style buoyancy compensator at a value price. This unique combination of features and comfort includes many deluxe options rarely found on comparably priced models. The Rav features a zippered pocket, metal d-rings, two overpressure valves, an adjustable waistband, Pulse Inflator System all brought together by the newly designed backplate.The patented "over-molding" process makes it possible to join the backplate, constructed from a light, but extremely durable technopolymer with a special soft rubber covering. This offers a brand-new look as well as never-before-seen comfort and stability. Dacor has a long standing reputation for quality scuba gear and their RAV BC is no exception.Feature Overview Ergonomic Pulse Inflator System 2 Pull Valves (1 Rear/ 1 Right Shoulder) Stainless Steel D-RingsQuick-Release Shoulder Buckles, Chest Strap & Waist StrapAdjustable CummerbundLarge Pockets - 1 Zippered / 1 VelcroDurable Duroskin Cordura Exterior / 420 Denier InteriorPatented Over-molded Anatomic BackplateDeluxe features at a Value Price.
Protect your investment with proper storage and care. Add a bottle of scientifically balanced BC Life for $5.99 and a specially designed BC Hanger for $7.99 - Your equipment will thank you!
****************************
Dacor RAV BC
The Rav BC from Dacor is a full featured jacket style buoyancy compensator at a value price. This unique combination of features and comfort includes many deluxe options rarely found on comparably priced models. The Rav features a zippered pocket, metal d-rings, two overpressure valves, an adjustable waistband, Pulse Inflator System all brought together by the newly designed backplate.The patented "over-molding" process makes it possible to join the backplate, constructed from a light, but extremely durable technopolymer with a special soft rubber covering. This offers a brand-new look as well as never-before-seen comfort and stability. Dacor has a long standing reputation for quality scuba gear and their RAV BC is no exception.Feature Overview Ergonomic Pulse Inflator System 2 Pull Valves (1 Rear/ 1 Right Shoulder) Stainless Steel D-RingsQuick-Release Shoulder Buckles, Chest Strap & Waist StrapAdjustable CummerbundLarge Pockets - 1 Zippered / 1 VelcroDurable Duroskin Cordura Exterior / 420 Denier InteriorPatented Over-molded Anatomic BackplateDeluxe features at a Value Price.
Protect your investment with proper storage and care. Add a bottle of scientifically balanced BC Life for $5.99 and a specially designed BC Hanger for $7.99 - Your equipment will thank you!
I sure wish I could say one way or the other if it was worth it. I still havent got it yet. Scubagearonline.com is jerking me around about the shipping. Apparently they wait almost a week before shipping their products. I was hoping to be able to use it this weekend but who knows if I will get it in time or not.
FOUNDATIONER
Contributor
nice looking bc.. if its comfortable and you keep it clean it will serve you well....how much stuff does a recreational diver need to cart around with them anyway? I dont bring a tool box with me and i always have fun! (thats the idea isnt it?)
thats really a good point. If your equipment keeps you alive and you have fun then whats it matter? I ended up canceling the order since www.scubagearonline.com was really giving me the run around on my purchase. They kept the order for 2 weeks before ever telling me that it was back ordered. The day before I needed it I called them to request the tracking number so I could assess whether or not UPS would deliver the gear in time. Turns out it was still in their shop, a full 2 weeks after I ordered it. In the end I told them to just keep it. I went to my local place and bought what I considered to be a nicer BC for 25 dollars more. In addition I bought a regulator on ebay that turned out to be a total disaster. I bought another reg from the same dealer. When I got home and started checking the internet prices for the reg I bought I was more then happy with the deal I recieved. So I guess the lesson for me is to stick with the local dealers since you get pretty close to the same price, better service, and you know exactly what your getting. In addition because I am a customer now, I no longer get any back talk about getting pool time when I want it. Prior to this I tried a few times with various dealers to get pool time. I always got the same old same old about insurance or some other thing. Funny how this new dealer doesnt have those issues now that I am a cusomer of theirs.
The reg was a Dacor Enduro. It was a total mess when I got it and when the dealer first saw it he told me I should take better care of my equipment. So that was my first clue to say the least. The dealer then went on to tell me that as of a few months ago the parts where all but impossible to get but that he could maybe get one more year of service out of it. So that was my second clue. In the end I went ahead and bought a new system from him. It was a pretty basic system from Dacor. I think its called a Viper. I used it this weekend and was more then happy with the way it functioned.
The BCD I had on order I canceled and bought a new one from him as well. It again was a pretty basic system and its called the Atmos Sport by Aeris. I paid about 225 for it and again was more then happy with the way it worked this weekend.
I also had problem with the console that came with the reg that I bought on the internet. You can read all about that in another thread but sufice it to say that the computer was a total piece of junk and a Dacor rep said as much. When I challenged him on that statement he offered me an upgrade for 200 dollars into their 2004 model air intergrated Darwin computer. That turned out to be a pretty fair exchange in my opinion. However knowing what I know now about the whole ordeal and seeing what I have spent so far on all of my equipment I can honestly say that I wouldnt do it again. I should have just rented the damn equipment like I was first going to do.
The BCD I had on order I canceled and bought a new one from him as well. It again was a pretty basic system and its called the Atmos Sport by Aeris. I paid about 225 for it and again was more then happy with the way it worked this weekend.
I also had problem with the console that came with the reg that I bought on the internet. You can read all about that in another thread but sufice it to say that the computer was a total piece of junk and a Dacor rep said as much. When I challenged him on that statement he offered me an upgrade for 200 dollars into their 2004 model air intergrated Darwin computer. That turned out to be a pretty fair exchange in my opinion. However knowing what I know now about the whole ordeal and seeing what I have spent so far on all of my equipment I can honestly say that I wouldnt do it again. I should have just rented the damn equipment like I was first going to do.
ew1usnr
Contributor
- Messages
- 471
- Reaction score
- 2
I went back and looked at the picture that you originally posted of that regulator. At least from the photo, it does not look bad. Did you put the regulator on a tank? Did it work, or did it leak? Did the computer work? What was it about the computer that made it a piece of junk? Just curious.
