Genesis "Tropic" BCD review

[Gilligan]

I purchased my Genesis "Tropic" backlift style BCD from Leisurepro for $280. plus shipping.

After using it for several months I find it to be a good buy. It seems to be durable, has several large metal "D" rings, double tank straps and a tank neck strap. One of its best features is a zippered pocket in front of each of the integrated weight slots. Many backlift style BCD's have no pockets or a single roll down type pocket.

My only negative comment is that it seems to be a little on the heavy side compared to my old Seaquest Dimension XP, also a backlift model but w/o integrated weights. Perhaps it's heavier because it is made of a heavier material.

NOTE: Backlift BCD's tend to push you face down. That's fine underwater but not for everyone when on the surface. The integrated weight models tend to force you face down even more because the weight pouches are in the front versus wearing a weight belt that you can more evenly distribute the weights on. I guess you just have to like backlift BCD's.

 

[ScottZeagle]

NOTE: Backlift BCD's tend to push you face down. That's fine underwater but not for everyone when on the surface. The integrated weight models tend to force you face down even more because the weight pouches are in the front versus wearing a weight belt that you can more evenly distribute the weights on. I guess you just have to like backlift BCD's.

That is not neccesarily true...or at least it doesn't HAVE to be true.

The first mistake that people make is believing that the bladder needs to be FULLY inflated to float them comfortably at the surface. If you fill the bladder about halfway (which you can judge as you get more used to the BC) and lay back like you are in a lazy-boy, you will float just fine and will not get pushed forward.

All Zeagle BCs have a rear weight system, which allows you to put a portion of your weights in the back. This will help offset the empty tank and help you stay in a more upright position.

Both of those combined make a back inflation BC very comfortable at the surface, and will alleviate the very complaints you have with your BC....

Imho,

Scott

 

[DiveMaven]

The other nice thing about Zeagles (well, at least my Zena) is that the "front" weights aren't really on the front of the BC. They are more on the sides, so they never drag the BC front down.

 

[Gilligan]

That is not neccesarily true...or at least it doesn't HAVE to be true. All Zeagle BCs have a rear weight system, which allows you to put a portion of your weights in the back. This will help offset the empty tank and help you stay in a more upright position. Both of those combined make a back inflation BC very comfortable at the surface, and will alleviate the very complaints you have with your BC....
Imho,
Scott

The Genesis also has a rear weight system for a portion of the weights.

 

[ScottZeagle]

That's great then!!

If you put about 1/3 of your weight in the back, it should help you on the surface!

Good luck!

Scott

 

[Sherwood SCUBA rep.]

I have to agree with Scott , I get the same question all the time

 

[mel04]

I have used my Tropic for several years with good results by using equal amount of weights in trim & integrated pockets. Recently I have had a problem with my tank shifting from side to side, even though it is securely fastened. It seems that the whole bladder shifts, when partially deflated at depth. Can anyone tell me if the bladder & tank strap assembly is fastened to the vest in any way other than at the neck/shoulders & the waist