How long does a BCD, ABLJ last in your experience.

[ChangeAgent]

We just discovered that after about 1,000 hours underwater, the seams at the bottom of my wife’s jacket are giving up. The stitching has held but the material is coming apart. These seams are not typical stress points, so I am also a bit puzzled as to why, but that is a different question. I have the same jacket (be it one size bigger), and no such problem exists. Yes, they both have wear and tear, but that is to be expected.

What interests me is what your experience is with how long a BCD/ABLJ lasts.

 

[paddydiver]

I suppose it depends on what you mean by lasts. When I think about it, I've never actually got rid of a BCD because it became unusable. I've had Cressi, Seac Sub, Buddy Commando, 2 OMS and Scubapro and every time I changed it was an upgrade or because the previous one was getting a bit too tatty.

 

[Searcaigh]

My first BCD, a TUSA Expert, was replaced at 500 dives (510 hrs 19 mins - 18 Aug 1995) according to my log books. I used it as a loaner for several more years and I guess after salvaging it for parts, I eventually junked it.

I replaced it with another TUSA Expert, which I used for several years until I bought a Mares BCD after I moved to Dubai in 1997 and both were used until I bought my first DiveRite wing in 2012, which I'm still using now. I have replaced the bladder in that wing once after getting a puncture during a rather unfortunate issue whilst penetrating a wreck about five years ago.

 

[Rilelen]

My ScubaPro jacket is ten years old and probably has about 600 dives on it; lots of sun fading and some of the cosmetic piping has started to fray. I’ve started babying it, but suspect it only has another year or two in it.

 

[PatW]

I have a BCD with around 800 dives. It has some sun bleaching - not that bad. And it is showing some wear spots on the fabric. I rinse it thoroughly after a dive trip and it is stored hung up in a closet (cool and damp). It still might have years of use in it.

 

[MB NZ]

Frog Wing. 2007, around 600 dives. Still looks in pretty good shape. I've replaced the inflator once. Made in South Africa I think. Looks like they are not in business anymore. Shame.

 

[ChangeAgent]

thanks for all the answers folks.

 

[Edward3c]

I’ve only had 3 in 48 years:
1. Spiro ABLJ used for around 10 years
2. AP Valves Seaking stab jacket (25kg lift) used for 22 years
3. Frog Cobra stab jacket (25kg lift) used for 16 years, including 2 dives today.

The Spiro I sold, the Seaking is a backup, the frog is still holding pressure and fully functional.

Basically, if you look after kit it will last.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

I have a Mares Dragonfly AT that is about 22 years old. I stopped using it a couple of years ago when I bought an aluminum BP&W. The Mares was still going strong, but I got the BP/W to save space & weight in my luggage.

 

[DanBMW]

Easily 15-20 years if it's taken care of. My Scuba Pro is at least 20 years old.