New BCD Questions

[diverdownAg]

I found a great BCD for me at a great price online but I have a few questions. First, its lift capacity is rated at 60 lbs, is this too much for recreational diving in warm water? Second, is it a wise idea to buy something online that I have never tried on? I have tried on very similar BCDs but not this one. Third, has anyone heard of this manufacturer? If not, what do you think about buying equipment from an unknown manufacturer?

Link:

http://www.divers-supply.com/SEA-ELITE-TEK-X-BACK-INFLATION-WEIGHT-INTEGRATED-p/see0001.htm

 

[herman]

It would not be one I would recommend.
60# is way too much lift for most of us unless you are diving steel doubles. Somewhere around 30-35lbs is what many of us prefer for warm waters....and 18 to 20 is fine for a lot of us. Remember, the bigger the bladder the more room it takes up in a suitcase and the more it weights. My bags are full enough as it is. In addition, a large bladder that is not needed is just more fabric flapping in the current behind you, causing drag and wasting air (and bottom time).

I would not buy one I had not tried on, fit is important and the hassels of shipping it back and forth are not worth the saving to me.

I have seen Sea Elite around for quite a few years but really don't know much about them, this line, taken off the DS web does give me some concern. "Sea Elite products are sold and serviced exclusively through Divers Supply." Divers Supply is an old and well know dive supplier so I have no problems with them but having only one place to get it serviced...which again means shipping it back and forth, does not appeal to me.

Quality BC's, like most dive gear, will last many years so spending a few dollars more for a more well known brand IMO is a good investment.

As an example, I found a similar style BC with 35lb lift from a well know manufacturer at a well respected on line dealer for $335. For $85 more you get a brand name that has dealers all over the world and more importantly to me, local service.

Drop me a PM if you want the details.

 

[MSilvia]

I found a great BCD for me at a great price online but I have a few questions.

How do you know it's great?

First, its lift capacity is rated at 60 lbs, is this too much for recreational diving in warm water?

It's twice as much as I use for recreational diving in cold water, and 50% more than I use for tech diving in steel doubles. I'd say yes... it's too much for my tastes.

Second, is it a wise idea to buy something online that I have never tried on?

It's a risk for sure. It's only unwise if you'll be upset to find you aren't happy with the fit. That said, I've purchased two BCs I'd never tried on, and was happy with both. YMMV, buyer beware.

Third, has anyone heard of this manufacturer?

I've heard the name, but I've never actually seen one that I'm aware of.

If not, what do you think about buying equipment from an unknown manufacturer?

It's not without it's risks. I can't say how the quality is, but I imagine most of the parts are pretty generic. Despite what the site says about exclusivity, you probably won't have trouble getting it serviced, but you may want to check into that before buying.

 

[RoyN]

This one might be good. http://www.divers-supply.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=EDG0012&Show=TechSpecs Its got 40lbs life and doesn't clutter the front. Personally if you have extra money, you could get the knighthawk or excursion .

 

[diverdownAg]

How do you know it's great?

It has every one of the features I am looking for in a BCD and it is within my price range(<$350).

Here are the features I am looking for:

• Weight integration
• Back inflate
• Large, easy accessable pocket
• D-Rings
• Twin Tank bands for single tanks

 

[red_infinity]

I wouldn't buy it. That 60lb lift is way too much for recreational diving IMHO. And I don't know about you but it looks a bit cluttered to me.

I would suggest looking into an SP Knighthawk, but that doesn't really have a large pocket. I'm curious though, what do you need a large pocket for?

-Francis

 

[Eduardo]

Looks like Sea Elite is the "house" brand for Divers Supply.

Have you looked at the Aeris Atmos XT on scubatoys.com? $299 minus 10% for Scubaboard members. They also have the Aeris Reef Rider & Zeagle Brigade which are in the $360 range after the discount.

Scuba.com has the Zeagle Escape and XS Scuba Advantage that look close to what you're looking for. May not have all of the features you are looking for but do have the advantage of recognizable brands and solid warranties. I've had good experiences with both online retailers.

Hope my .02 doesn't muddy the waters for you.

 

[diverdownAg]

I'm curious though, what do you need a large pocket for?

To hold things like my knife, safety sausage, back up light...etc. I am fine with a pocket or two, I especially like the front mounted one on this BCD. The Knight hawk is out of my price range.

 

[scubatoys]

It has every one of the features I am looking for in a BCD and it is within my price range(<$350).

Here are the features I am looking for:

• Weight integration
• Back inflate
• Large, easy accessable pocket
• D-Rings
• Twin Tank bands for single tanks

With your discount - you're within 10 bucks of getting a Zeagle Brigade. http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=ZeagleBrigade

Do a little search for Zeagle or brigade here on the board and you see many threads on their quality and great customer service.

Give a shout if we can help!

 

[red_infinity]

To hold things like my knife, safety sausage, back up light...etc. I am fine with a pocket or two, I especially like the front mounted one on this BCD. The Knight hawk is out of my price range.

Have you thought of clipping that stuff off instead? Or get your knife strapped on to you or your BC?

That Zeagle Brigade looks pretty good too.

-Francis