First time BCD buyer. Aquatec??

[grocha01]

Hi all!
I have always just used a backpack for diving, but am now required to wear a BCD for research diving, which is a bit unfortunate because most half decent BCs seem to be out of my price range (ideally id like to purchase a SeaQuest Pro QD or similar). Im just wondering if anyone has used or heard anything about the 'Aquatec Atlas' weight integrated BCD? All the features sound promising and it is reasonably priced, but i dont know much, and havent been able to find out much about the brand.

Also, i have primarily been looking at weight integrated BCDs. When diving, i use a steel cylinder, so dont have to overload my weight belt. Is it worth the extra money getting a weight integrated BC?

Any other suggestions for a good BC??

Thanks!
Alex

 

[Halthron]

Any other suggestions for a good BC??

For low-cost BCs, check out www.scubal.com. The name changed recently so if you want to do research under the name, you should also search under triple-l and triplel.

 

[Randy43068]

Get a back plate and wing. Check out many, many threads here on SB for more information. You will NOT be disappointed with a BP/W setup.

Hi all!
I have always just used a backpack for diving, but am now required to wear a BCD for research diving, which is a bit unfortunate because most half decent BCs seem to be out of my price range (ideally id like to purchase a SeaQuest Pro QD or similar). Im just wondering if anyone has used or heard anything about the 'Aquatec Atlas' weight integrated BCD? All the features sound promising and it is reasonably priced, but i dont know much, and havent been able to find out much about the brand.

Also, i have primarily been looking at weight integrated BCDs. When diving, i use a steel cylinder, so dont have to overload my weight belt. Is it worth the extra money getting a weight integrated BC?

Any other suggestions for a good BC??

Thanks!
Alex

 

[PerroneFord]

Also, i have primarily been looking at weight integrated BCDs. When diving, i use a steel cylinder, so dont have to overload my weight belt. Is it worth the extra money getting a weight integrated BC?

Any other suggestions for a good BC??

Thanks!
Alex

Paying an $100 extra dollars to replace a $20 belt seems like false economy to me. But what do I know. I had a weight integrated BC but still prefer a weight belt. My new BC is not weight integrated.

If you are diving steel, you probably won't have a lot of weight on the belt anyway, so it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[PerroneFord]

You know, the more strictly recreational divers I talk to, the less inclined I am to recommend this solution. They seem afraid of it. I think the curious will find their way to it eventually, and the others seem perfectly content in jacket BCs.

To each his own.

Get a back plate and wing. Check out many, many threads here on SB for more information. You will NOT be disappointed with a BP/W setup.

 

[Randy43068]

You know, the more strictly recreational divers I talk to, the less inclined I am to recommend this solution. They seem afraid of it. I think the curious will find their way to it eventually, and the others seem perfectly content in jacket BCs.

To each his own.

Usually I find that to be so, as well. I wish someone (LDS) would have explained it to me when I first started diving. Knowing what I now know (not much) I have to tell everyone who'll listen to at least try out a BP/W. They perform that well!!

 

[kidspot]

In this instance a bp/wing may be closest to what you already dive, since you are basically diving half of it already... and just because you have an air cell on your back, doesn't mean you have to use it if you don't want to - at least you would feel right at home (some wings are pretty small and will be barely noticable) unfortunately the price may still be a bit of a surprise...

 

[bokiko]

try to check http://www.diversdiscount.com/ i didnt buy from them befor ..but i think they have a good deals