Sizing questions

[dallasM5]

I'm new to diving and getting ready to buy a back inflated BCD, but I seem to fall between sizes (med. vs. large). In my OW class I used a medium vest (didn't try a back inflated) and this was just on the verge of being too small.

I'm 5'10" and 185 lbs. If anything, I would anticipate being 5-10 lbs. lighter, but certainly not heavier.

Any thoughts or input?

BTW, the BCD I'm looking at is the Sherwood Outback.

Thanks!

 

[Zept]

Is the BC you're looking at the same make and model as the one you used in the class? Sizing varies enormously between different brands.

Z

 

[Ben_ca]

Try a Backplate and wing combo... Halcyon, Oxcheq ect. I have a Halcyon and it is a big difference from my old BC (SQ Balance) The old one was okey but using the BPW opened my eyes on how much better a BC could fit. The new set up is transparrent and form fitting... Try it... you'll like it.

 

[dallasM5]

Zept,

No, nothing like the one in class.

 

[metaldector]

BCs vary with manufacturer, I wore a SeaQuest Large but then bought a Zeagle Medium. I did go to a LDS and tried many on with a 3mm wetsuit just to feel the difference. I also, borrowed a buddies BC (he wore mine and I his) to see if I liked the feel. If you don't have a buddy then you should rent a few BCs of different makes until you find one that you really feel good in. The Zeagle has an adjustable cumberbund to tighten or loosen the fit. Many others don't offer this feature, so check out a few before plunking down the cash. There are a lot of good brands and features. You need to decide what are your diving needs before buying one style or the other. Perhaps you are going to be only a day diver (never a night diver) then you probably don't need 6 stainless steel D rings. Or you think you are going to get into deep diving with stage bottles, then you will need all the D rings you can get. Anyway, you're doing the right thing now by researching and asking questions. Good hunting.

 

[Gator Diver]

back inflate BCs. They allow for custom sizing.

I wing/bp combo however offers the ultimate
in personalized sizing.

 

[Zept]

...like the one in the class, then it doesn't matter what size you used then. You'll have to try the one you plan to buy.

While you don't anticipate gaining weight, remember that you may gain neoprene. I started out in a 3mm wetsuit, but now I wear a 5mm suit, sometimes with a 3mm vest. My BC has an adjustable cummerband so it doesn't matter, but if I'd picked one that was only just big enough, I'd be in trouble now.

Z