Lightweight BCDs for easier/cheaper air travel

[edpdiver]

The new weight limits for luggage on most airlines has me weighing my gear and checking it twice. I notice that my BCD is pretty heavy. Are there manufacturers producing very lightweight BCDs? Preferably, they should have the octopus integrated with the inflate hose, so the reg would weigh less, too. Just curious.

 

[claymore]

Scuba Diving Magazine did a review in May of 08 of travel BC's.
Here's the link.
http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/bcompensators/6_travel_ready_bcs

 

[thomjinx]

Good info in that link. Here are others as well.

I have gotten good use out of a SeaQuest Passport travel BC. Mine is a medium and weighs 5.73 lbs. ( 2.59 kg) with a SeaQuest Air Source attached. It even has an integral mesh bag for packing.

I know the Zeagle Scouts are very light also. The older ones at least are even lighter than the Passport. The new ones look excellent and well worth consideration.

But my current Travel BC is da bomb! Deep Sea Supply Kydex backplate with their 17 lb, (lift), TTW-17 Tropical Travel Wing, a one piece "Hog" harness and a couple of weight pockets, weighing at at 3.08 lbs. (1.4 kg.) It packs up incredibly tight, is very streamlined in the water and dives like a dream! It is actually a little negative in it's inherent buoyancy. If I needed more lift I could just add a larger wing.

This may not be the best solution for everyone, but it works great for me.

-Thomjinx

 

[halocline]

That DSS kydex plate with the small wing is a great idea. Another thing to consider is the new ultra light oxycheq plate. It's not a hard plate, but it's certainly light and packable.

 

[DennisW]

The very lightest BC would be a horse collar BC and a harness for your tank.

 

[RoyalScubaAustin]

The DSS Kydex plate w/ the TTW-17 is truly and amazing travel rig.

We also opened up a box yesterday with the Mares Pegasus, and while we thought the Mares Icon was a great travel BC, the Pegasus was even better.

 

[edpdiver]

Thanks for the information, everyone.
- Erwin aka edpdiver

 

[deco_martini]

But my current Travel BC is da bomb! Deep Sea Supply Kydex backplate with their 17 lb, (lift), TTW-17 Tropical Travel Wing

I wasn't even aware this product existed. I always wondered when synthetic backplates would make it to market.