First BCD

[Scoobing]

I'm looking to get my first BCD. I got my OW qualification a few years back, but didn't continue diving after that, I decided to pick it back up again last month and now want my own gear.

So could anyone recommend a BCD that would be good for a begginner but would last me a long time, so that after 20 dives I wouldn't feel as if I'd need something more professional.

Budget isn't a huge issue, but obviously (as the case with anyone I think) the cheaper it is the easier it is to get my other gear. (Regs etc.)

Would want a jacket style I think, as this is what I was taught in and am now used to.

Thanks.

 

[sytech]

I have assessed lots of BCDs and my first one was the Cressi-Sub Aqualight-R jacket style BCD and used it for several hundred dives in the Caribbean and it still looked like new when I recently sold it. It can be gotten in the USA for about $250.

It is lightweight for travel yet is sturdy and has all the features you would want. I loved it but switched to a back-inflate BCD for technical reasons.

Would recommend the Cressi-Sub Aqualight-R with no reservations. Just make sure not to exceed the weight limits of the weight pockets. If you need to add any more weight you can put it in the very large zippered pockets.

Good luck,


Sy

I'm looking to get my first BCD. I got my OW qualification a few years back, but didn't continue diving after that, I decided to pick it back up again last month and now want my own gear.

So could anyone recommend a BCD that would be good for a begginner but would last me a long time, so that after 20 dives I wouldn't feel as if I'd need something more professional.

Budget isn't a huge issue, but obviously (as the case with anyone I think) the cheaper it is the easier it is to get my other gear. (Regs etc.)

Would want a jacket style I think, as this is what I was taught in and am now used to.

Thanks.

 

[DandyDon]

I have no reason to think my Oceanic Probe will ever need to be replaced. Love it. It's a lot of BC, which is what I want. What do you want in a BC...?

 

[Buoyant1]

I used an Aeris Atmos XT until recently, great recreational BC, but not adaptable to where I want to be in a few years (using doubles) So I switched to a back plate system. For regular single tank diving, it's great!

The other "work horse" BC''s I've seen (and used occasionally) are Zeagle. I've only rented them, but liked them.

 

[Dig]

I am very pleased with my Zeagle Ranger Ltd. It seems that there are many, many top quality BC's out there but this one has some extra D-rings, is modular, and has two tank straps....not a big deal I know but overall it's a good BC.

I would perhaps suggest a quality BC sold and serviced by your LDS...they should have experience in repairing it and such. And of course there's the issue of building a relationship with your LDS if you find value in that.

Perhaps it would be easier to post a few models you are attracted to and see what the crew thinks?


-Dan

 

[Twistedarts]

love my sherwood freedom and zeagle scout. partial to back inflate. try as many as you can and see what feels best.

 

[Teamcasa]

I'm looking to get my first BCD..Would want a jacket style I think, as this is what I was taught in and am now used to.

Since it is difficult to know what the shops in your area sell, it’s hard to make a well informed recommendation. Servicing is an very important part of any scuba gear purchase decision.

Personally, I use and Apeks WTX harness with a DiveRite Venture wing. Simple, well made and comfortable.

 

[diver918]

do some research as far as backflotation vs vest style vs back plate. There is a lot of information on the board regarding the pros cons of each. Ultimately, you just want to make sure its something you feel comfortable with IN THE WATER! See if any of the lds let you take one out for a dive, perhaps one of their rentals?

 

[DOkie]

It all depends on what you are comfortable with. You mentioned jacket style. I can understand that. Everyone may laugh, but I dive with an old (as my husband puts it) "Scuba Pro Classic, non weight integrated, 1970's model, style D". For some reason, it seems that whenever other divers see you diving with a "jacket style" they naturally assume that you're a new/inexperienced diver. I always hear "when are you going to buy a REAL BC". I've tried different styles and hated them. You may try different styles and love them. I guess at the risk of offending folks, my only advice is don't let other divers, LDS, etc. make your decision based upon "what everyone is diving with". My old beat up Scuba Pro keeps up with the best of them... You have to be comfortable with your equipment to be comfortable with your dives.

 

[Splitlip]

As for me, the BC is the last piece of gear you need to purchase (but for a computer). Simply try as many as you can. Rent, borrow or what ever. You will not get anything more on this board than personal preference.
My personal preference is a back inflate. Now specifically a BPW because it puts so much ballast over my lungs, which I need. I dive with many a diver who uses the wrap around Scubapro classic, because they can. We are all different and a BC is a very (the most?) personal pice of gear you can own.
So if budgeting is an issue rent or borrow as many as you can. If not (as with me) keep buying and selling until you find the right one.
My 2 cents.