Sherwood Avid?

[FoxTrot]

Hey all,

I don't have any of my own equipment yet aside from mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and gloves.

I'm thinking of going with the Sherwood Avid. Tried it today, take a Large, and I like the way the fit feels and everything.

I was talking it over at the store a little bit about them and the instructor said that it's a good BC but he personally likes the Sherwood Axis (I think that's it) due to that it's back inflated, less restrictive on the sides and doesn't hold you upright as much as a jacket style.

So far I only have experience with the jacket style and I don't have too huge a problem with it holding me upright, my damn feet don't like to stay down but that's a diff story, prob need ankle weights.

Anyways, I was wondering what you all's opinion are on the Avid as my first BC. I kidna like the jacket style and how it wraps around me on the sides.

Also, what's the current model of the Avid, 06 or 07? I know www.scuba.com has the "new model" for $449 and last years I guess for $249. There any real reason to go with the new model and it's "CQR2" weight release system over the old model?

Also, does anyone have experience with www.scuba.com and their warranty system? They say they have full manufacturer warranties so bassicaly you can take anything you buy from them anywhere for service right?

Sorry for such a long post, TIA for any advice!

*Edit*

In case it matters my future goals are to continue with AOW+ and get into Nitrox diving, deep diving and wreck diving interest me a whole lot, and photography too.

 

[spectrum]

I have been diving a 2005 AVID since my last checkout dives, I'm closing in on 200 dives as we speak and it's been a very good BCD. If I lost it tonight I might be tempted to get a BP&W but more likely I'd just replace it. My diving has been in everything from trunks to my 7mm drysuit.

The 3D air cell does not crush your ribs anything like some other brands that I had test dove. What you do feel is just enough to be comfortable if you're bobbing out there in big swells as far as I'm concerned.

Here is a post I made early on that captured my decision:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=1142032&postcount=2

I know that the integrated weights were mechanical all the way back to 2004 so I'd snap up a year old model for the savings in a heartbeat. FWIW I prefer to distribute my weight and rarely put more than 5 pounds in each ditch able pocket. My 2005 manual calls out the QCR system without the "2".

I also have a number of buddies with the same model and they have all done well with it.

Pete

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Save the money. The weight release system may have been revamped a little but not enough to justify a $200 price difference! And like Pete I like to distribute my weight and not keep all of it ditchable. In fact with my probe I usually only carry enough dumpable in the pockets to allow me to start up. And with my BPW I carry all my weight either on my back or in a belt under my crotch strap. Even with a jacket bc you can still set up a balanced rig that will allow you to make a good descent and still swim the rig up from any depth without dumping weight. And unless it fails completely your bc should keep you afloat without dumping unless it's a last resort. Just as an aside training agencies put too much emphasis on dropping weights when it should be put on proper weighting in the first place. Many times this translates into laziness on the part of the instructor since they can say just dump your weights instead of taking the time to show you how to do things properly.

 

[dl348]

I have a Sherwood Avid as well, it's a good BCD. I paid approximately $300.00 for it brand new from www.scuba.com. They are an authorized dealer for everything that they sell. Now, I primarily use my Zeagle Ranger, I prefer the back-inflate over the jacket style. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Stu S.]

I've been using the latest version Avid for about a year and 55 dives. The inflater that comes with it is quite good. I got it as it has two tank straps, to hold a 120 tank secure. It was $279 at a Washington's Birthday sale 2006.

It has heavy-duty construction and should last a long time. Please note that the pockets lose volume when the weight pouches are in there. No great loss, but not perfect, either.

The Avid is easy to use, and at the prices you mentioned, a great value.

Have fun with it.

 

[Stu S.]

Hey, diver. Scuba Toys has this for $249, and you may be able to get a 10% discount if you tell them you are a Scuba Board member.

 

[johnny_bravo]

It's a great BC I've been using mine for three years. I love the double tanks straps, the way it fits, and the great weight integration system. Get the 2004 model it's on sale on many scuba web sites including leisurepro.com

Cheers.

-J.-