Very Large Man looking for BCD advice.

[jbbrug]

I am looking into buying my own gear, and I am a very large man.

I am 6'6" (2 meters) tall, and weigh in at about 380lbs.

I am mostly concerned with BCs, I accept that I am going to have to get a custom wet/drysuit made, and I was able to find fins etc. large enough.

I have done some looking via the web and some shops, and I have found 3 BC's that look to do pretty well and was hoping for input, or other ideas. I am not a fan of the Plate&Wing, I tried it once and didnt like the way it felt on the surface, but I can be open to ideas.

Sherwood Avid 2009 BC. This one comes in an XXXL and that might give me the size I need.

Aeris Atmos LX I have seen some of the Aeris and they seem pretty good for their size ratings, they seem to have an XXL

Oceanic Probe LX This also comes in an XXL and I have rented other Oceanics before and been pleased.

Thanks for any advice you might have!
-Joshua

 

[dkktsunami]

I would suggest being open to trying the wing and plate again - if it felt "different" on the surface you likely had it inflated too much. You should be able to comfortably lean back in the thing like riding in an inner tube. The hog harness with the bp/w is infinitely and easily adjustable and will probably help to hold down the lead you will need to carry.

 

[ligersandtions]

For a person who doesn't easily fit into an off the shelf size, I would strongly recommend looking into a backplate and wing. The single piece of webbing makes it infinitely adjustable so you can get a BC that fits you exactly. Additionally, many bp/w's are less expensive than a traditional BC, but offer so many advantages (infinitely adjustable, more stable in the water, no padding to compensate for, simple).

If you want a great product with great customer service, contact Tobin at Deep Sea Supply. Additionally, there are LOTS of people who dive bp/w's in your area, so you'd have plenty opportunity to take a look, talk with local divers, and maybe even try one out.

 

[keithdiver]

Get yourself a wing/ BP, you can not go wrong with it. Call this person for it. Tobin 626-799-5078 you will be very Happy at what you will get, best of luck!!

 

[shoturtle]

Look at the zeagle ranger, it is a very good bcd and they are very adjustable.

 

[Wookie]

Josh, I used to dive an Oceanic Probe BC in XL. I am 6'2" and 300 lbs. The XL Probe was huge on me. As long as the cummerbund goes around you, you should be fine. Of course, I am a very happy user of Backplate and Wing now. Wouldn't use the BC unless someone paid me...

Frank

 

[jerryb54]

I lamminated and verticlly offset 2 backplates this put the waist stap on my hips and not pme ressing on the belly. I am 6' 4" 230 lbs and dive dry.
Tobin at DSS has some long pattern plates that will do the same thing. Jerry B.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Get a Back Plate & Wing (BP/W)
It'll be the first and last BC you'll ever need.

 

[herbdb]

I use a Oceanic LX in XXL size. It is almost too large for me. I am 6' and weigh in at 260 pounds. I am not too sure about their sizing tables. If it fits, it is a good choice. There are not a lot of options for us plus sized guys.

 

[fnfalman]

Too easy of a question! Deep Sea Supply's extra long backplate & wing.