So many BCD's....so much confusion.

[Sicel1304]

Hey all

Well, I'm beginning to finally start looking for my first BCD. Price range is probably going to be somewhere around $300-$450, depending on what I find. One LDS recommends a Zeagle BCD for me, while another LDS shows me BCD's that range from $725 (WAY above my price range) to about $300. If you haven't guessed already, I'm a starving college student on a budget.

I'm still a little bit clueless as to what criteria I should use to make my selection, other then the fact that FIT is most important. I don't have any stigma's about ordering online, so feel free to recommend any sites where you have found good deals.

Until further notice, most of the dives I will be doing will be freshwater dives, as I'm in land-locked Missouri. Here's some more general info about me that might help you guys recommend a good BCD for me.

-I'm roughly 5'9 - 5'10
-Rougly 220 pounds
-Medium build
-I do not have my certification yet, but I only need to do my CESA dive in order to get it.
-I'm currently enrolled in "Scuba 2" or the advanced open water dive course, which ever you prefer
-Haven't purchased a wet-suit yet, that will be in another 6 months or so
- I tend to think most of my LDS's are over-priced, so I'm extremely hesitant about purchasing from them

Thanks for your time,
Les

 

[ThatsSomeBadHatHarry]

Check out scubatoys. Scubaboard members get a discount, yo. Their prices are really good to begin with.

 

[spectrum]

I'm still a little bit clueless as to what criteria I should use to make my selection, other then the fact that FIT is most important. I don't have any stigma's about ordering online, so feel free to recommend any sites where you have found good deals.

At this point I suggest you pay attention to what you are using for loaner/rental stuff in your classes. If they have different models on the rack then mix it up a bit. This may make your dives a little more challenging but it didn't hurt me any. Odds are they won't have any models you really want but who knows. In any even you will experience a range of feels and fits.

Since you acknowledge that fit is the most important thing what are you going to do? Obviously if you fall in love with something the shop has then go shop for that model and size anywhere you want. You could rent a little more and hope that you can get some buddies to let you try what they have, that's a great way to go when it works. I agree that gets old quick and rental fees can quickly offset the risk of an off target purchase.

Another option that worked well for us was to identify and visit dive shops that had pools and who would allow evaluation dives in the pool. To get this right in your case will mean borrowing/renting a wetsuit as well but you will have the benefit of knowing how the thing really feels. With your dives to date I'm sure you already have some perspective. The pool dive route worked very well for my wife. When she found the right one it was BINGO.

Then there was me... Between class, some dive shop dives and my first ocean dives I probably used 5 or 6 different models/brands/ sizes. In some cases certainly the wrong size as that's what was available. It hardly mattered to me. fit simply was not something that I was ultra sensitive to. My instructor and many many of his customers were diving the Sherwood Avid. With some homework I decided the the Avid was right where I wanted to be on the feature list. I went to the shop (no stock & no pool) with a sweatshirt (simulated wetsuit) tried his and said YES, had mine in 3 days and lived happily ever after.

Now I'm not saying that the Avid is what you should buy, that is up to you. FWIW here is a post where I captured the essence of my decision. Make a list of your own and decide what your want and what sourcing strategy is right for you.

Pete

 

[blindref757]

ScubaToys.com sells a Zeagle Brigade for $399 that is an unbeatable deal. I don't have one, but if I were in your shoes again, this is what I'd buy. It's got a lot of flexibility built into it and it will serve you well as you eventually begin to travel and advance in your diving skills. Its very close in construction to a BP/W.

Another great deal Larry has at ScubaToys is the Mares Limited Edition--at $299. I bought this BC last year and it is super. I paid $399 for it! You will need some time to get used to the AirTrim inflator--but once you master that, it dives really well. I put 30 dives on mine last year in fresh and salt water--ZERO problems.

 

[mikerault]

Try this article it might help:

http://scuba-diving.suite101.com/article.cfm/choosing_a_scuba_bcd

Mike

 

[Pullmyfinger]

I just bought a Mares Icon BC at an LDS. I paid $420 for it. You could probably find one or something similar for a comparable discount. Which would be in your price range.

Mitch

 

[footnote]

I am thinking to get the Zero Tech from Coltri Sub. Excellent value for money. I have a bad back as well. So I will let you know. Cheers

 

[Walter]

Things to look for in a BC:

1. No padding - Padding requires additional weight, yet compresses at depth so it no longer cushions. Additionally, air in a BC lifts the BCs weight off your back rendering padding redundant. Padding also increases drag, making dives in current more difficult and increasing your air consumption.

2. No cummerbund - Cummerbunds increase drag.

3. Dump valve at the highest point of the BC. - Inflate the BC and hold it up as if you were wearing it at the surface. Is the dump valve at the highest point? If not, look for a different BC. If it is, turn it as if you were swimming in a prone position. Is there a dump valve at the highest point? A good BC will pass both tests. If the dump valve is not at the highest point, it will trap air, requiring contortions to dump all the air or additional lead. A nice extra is a right shoulder dump valve and dump valves at the bottom.

4. No fabric covering of the bladder. - These BCs are sometimes called "bladderless" or "single bladder BCs." The fabric covering creates drag in current.

Scubapro Classic Sport Meets all those conditions. Others may as well, but some that come highly recommended don't.

 

[Sicel1304]

Things to look for in a BC:

1. No padding - Padding requires additional weight, yet compresses at depth so it no longer cushions. Additionally, air in a BC lifts the BCs weight off your back rendering padding redundant. Padding also increases drag, making dives in current more difficult and increasing your air consumption.

2. No cummerbund - Cummerbunds increase drag.

3. Dump valve at the highest point of the BC. - Inflate the BC and hold it up as if you were wearing it at the surface. Is the dump valve at the highest point? If not, look for a different BC. If it is, turn it as if you were swimming in a prone position. Is there a dump valve at the highest point? A good BC will pass both tests. If the dump valve is not at the highest point, it will trap air, requiring contortions to dump all the air or additional lead. A nice extra is a right shoulder dump valve and dump valves at the bottom.

4. No fabric covering of the bladder. - These BCs are sometimes called "bladderless" or "single bladder BCs." The fabric covering creates drag in current.

Scubapro Classic Sport Meets all those conditions. Others may as well, but some that come highly recommended don't.

Wait what? No cummberbund? Oh on a separate note, I've think I've narrowed my selection down to these three choices:

The Sherwood Avid

http://scuba-equipment-usa.com/express/tech-257.php

The Scuba Pro Nighthawk

http://www.scubapro.com/prod/bcs/knighthawk/knighthawk.htm

And the Sherwood Tortuga

http://www.sherwoodscuba.com/product.php?product_id=36

All three of these were recommended to me at one of my LDS's, mainly because of the price range that I'm looking to buy in. Opinions/Comments/Blasphemies are all welcome!

Les

 

[samnewsom]

try www.oceansrealm.com i have a oceanic excursion new to diving but really like it alot and customer service there is awesome