Sherwood Avid BCD Opinions

[DSR-3]

I have the chance to get a good deal on an Avid, but had previously been looking at the Triple-L Pegasus & Orion back inflate/wing models. In this case the price is close between all 3. All of the comments I've read here and elsewhere had me wanting for the back inflate models, but I fear that I'm too stuck on it.
I usually dive on tropical vacations, and occasionally California. Photography is a main activity when diving, but a good all-around choice is my desire. I've always rented, never tried the back inflate, and have not noted models/brands rented.
Thanks

 

[FZJ80]

I have the chance to get a good deal on an Avid, but had previously been looking at the Triple-L Pegasus & Orion back inflate/wing models. In this case the price is close between all 3. All of the comments I've read here and elsewhere had me wanting for the back inflate models, but I fear that I'm too stuck on it.
I usually dive on tropical vacations, and occasionally California. Photography is a main activity when diving, but a good all-around choice is my desire. I've always rented, never tried the back inflate, and have not noted models/brands rented.
Thanks

The Avid is a great BC. It isn't quite mainstream, as most divers prefer to send their dollars to foreign owned companies. I have been diving an Avid for about six months now and it has been great thus far. The CQR system is one of the best weight integrated systems available. The D-Rings are awesome. The built in "pro pack" integrates flawlessly. I would say that it is the nicest of those three you mentioned. When I bought mine it had been purchased by a dealer to see if they wanted to carry the Sherwood line. Now I own a 2004 Avid w/ pro pack for $275. Retail about $575. Make sure you are getting a good deal. If you are, go for it.

 

[Lomie]

The Avid is a great BC. It isn't quite mainstream, as most divers prefer to send their dollars to foreign owned companies. I have been diving an Avid for about six months now and it has been great thus far. The CQR system is one of the best weight integrated systems available. The D-Rings are awesome. The built in "pro pack" integrates flawlessly. I would say that it is the nicest of those three you mentioned. When I bought mine it had been purchased by a dealer to see if they wanted to carry the Sherwood line. Now I own a 2004 Avid w/ pro pack for $275. Retail about $575. Make sure you are getting a good deal. If you are, go for it.

I agree! I've been diving the Avid for almost a year and have over 50 dives in it. I have been mostly diving the extremely cold water of the North Atlantic (New Brunswick Canada) but I have also done fresh water dives and 4 dives in Key West and Cozumel. This BC is the best of the 3 that I have previously used.

My only question is this...how in the world do I add the Akona knife option to it??? I don't have the instructions and don't want to ruin anything. Any help??

 

[DSR-3]

Thanks for posting your feedback.
-Eric

 

[FZJ80]

I agree! I've been diving the Avid for almost a year and have over 50 dives in it. I have been mostly diving the extremely cold water of the North Atlantic (New Brunswick Canada) but I have also done fresh water dives and 4 dives in Key West and Cozumel. This BC is the best of the 3 that I have previously used.

My only question is this...how in the world do I add the Akona knife option to it??? I don't have the instructions and don't want to ruin anything. Any help??

The knife option goes on the side of the BC with the two attachments built into the pocket. The screws come out and the knife slides onto the nylon material and then the attachments are placed back on and the scres put back in. That is difficult to understand, but that really is what you do.

 

[EricJ]

I'm looking into the Sherwood Avid BC myself. I have limited opportunities to really look at equipment because of my location, so I was hoping I could get some more info before driving off somewhere to try them on.

Does the Avid have a dump valve on the back, lower right-hand side. I've grown accustomed to reaching behind my waste with my right hand to dump air while swimming horizontally. I can't tell from the descriptions if that dump valve exists.

I see there is a dump valve that can be pulled on the right shoulder. From what location is the air released. Would this valve be used while in a horizontal position?

I seem to be in between sizes with the Avid. I currently wear a Dacor XL. I'll be trying them on before I purchase; but if your in between sizes, would you get the one that's slightly larger or smaller?

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

I'm looking into the Sherwood Avid BC myself. I have limited opportunities to really look at equipment because of my location, so I was hoping I could get some more info before driving off somewhere to try them on.

Does the Avid have a dump valve on the back, lower right-hand side. I've grown accustomed to reaching behind my waste with my right hand to dump air while swimming horizontally. I can't tell from the descriptions if that dump valve exists.

I see there is a dump valve that can be pulled on the right shoulder. From what location is the air released. Would this valve be used while in a horizontal position?

I seem to be in between sizes with the Avid. I currently wear a Dacor XL. I'll be trying them on before I purchase; but if your in between sizes, would you get the one that's slightly larger or smaller?

Thanks for the help!!!

yes it does have the back dump valve I have 252 dives on mine and love it , but like others I recently bought back plate and wings , persoanlly I do my rec diving in my avid maybe later I will move all my diving to the backplate and wings ,I think its a truley great BC has many options like the pro kit, and many D rings .
oh get the size that next larger , but try it on to be sure it has allot of adjustments to it too.