Newbie BCD / Training question

[GregA2k6]

Hello all,

I'm brand new here and just started my scuba training last night. A dive shop has offered a PADI course at a local college and I'm taking the class there. I'm a bit concerned about the quality of the gear and just have a few questions. (it was supplied by the college...not the dive shop) First, the BCD I ended up with didn't have the "pull down" straps on the shoulders. It just had the cumerbund strap and two other fabric straps across the front. I found that the bcd had a habit of rising up on me when I was wearing it. (it didn't help that after I got out of the pool and was cleaning it, I noticed a quarter inch slice in the back that was leaking......I assume this would account for my difficulty in getting neutrally bouyant?)

I'd love to hear from the good people here! The BCD I used is going to be "repaired or replaced" for next time but I am wondering if the lack of the "pull downs" (probably not the right word for it) is an issue. If it is, I have no problem talking to the instructor about getting another or even renting a proper one. Last thing I want to do is fight the equipment.

Thanks for any advice!

GregA

 

[Dave in PA]

You really need a properly fitted, working BCD in order to enjoy learning how to dive....but you already figured that out! Now you know a bit more of what to look for when you get your gear for the next class. If you find it 'lacking' ask for another one, after all, you paid for the class!

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Greg, it sounds like you had a crap BC. I'm assuming that you're using a jacket-style BC, but regardless, it should have some way to cinch the shoulder straps. Let us know how your next session goes, and if, as you are donning the BC, it doesn't fit you properly, speak up and see if you can get some help, or maybe switch to a different BC if the one you're using is defective. Good luck!

 

[captndale]

By "pull downs" I assume that you mean adjustable shoulder straps. Adjustable straps are intended to make it easier to adjust the fit of the BC. Different styles of BC's may use other means to accomplish the same thing, or, depending on design, may come in enough sizes not to need them.

Training and rental equipment is usually not the newest, best maintained or highest quality equipment to be had. This is particularly true of equipment that is owned by schools or resorts that do not also sell scuba gear. It is hard to keep up with the abuse that school and rental equipment takes.

 

[Damselfish]

There are styles that don't have pull down straps on the shoulders, that in itself isn't an issue if that's the way it was designed. But it can certainly be harder to get a good fit without the adjustability. If it's actually rising up though as opposed to just being loose in the shoulders, making the shoulder straps snug down better probably wouldn't help much with rising though it would probably make your tank feel much more stable. The problem with rising up would be due to the cumberbund, or quite possibly the whole thing is simply too big for you. By all means talk to the instructor or school about getting one that fits, your instinct about not wanting to fight the gear is a good one.

Now if a leaking BC is any indication of the quality of the gear the college has in general and you can swing it, renting a decent BC and maybe a reg too might be a good idea. If you can't swing it for all the pool sessions maybe you could rent for at least the OW dives.

 

[Scuba Jerm]

I had a similar experiance renting a BC in Hawaii. I had a leaking purge valve and this made the dive terrible! I kept sinking to the bottom, having to refill with air, sink, refill.... repeat and got frustrated.... ended the dive early. Any equipment that doesn't fit or work properly will kill the fun out of diving. To answer your direct question, yes the pull down straps help make the BC fit you personally and make it so the tank can be positioned correctly for proper bouancy. If Scuba diving is something you plan on doing more than a few times are year, you will thank yourself for getting your own BC.

 

[Lake Mead Tony]

Greg,
Training is where you can try out different types of equipment. In your next class, try to get a different BC and let the instructor know that this one is not for you, doesn't fit, defective, broken, ect. Be percistant, your life may depend upon it. Then when you go to get your own equipment, you will remember this and get the proper fitting gear in the style you are comfortable with.

 

[GregA2k6]

Wow! What a great board!

Thanks so much for all of your excellent input! It is great to know that there is a place like this to come for help!

I will definately be persistant about trying a different BCD next time.

 

[scubajcf]

Never dive in equipment that is not functioning correctly or you are uncomfortable in. That is why many instructors recommend buying your own equipment. You know your equipment better than anyone else and you always know its condition.

Welcome to the world of Scuba Diving and Scubaboard. You couldn't have found a better place to get information on the sport you are about to become addicted too.

jcf

 

[Scuba Brad]

Great point Scuba Jerm.............let me also say we offer a discount to Scuba Board members. Just ask for me when you order.

Happy Diving