Diva BC

[canuckdiver]

good point.

I have never actually used one, just noticed them, and thought they LOOKED interesting. sounds like (as usual) the manufacturers claims are exaggerated just a little

 

[cobaltbabe]

Now Canuck,
there is alot of discussion on the board by members and between you and I about back plates. Like I said before, being a new diver I would like to try a few different BC/back plates out to see what is the best for me. I know that the Aqualung is good but really don't like the "confined" space it provides. Maybe, I will rent a couple of different types and decide that way.

 

[cobaltbabe]

I don't mind the weight that comes with a backplate. I can handle carrying it. I just want something that will provide me with stability and maybe some comfort. Canuck can tell you I can handle the weight no problem even though I am small. ut:

 

[Conor]

I have been looking with my girlfriend to find a good, comfortable BC for her. She tried on (dry) my Transpac and preferred the general feel of the harness over the jackets she had tried before.

Last weekend she tried on the buddy Travel wing, which is an even simpler design and loved the adjustability and lack of weight.

You may want to try the travel wing if the opportunity arises, and at as little as $225 from some stores in the UK, it has other benefits as well.

 

[leadweight]

The Buddy Travel Wing gets mentioned in this forum from time to time. They do not have a serious US distribution, and I don't know about Canada. Connor, do you know anyone that sells them who does a lot of mail order?

 

[Conor]

If I was buying I would look at

http://www.kentdiving.com/bcd's.htm
http://www.sdswatersports.co.uk/frame.htm
http://www.divingshop.co.uk/ - Tekwing only
http://www.divingdirectshop.co.uk/acatalog/BUDDY_WINGS.html

I believe just about all UK sites will be able to quote you on one even if they don't have them listed on their sites

But have to re-iterate that I haven't heard or seen anything from anyone who has dived one except for a glowing report on divernet. My gf tried it on dry and was willing to buy in on the spot.

Conor

 

[leadweight]

I must have made my last post before my first cup of coffee=-) There is a "real" US distributor now:

http://www.divecommando.com/buddytravelwing.html

The price is US$351 plus shipping from the UK. That is not really a bargain.

This thread relly reminds me of how hard it was to pick out my first BC. I actually kind of gave up and took what MY LDS had at what seemed to be a good price on a jacket. It was OK, but never great. After about 200 dives I bought the Transpac II and gave the jacket to my son, who will extract any remaining useful life from it, knowing him.

 

[cobaltbabe]

Hey guys, I really appreciate all the input. I think I have a big decision to make. Any more suggestions are greatly appreciated as well.

 

[cobaltbabe]

Well I told you what I bought and this past weekend. I bought a Zeagle back inflator. Fits like a charm. Still have to try it on in the water but thanks to CanuckDiver I am BCD set. I also bought my wetsuit this past weekend, a Henderson steamer 5mm with a body warmer 7mm (with cobalt blue accents). I get that one soon. Can't wait. Thank you all for your input. See you under the waves soon.