Jibeho
Since I am a novice, my experience with Brigade is slightly difference. This is my first BC - just received 3 days ago from ST - a bit surprissed with its heavy and bulky appearence, much heavier and look much stronger compared with all rental BC I've used so far. Today, I used it for 3 dives as part of my AOW course. Unfortunately today is not in best diving condition here, rough sea, poor visibility, strong (at least for me) current, lot of mini jelly fish.
First dive--> as recomended by my instructur I put 4 kg on weight belt + 2 kg in rear pockets + 1 kg in front right pocket (I used 3 mm wetsuit - ussualy with 2 mm shorty I use 6 kg).
I didn't have any problem on the surface, always can keep my possition vertical. Actually I was worried this BCD will for my face down - but not the case. However, I had a difficulty to maintain the stability underwater, and was strugling not to roll.
Second dive --> I removed the front right. Very slow descend but more stable and convenience at 17 m depth ... only for the first 30 minutes (1500 psi), then my buoyance became positive although all air had been dumped - slowly ascending; and need my instructur help to complete 3 minute safety stop.
Third dive - 3 kg on weight belt, 2 kg still rear 2 kg front, better than the first dive but still not very stable and now a bit difficult to maintain horizontal position as my head tend to be lower than leg. This 3rd dive is u/w navigation dive, with this condition + poor visibility (5 - 10 m) + current getting stronger make this as the most tiring dive I had.
Though my experience is not as sweet you, I do not blame the Brigade - just assumed change a city car to a powerfull SUV, an first drive on heavy traffic jam. Sure, will become familiar after several dives in better condition;
Not to hijack this threat but very welcome all suggestion from the experienced divers :14:
Thanks
