I have been looking at the Sherwood Avid BCD which seems to be a really good BCD. However I have not used it and wanted some opionions about people who have used one or own one. Any and all thoughts about the BCD are welcome. Thanks in advance.
Sherwood Avid BCD
- Thread starter Jack4545
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AtomicWalrus
Contributor
I did my first 50 dives in an Avid, and it is a nice BCD. The inflator/deflator response is really crisp - one of my favorite things about the BCD. The weight integration is also nice: the trim pockets on the back are good to have, and the mechanical connector on the ditchable pockets is easy to use and fairly secure. One caveat about the weight pockets: make sure that connector is properly locked before diving! I've had several buddies lose them when they haven't pushed them in all the way. Never happened to me, though. I also found the BCD easy to don/doff, on land or in the water. Finally, the BCD looks pretty durable, judging from how well they've fared in the rental inventory at my LDS.
The reason I didn't eventually buy an Avid was that I don't really like the way that jacket BCDs squeezed me when I inflated them. I also found that the lift of the Avid was a little limited for diving in British Columbia, considering that I eventually wanted to move into tec diving. For the price, though, I think it's a good piece of gear.
The reason I didn't eventually buy an Avid was that I don't really like the way that jacket BCDs squeezed me when I inflated them. I also found that the lift of the Avid was a little limited for diving in British Columbia, considering that I eventually wanted to move into tec diving. For the price, though, I think it's a good piece of gear.
rescuediver009
Contributor
Now that the recall has gone though for the sticky inflators, the avid is a great BCD. Very comfortable and the weight integration system works really well. It makes the weight carrying aspect a lot more pleasant. The trim pockets in the back also help under the water. Seen alot of people buy them and like them alot.
I would say the nicest jacket style we sell - and especially at about $300... The Cressi Sub S111 BC Jacket is also very nice - but about $100 more... So if you want Jacket style... I'd say that's a great choice.
CrazyDave
Contributor
I have been diving with an Avid for almost a year now and I love it. As The "Walrus" said the inflater is very crisp and the B.C is also very easy to take on/off. Speaking as a big guy, I do not feel the squeeze as much as others say. I also feel that the pockets are a little hard to get into when I wear it. I ended up clipping everything that I put in my pockets to a D-ring and just pulling the cord to get anything out. Then again like I said I am a big guy and the pockets may be getting the squeeze, not me. Also, it does not have an intergrated handle to carry it, I do wish that mine had one.
