Hi all,
My wife needs a new BCD, and is set on a back-inflate. Size S or XS depending on the maker, hopefully 400 USD max...
Decent pockets are important (we're both instructors/guides and need to carry stuff), as is sturdiness, and attachment points.
We were looking at Oceanic's Islander 2 (or Aeris Reef Rider), having tried a friend's yesterday - it would be ideal but they're impossible to find these days, at least in S size.
I've looked into the Hollis HD 200, but price (600 to 800 USD, minus taxes and 150 US shipping down here...) and the crotch strap is not very practical (more work when you have to get out of the gear quickly to change tanks etc).
I would go with Zeagle products (I'm diving a Scout I'd bought in Indonesia and like it a lot though sizing isn't perfect for me unfortunately), but it's very difficult to find a distributor where we're currently working (Mexico until November, then Thailand), and pockets are not ideal (my scout's pockets are a little too small for the purpose for instance) - they're also are quite pricey ( Stiletto would be minimum 600 USD + and 150 USD shipping, not to mention taxes ...).
Any tips on good value for money, sturdy back inflate BCDs with good pockets?
We're diving mostly warm water, sometimes in 7mm but even then she doesn't need more than 10 lbs / 12 lbs weight with an AL80 tank.
Thanks a bunch
ben
My wife needs a new BCD, and is set on a back-inflate. Size S or XS depending on the maker, hopefully 400 USD max...
Decent pockets are important (we're both instructors/guides and need to carry stuff), as is sturdiness, and attachment points.
We were looking at Oceanic's Islander 2 (or Aeris Reef Rider), having tried a friend's yesterday - it would be ideal but they're impossible to find these days, at least in S size.
I've looked into the Hollis HD 200, but price (600 to 800 USD, minus taxes and 150 US shipping down here...) and the crotch strap is not very practical (more work when you have to get out of the gear quickly to change tanks etc).
I would go with Zeagle products (I'm diving a Scout I'd bought in Indonesia and like it a lot though sizing isn't perfect for me unfortunately), but it's very difficult to find a distributor where we're currently working (Mexico until November, then Thailand), and pockets are not ideal (my scout's pockets are a little too small for the purpose for instance) - they're also are quite pricey ( Stiletto would be minimum 600 USD + and 150 USD shipping, not to mention taxes ...).
Any tips on good value for money, sturdy back inflate BCDs with good pockets?
We're diving mostly warm water, sometimes in 7mm but even then she doesn't need more than 10 lbs / 12 lbs weight with an AL80 tank.
Thanks a bunch
ben
