In need of advice for my first BCD

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Islandgirl2

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Messages
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Location
North America - All over the place
# of dives
100 - 199
I am looking to purchase my first BCD and I have narrowed it down to three that I tried and found comfortable for my body type. The three that I have to decide between are the Zeagle LaZer, the Oceanic Hera, and the Mares Aliikai. I would really appreciate any advice that anyone could offer that would help me to narrow down the decision to just one.
 
You are looking at 3 excellent choices there but definitely some variety. First and foremost, go with the one that feels the most comfortable. Anything that bothers you in the store is going to be amplified when underwater. There are some inherent differences in these bcs. The LaZer and the Aliikai are both back inflate BCs. They are a pleasure to dive with and a little lighter weight than the Hera when it comes to travelling. However, the Hera is part of the new hybrid movement (mostly back inflate with some front inflation). This molds two worlds...beautiful positioning underwater and the support you need at the surface. Admittedly, I don't know as much about the Aliikai. I would choose the LaZer if I was travelling a lot (it's super light weight) and wasn't interested in a lot of bells and whistles. I'd choose the Hera if I needed or wanted the ability to completely adjust my BC (you can totally adjust the length of the shoulders, torso, waist, everything!). This works great if you are fluctuating in size. Any decision you make...happy diving!!:)
 
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-related/251220-gear-review.html

I just wrote a review about my Hera BC- link above, and agree with the previous poster. I had used a jacket style for my pool session and back inflate for my ow checkouts- I really didn't like the back inflate, so the Hera was a good choice for me. Also during my check out dives, when removing and replacing gear at the surface one of my weight pouches ended up at the lake bottom in no viz (not the hera). Luckily someone found it, but the clip was broken, so for me having a substantial clip or great way to secure that weight pouch was important. The Hera fits me great!
 
I would also consider the company and people behind the products. Personally, I have always found Zeagle to be a first-rate outfit; great service and support. Every time I've needed something they've gone out of their way to take care of me, and often without any charge.

I currently dive the Stiletto, which is the men's version that the LaZer is based on. It's the best BC that I've ever owned. It fits great, has excellent weight integration, zero inherent buoyancy, it's durable, and it travels well. I like back floatation designs better anyway because they generally allow for better trim and have less bulk. I've never been a big fan of the squeeze effect you get from jackets. The only mods are the addition a split sattle strap for more security on surface swims, and trimming-down the slack in all the strap adjusters for a cleaner profile. Zeagle did all the work for free!

Another great thing about Zeagle's systems is that they're all modular. So, if something ever needs to be changed out, just pop-off the old section and pop-on the new one. This also makes for great adjustability. You can mix-n-match different size parts for a custom fit, or better optimize your rig for a particular type of diving. Another plus for me is that Zeagles come with double tank straps, which is just a personal preference.

Hope this helps, and best of luck with your purchase!!!
 
I WOULD CHOOSE mARES....THEY ARE THE BEST SCUBA COMPANY ...IN CASE YOU DIDNT KNOW...BETTER WARRENTY BETTER CO, THEY HAVE RECIEVED MANY AWARDS FOR THEIR BC...SEVERAL YEARS ...LAST 7 YEARS
 
I really like my Hera. It's awesome. If you're looking to buy used, which can really cut down on price, I am selling my sister's BCD which is also a Hera, and it is practically brand-new and hardly used.
 
Another vote for Zeagle. They make a great product, good warranty, and from what I hear great customer service. There products are good, you probably won't need to talk to them much. My wife and I use Zeagle BC's and regulators.
 
If you are set on a BC not a BP/W then look no further than Zeagle. I dive the concept and most of the female divers I know sport the zena. American made, how can you go wrong? As close to a plate as you can get.
 
American made doesnt say much these days.... as for dive gear i would choose Mares ...better company and warrenty
 

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