Which BCD? 6'7", 120kg and struggling with fit and trim...

[llewepoh]

I've just passed 50 dives, so I'm still pretty new to this and have just about got fed up of renting equipment that never quite fits.

The biggest recurring problems is naturally the BCD. I am 6'7" (just over 2m tall) and broad. I am actively sporty, so not fat, but certainly no longer thin, weighing in at just under 120kg.

First problem; size - I can wear the rental BCDs, but they certainly don't fit, the Velcro strapping around the waist tends to be closer to the top of my ribs. If the length is better, the pockets tend to be massive on me.

Both of these lead to my second and biggest problem - trim. My buoyancy control is getting much better, I mostly have full control of my depth, however my legs constantly drop (which is annoying when trying to take decent photographs).

I've reduced my weights down, made sure that there is no air in the BCD at all, tried keeping my legs bent at the knee to reduce their effect on trim, etc.

Now that I am looking at BCDs, I find myself reluctant to go and buy something, even if it appears to fit in a shop.

Any advice from similarly sized guys for other techniques to help, devices that have worked, etc.?

Thanks,

Anthony

 

[Spg01]

I might as well be the first, back plate and wing. You can make the harness just about any size you need because it is just a piece of webbing.

https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=home

I do not know how many companies that make different size back plates, but deep sea supply does. Send Tobin an email, call him or even go to his forum http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/deep-sea-supply/

I have a singles rig and a doubles rig that I have been very happy with from DSS.

 

[diversteve]

Probably ^ a Long Pattern - https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=115

Long Pattern size fits most divers from 6 ft. 3 in. to 6 ft. 8 in

 

[TSandM]

I'll add my voice to the chorus. We worked with a student a few years back who was about your height and heavier. He dove a backplate system, and I asked him why, and he said, "Just LOOK at me!"

 

[RJP]

I'm certainly not as tall as you, but at 6'2" I'm mostly leg.

In addition to BP/W... bend your knees. You'll reduce your overall length in the water by 18" or so.

 

[tbone1004]

not just any bp/w, I think Tobin is the only one making a long pattern plate. It is really you're only hope at getting something that fits properly. Email him and give him some information and he'll make sure you get hooked up. It will be about $500 USD before shipping, but he does ship to Asia, but it'll be worth every penny.

Also, make sure you look like RJP in the water, it will help

 

[rhwestfall]

DSS!!!!! I'm 6'-7" and 230#. For singles a long pattern fit me nicely, but I really like the X-long I use on my doubles as it just sits in the perfect place on me. It was amazing the "comfort" these plates provided after 20 years of ill fitting BC's.

Follow the advice above, and talk to Tobin.

 

[victorzamora]

I think the consensus has been and will continue to be: Contact Tobin at Deep Sea Supply. I came here to say that I'm 6'6" and your weight, and a BPW was a bit of a game changer for me. The long-pattern (or extra-long) would've really been the final straw....but it seems like everyone beat me to it