never fit BCD charts

[sjmueller61990]

hey everyone i have a hopefully simple question reguarding the BCD sizing charts. im about 5'9 5'10 and about 195 pounds also a 44 inch chest with about a 40 inch waist (this does very alot going from diet to running bla bla bla etc) but i seem to be on average in about 3 different categories when looking to find a good BCD, and i was wondering which one is usually the most important when picking one out? i figured it would be the weight because of the bouyancy factor. but im so new im not sure at all. so any information would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advanced.

 

[hg frogman]

First of all, a BCD must have a snug fit when you try it on land. People often choose it too big (same for wetsuits) and have to replace it after a while, once they realize.

Given your size (height and waist matter most) I'd say that, with a swimsuit or a wetsuit, you need a size Large or maybe you are at the upper range of a Medium (with Scubapro BCDs) but it's definately better you try it before purchasing.

I am 6'2" - 190 lbs (waist 36") and I use a Scubapro Medium (the Small is too short).

If your BCD turns out to be too big, you can improve it by replacing the cumberbund by 2" webbing and a steel buckle, you'll get a tighter fit like this.

Sizes may differ from one manufacturer to another.

On the other hand, if you opt for a BP/Wing with webbing harness ("Hog rig"), it's one size fits all (given your height), and very adjustable. Beware, all backplates are not the same for comfort, DiveRite hurts my back while OMS are fine, but that's personal (depends on one's morphology) : so better try it before buying IMO.

 

[SangP]

If you're concerned about proper fitting as you get a bit bigger or smaller, you might want to look at bcds that are more adjustable.

Dive rite transpacs, Zeagle express tech or a back plate/wing.

TransPac and TravelPac Sizing - Dive Gear Express

As for buoyancy, unless you're 195 lbs of fat or dive with a 10mm thick wetsuits, you might only need 24-40 lbs of lift.

SangP

 

[pjhansman]

I'm 5'10, 195, 46" chest and 36" waist. The Scubapro Large (Knighthawk) fits like a glove.

 

[String]

Life requirement has absolutely nothing to do with body weight.

A one piece harness and wing will fit any shape person guaranteed as well.

 

[Damselfish]

your profile says you're not certified. If you're thinking of buying a BC or anything major before then, slow down. Aside from sizing, there are many considerations to buying a BC. Without having any actual experience with them it's really hard to figure out what will be right for you. And as far as the size charts, buying a BC based on that is a complete crapshoot. Even if something technically "fits" it may not feel right to you at all.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

The backplate/harness that Halcyon's currently making has to be just about the ultimate in adjustability ... I tried one on yesterday, and if I didn't already own a half-dozen BP/W systems, I'd have purchased it on the spot. The shoulder straps slide through a roller assembly on the back of the plate so you can make them longer or shorter with a simple tug. Makes fitting the unit ... not to mention getting into and out of it ... really simple.

For the person (like me) who's not an off-the-rack shaped body, I'd recommend at least taking a look at it before buying anything ... no matter what your shape, I can pretty much guarantee it'll fit ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[sjmueller61990]

thanks everyone so much for the advice, and damsel, i am not certified yet, but will be getting certified next month and i kind of wanted to be trained with my own equipment on (not sure if thats weird or not) but i just felt if i found a setup that worked for me that it would probably be a better idea to train with it to find out if i like it or need to get something different. ill definatly be going to our local dive shop to see what they have to offer and try some of there gear on to see how i fit in different brands BEFORE i decide to buy a since piece of gear.

 

[fnfalman]

thanks everyone so much for the advice, and damsel, i am not certified yet, but will be getting certified next month and i kind of wanted to be trained with my own equipment on (not sure if thats weird or not) but i just felt if i found a setup that worked for me that it would probably be a better idea to train with it to find out if i like it or need to get something different. ill definatly be going to our local dive shop to see what they have to offer and try some of there gear on to see how i fit in different brands BEFORE i decide to buy a since piece of gear.

Don't take it the wrong way, but you're making lot of assumptions right now.

You assume that you can pass the class. Yes, practically everybody, their brothers and their sisters pass the class. However, there's a small percentage that can't pass the class because they found out that they have a phobia of some sort when it comes to underwater excursion.

You assume that you'd like scuba enough to invest in big dollars for gears. Most people who pass the class and done scuba would enjoy the activity but not enough for them to invest a lot of money into something that they'd do once in a great blue moon.

You can go to the local dive shops (LDS) and try out for fitment, but that doesn't tell you how the gear would perform underwater.

Wait until you pass the class, log in some dives while renting different BCs and see which one would work best for you.

 

[sansky]

Support your LDS and get them to fit you and guide you in the right direction! ... assuming you have a LDS with knowledgeble staff.