Trying to find a BC

[RagDahl]

Hello all. I am new to diving. Just got certified last Sunday, in fact. I love it, but I absolutely hate the weight belt. My newest goal is to buy my own BC because the belt is just too uncomfortable.

I've looked through and read about different kinds and different brands. It was for this reason that my friend turned me on to this message board. From what I had seen and what I've used so far, I know that I want a jacket style BC. I am a woman, but I'm not interested in the BC's designed for women. I feel much more comfortable in the regular men's models.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to the Sherwood Avid. I've read reviews from people on this site and it made me even more determined. Now the problem is that I can't find any local dive shops who carry the Sherwood brand of BC's. That being the case, I know I can resort to mail order, but I'd still like to try it on to see what size will fit best. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and there's no shortage of dive shops around here. I've called all around and have had no luck at all.

I'd appreciate any input on this BC and any ideas about how I can go about finding one. My friend said to me that since nobody carries Sherwood BC's then maybe there's a reason, but I don't really want to believe that. I prefer to see one in person, try it on and try it out to make up my own mind.

Thanks!

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.
I can't comment on the Sherwood as I have never seen one but I do agree with you on weight belts, I don't care much for them. I would suggest that before you buy any style/brand/type of BC that you rent or borrow several different types and styles, dive them and see what you like. While trying them on in a store is OK to determine which you don't like, it's really not possible to make a good decision on what you actually prefer until you have spent some time under water with it. I will say that many (maybe most) of the divers on this board prefer some type of back inflate BC, myself included. There are fans of the jacket style as well and to determine which you like, you have to dive both, several times. A good quality BC will last for many years, you should spend some time deciding before buying one. Don't overlook good used BC as well. Lots of people buy quicky and for a number of reasons then sell at 25-50 cents on the dollar.

 

[LioKai]

Aloha Ragdahl!
Welcome aboard. To aid in your search for Sherwood dealers have a look at the "Sherwood Dealer Locator" at http://www.sherwoodscuba.com/dealers/search.php This should help.
Matthew J D'Avella

 

[RagDahl]

Unfortunately, Sherwood's dealer search feature results in: a lot of invalid information, businesses who only buy from them and don't sell or businesses who stock Sherwood, but not their BC's. I can't believe how many LDS' here in the Ft. Lauderdale area don't stock Sherwood BC's.....

 

[LioKai]

OK then, RagDahl. Here is the phone number for "Peter Skop Industries" in Georgia. (800)774-4447. They are the local distributor for Sherwood in your part of the country. Call them and ask for the LDS carrying their product. You can also give them an earfull about the website dealer locator issues.
Hope this helps.
Matthew

 

[Mark Vlahos]

Hi,

I've gotta agree with Herman, Try different styles of BC and try different brands within those styles. Most of the people on this board would probably tell you that they bought gear shortly after getting certified that they later found inadequate for their use after they had more experience. I would strongly encourage you to rent for quite a while. Resist temptation to buy gear for perhaps 50 dives or so, use this time to see what is out there. If you must buy anything sooner rather than later try Ebay, at least you will spend less money on gear you will later discard.

Personally I am more comfortable with a back inflate BC but there are many people who have tried them and do not like them. Many people like a vest, there is nothing wrong with this. The backplate and wing variety is quite popular. If possible try all of these styles, you might save yourself some money and a lot of hassle and time. This applies to all of your (major expense) gear. Regulators, BC's, and even wetsuits all have many different manufacturers with different design philosophies. Be patient rent for a while, I feel that in the long run you will be more comfortable with your gear purchase choices even if you decide on the Avid.

Welcome to diving,

Mark Vlahos

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Rag,

Welcome to SB and diving. Glad you like it!

There is quite a bit of experience here,...your friend was right. Whether you make use of it or not is up to you!

If you polled the majority of new divers on this board, they would tell you that the gear they bought initially was often not the gear they discovered that they wanted a year or so later. Most of us initially made some very expensive mistakes!

The best lessons in life are those learned using OPM. ("Other People's Money")

As you are newly certified last Sunday, I suspect you haven't made a great many dives using different types and models of BCs. I (also) strongly encourage you to do so before buying anything.

The Sherwood Avid may indeed be the one BC that is perfect for you.

But I kinda doubt you've established that yet.

If you absolutely must have one, by all means run out and get one next week!

Then, about a year from now, you'll be able to share your lessons-learned experience with another new diver who just joined the board with the firm conviction that they have to have some new expensive piece of equipment!

Best of luck to you, and safe diving.

Doc

P.S. fill out your profile. It will provide some context so that responders can reply in ways that are most useful to you in the area you live in. There are a number of women on this board who live near Ft. Lauderdale. You might be able to chat with them regarding their own experiences...