Looking to buy my first BCD!

[eSweeney]

Hi everyone!

I've been diving since February 2010, when I certified, in British waters. I'm very interested in buying my first BCD, open to any brands and manufactures, so that I can use it in the UK, and travel with it abroad. Any ideas or suggestions?????

Thanks a lot,
Eoin.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

If you plan to travel with it and still dive in colder waters I'd get the Zeagle Express tech with the larger bladder. Infinitley adjustable, easy to service, modular, and best of all retails for an MSRP or US$250!

 

[cheeko8080]

I second that vote for the Zeagle Express Tech. It's a really great universal BC.

 

[Crush]

For travel, smaller and lighter is better.

I find that most BCs with integrated pockets don't pack well. I prefer to carry a weight belt along instead, or an assortment of weight pockets positioned for good trim.

I have an AL BP/w which packs well and is light. I also have a Zeagle Scout, which packs almost as well as the BP/w but is lighter. Both are fine.

Make sure that your lift bladder is sufficient. I am a 6 foot tall male with a 7 mm two-piece wetsuit with hood and gloves. A 24# bladder is sufficient if I am very careful about my weighting. A 30# bladder is better. If I use a drysuit or a thinner wetwuit the 24# bladder is fine.