Need suggestions on a Travel BCV

[ScubaNubie]

Hey guys.

I do a lot of traveling and try to catch a dive whenever I can. Saw a bad experience in Thailand about a year ago that kinda scared me. Was diving in waters with poor visibility and one of the girls (who was working for the dive company) broke the golden rule of seperating from her dive buddy. Pretty stupid considering the low visibility. Anyways her gear failed and the regulator got stuck and so she freaked out. Luckily someone was close to her and gave her his spare so she could get air.

Well the thing that stuck in my mind is the gear I rent from the dive shops range from brand new to held together by straps and duct tape. So I'd like to buy my own travel size BCD and octopus.

Any recommendations for a lightweight and relatively inexpensive setup.

Thanks guys. Look forward to hearing your response.

 

[alan_lee]

Try the Oceanic Islander. It's affordable, and also lightweight, perfect for travels! It's also well-rated by Scuba Diving mag.

 

[jkaterenchuk]

I travel often also. I use a DiveRite Venture Wing, a Back Plate and a Single Piece harness. Packs very small. You can pick up the setup for around $350.00. This setup can also be used for cold water diving with a single tank.

Try http://www.northeastscubasupply.com/specials/bp_famous_specials.html

 

[markfm]

I like my Aeris Reefrider -- even used it with a drysuit when I first certed last year, very light weight, packable.
For my GF, we picked up a Sherwood Genesis -- again quite packable.

 

[Izu]

Hey SN, I too do a lot of travel diving and am scared of local rental gear that was often held together by nothing more than snot and duct tape. Fortunately for me I was enlightened by members of this board and joined the jet set with a hogged out BP/W. Nothing travels lighter or stronger.

 

[Daveo957]

I dont buy into the whole travel bc, any bc can be packed yes some smaller than others but dont limit your search to "travel BCS" BP/W pack nicely

 

[ScottZeagle]

If you are not in a big hurry, Zeagle will have a new version of the Scout Travel BC out in early '07.

 

[Skinsfan1311]

Zeagle Stiletto.....

 

[RICHinNC]

Dave, I respect your opinion, but I dont think you could be more wrong. I have both a vest (SeaQuest PQD) and a DR TransPlate with delux harness.

There is NO DOUBT in my mind the bp and wing are mega leaps easier to pack, take up less room and are easier to travel with......not to mention better (to me) to dive with.

 

[Jarrett]

A stripped down Dive Rite Transpac with a Travel wing makes a very nice travel BCD, imo. Here is a pick of my 2XL Transpac next to my daughter's small Zeagle Brigade:

http://www.elliscountyequine.org/images/100_0491.jpg