jacket BC - ScubaPro Classic Plus vs Sherwood Avid

[jgranto]

My old Mares BC died, and I am in the market for a jacket-style BC. My
biggest criteria is comfort at the surface while I am waiting for the
boat. I prefer a BC that keeps me upright, maybe leaning back, without
having to expend effort. Other features such a integrated weight and
such are standard, but not real concerns. Lots of D-rings would be
nice.

I am tall and thin (6'2" and 178lbs), causing me to use a Medium BC, in
case that matters. I wear a wetsuit, and carry around 12lbs of weight. I am usually spearfishing or hunting lobster.

I am currently looking at the ScubaPro Classic Plus and Sherwood Avid.

1. Does anyone in the group know which may be a better choice?

2. If I go with an integrated fill hose and regulator, the Zeagle
Octo-Z was recommended. Do people like this unit, and would it work on
both the ScubaPro and Sherwood? I know the ScubaPro can use the AIR2, and there is a Sherwood regulator as well, but the Zeagle got a better recommend.

Thanks!

 

[RAWalker]

I'd say from a quality performance POV they are equal.
Sherwood products however are commonly discounted but ScubaPro's MARP policy doesn't allow their products to be discounted. Because of that anticompetative policy I'd recommend the Sherwood as a better value when shopping around.
I have used a Avid for a few dives but decided on Sherwood's Tortuga myself as I prefer hybrid back inflator style jackets to standard jacket style BCD.
As for the integrated octo the Zeagle is a fine model with the feature of a garden hose connection for cleaning inside the BC bladder and it would work.
Sherwood's Gemini integrated octo did have some freeflow problems when it was introduced that gave it a bad reputation. Those problems have been solved and it is a superior breathing integrated octo. I bought mine with the Tortuga BC (Ordered together there is a discount) I did have the freeflow problem fixed and it has never reappeared. (3 years later)

 

[Chugwhump]

I have dove an Avid for 8+ years. I love it.
It floats me well above and below.
I know nothing about the ScubaPro.

My next purchase is probably going to be a Dive-Rite Transpac.

Chug

 

[Splitlip]

Classic is the best jacket out there. The circular cell, the bubble always finds you.

Now because the have 60# of lift, do not weight yourself for that.

Trust me. There is no better jacket/vest.

Edit:
If you get the Classic plus, I would remove the padding. Not needed and adds buoyancy.

 

[Splitlip]

dupe.

 

[docbonezz]

I like the Seaquest QD Pro +. It is what I use to teach in due to extended periods of time on the surface. I either dive it or a Seaquest Black Diamond for fun dives.

 

[Splitlip]

I'd say from a quality performance POV they are equal.
Sherwood products however are commonly discounted but ScubaPro's MARP policy doesn't allow their products to be discounted. Because of that anticompetative policy I'd recommend the Sherwood as a better value when shopping around.
I have used a Avid for a few dives but decided on Sherwood's Tortuga myself as I prefer hybrid back inflator style jackets to standard jacket style BCD.
As for the integrated octo the Zeagle is a fine model with the feature of a garden hose connection for cleaning inside the BC bladder and it would work.
Sherwood's Gemini integrated octo did have some freeflow problems when it was introduced that gave it a bad reputation. Those problems have been solved and it is a superior breathing integrated octo. I bought mine with the Tortuga BC (Ordered together there is a discount) I did have the freeflow problem fixed and it has never reappeared. (3 years later)

As for "hybrids" ..as I said the classic in L is like 60 # of lift (if inflated fully). But no need by any stretch for res diving. The cell wraps around the diver and is dynamic. If weighted properly, it IS a back inflate yet with the bubble shuffling the diver (photog) can be heads down, upside down, side ways and still stable.

 

[Web Monkey]

My old Mares BC died, and I am in the market for a jacket-style BC. My
biggest criteria is comfort at the surface while I am waiting for the
boat. I prefer a BC that keeps me upright, maybe leaning back, without
having to expend effort. Other features such a integrated weight and
such are standard, but not real concerns. Lots of D-rings would be
nice.

I like the Classic+ a lot, but am not familiar with the other one your're looking at. Some things to consider are:

How are the weight pouches retained? The SP uses a big fastex buckle. Some BCs use velcro, which I would avoid because it tends to let go unexpectedly.

Are the D-Rings metal or plastic (SP is metal)

Are there pockets for your stuff and how big are they?

Terry

 

[Web Monkey]

As for "hybrids" ..as I said the classic in L is like 60 # of lift (if inflated fully).

The XL model has something like 75Lb lift and will get your entire head out of the water if you want, which is nice if you have a long wait for the boat in choppy water.

The large available lift is also really nice during rescues. There's nothing like being able to grab a distressed diver and float them with their head completely out of the water while you figure out what the actual problem is.

When not inflated (it's normal state) it simply deflates and doesn't get in the way.

Terry

 

[RAWalker]

As for "hybrids" ..as I said the classic in L is like 60 # of lift (if inflated fully). But no need by any stretch for res diving. The cell wraps around the diver and is dynamic. If weighted properly, it IS a back inflate yet with the bubble shuffling the diver (photog) can be heads down, upside down, side ways and still stable.

The Sherwood Tortuga in large or Extra large is a 45# lift and with it's 3D air cell is stable underwater in virtually any position. On the surface faceplant isn't a problem if properly weighted and even less problematic if you don't over inflate. You won't find many Tortuga users that don't like them.