First BCD

[samuel150]

Its my 18th this year and my parents have decided to buy me my first BCD.
I mainly dive in the UK with a drysuit.

I had a look in the LDS and found two BCDs which I quite like the look of.
Oceanic Probe LX BCD
Oceanic Probe LX BCD in BCDs,Mens | Simply Scuba UK

ScubaPro T-Force
Scubapro T-Force BCD in BCDs,Mens | Simply Scuba UK

Im not sure which one to go for. Both appear to have good reviews. I know the oceanic does have a lifetime guarantee on servicable parts. Just thought I would ask what more experienced divers think of these.

 

[samuel150]

No one has any experiences with these BCs?

 

[tight rope walker]

samuel150, If you have a chance, take a look at Scubapros' new classic unlimited.

The classic unlimited has face up ability, meaning it will place an unconscious diver on his back.

Also the unlimited has pouches behind the pockets to place gear for quick retrieval.
It also has the most lift capabilitys in it's respected sizes.

I dove the original jacket for 30 years and had no issues.

Just make sure if you go that route you get the correct size as there is not that much adjustment except for the waist and chest.

Good luck!

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Also, before you buy the Probe look closely at the HUGE wrap around button for inflating. Then take a look at how you will hold that unit to deflate. Ever since that wrap around design I recommend no one buy Oceanic BC's.

 

[jd950]

Also, before you buy the Probe look closely at the HUGE wrap around button for inflating. Then take a look at how you will hold that unit to deflate.

I assume you are suggesting it is hard to deflate or that one would accidentally inflate while using the deflator? Just wondering...my son has an Islander 2 and has not had any problems deflating his BC that I know of.

 

[CapeUW]

I've used the Aeries XT BCD for several years now, and have had Aeries LX in my rental program for the past two seasons. Aeries is a sister company to Oceanic so in many cases the equipment is almost identical, just different names and trim. I have had good luck with my vest and have genuinely liked it, and we have received good feedback from our rental customers on the LX vests in rental. Although I am not familiar with the specific Oceanic vest you have asked about, we have had good luck from a quality and comfort standpoint with the Aeries line. I also find the fit of my BC to be excellent, and it has stood up to a pretty considerable amount of abuse so far, as I use it for work as well and my gear has a harder life, I imagine, than most. As far as ScubaPro, I have no personal experience with the line as a diver, and have never sold the brand in my shop. That said, over my 22 years of retail experience, they have maintained an excellent reputation for quality and durability, as well as good fit and function.

Zeagle is also a brand you might look into, very solid gear and a great lifetime warranty.

Most important for whatever vest you choose is fit and comfort! I would recommend trying on as many different brands/styles as you can. I am a big believer in the KISS theory of diving equipment (Keep it Simple) and having a practical vest that suits your needs, is good quality, and fits well, is your best choice.

I hope this helps. Whatever vest you choose I hope you have many, many excellent dives wearing it.

 

[samuel150]

Im going back to the LDS this weekend to try them on to see which I prefer.

I do prefer the scubapro inflator and tank strap compared to the oceanic ones.
On the other hand, oceanic does have a lifetime guarantee on servicable parts. But if I went for scubapro and looked after it, I wouldnt need to spend loads on parts breaking anyway. I presume servicing doesnt cost that much a year?

Ill see which one is more comfortable when I go to the LDS. Thanks for the advice.

 

[tight rope walker]

Sam, all I did with mine was wash it inside and out with fresh water, and once in a while I would take the dump valve apart and remove any foreign matter that got inside. And that bag lasted me 30 years, and it experienced extreme service. In fact, the inflator hoses required more service than the actual bag did.

If you take reasonable care of it, the sb bc will give you years of trouble free service, based on my experience.

 

[jd950]

Samuel150:

I am not familiar with either BC you mention. Both my sons have Oceanic brand BCDs and are happy with the quality. I have a Zeagle and like it. I don't think Zeagle is widely known in the UK.

One point I would mention is both of the BCDs you are looking at have single tank bands. I really like having two bands. My tank has never shifted or come loose. You might want to at least consider that point in your search for the right BCD.

I think for most divers, a BCD is easily taken care of without the need for any servicing at a shop. The user replaceable parts are easily replaced if necessary and the typical care is rinsing inside and out with clean water or perhaps a product like "BC Life" or similar, and making sure the BCD is dry inside before storing it.

Although it may seem strange to do, when you try them on, consider doing so wearing whatever exposure protection you will typically wear when diving...it can significantly affect fit and comfort of the BCD.

 

[roguetrixie]

what's the difference between the Islander and Islander 2?