Woman's BC - DM / Instructor - Input Please

[ReneeC]

Its time for me to start shopping for a new BC. I love my old and trusty Diva but I've been told it doesn't have enough lift should I need to assist a student. I also find that I am struggling a bit when unhooking and bringing up a chain.

So.... I've been reading up on different BCs but none of the recommended seem to have any more lift than I already have. I like a jacket, pockets and lots of clip holders.

What do you suggest? Welcome your feedback.

 

[underwater daphne]

as far as i've read the diva has more lift than most bcs.
what size do you wear?

 

[Diver0001]

Its time for me to start shopping for a new BC. I love my old and trusty Diva but I've been told it doesn't have enough lift should I need to assist a student. I also find that I am struggling a bit when unhooking and bringing up a chain.

So.... I've been reading up on different BCs but none of the recommended seem to have any more lift than I already have. I like a jacket, pockets and lots of clip holders.

What do you suggest? Welcome your feedback.

I have a strong opinion about this. You shouldn't be bringing up a chain (or any heavy object) using your BCD as a liftbag. That's what a liftbag is for.......

As for assisting students you will need enough extra lift in your BCD to hold a student's weightbelt for them at the surface. What did you have in mind that would need so much lift?

R..

 

[Scubakevdm]

Sp classic plus. I don't know what size you wear, so I can't tell you how much lift it will give you.

 

[SubMariner]

Its time for me to start shopping for a new BC. I love my old and trusty Diva but I've been told it doesn't have enough lift should I need to assist a student. I also find that I am struggling a bit when unhooking and bringing up a chain.

So.... I've been reading up on different BCs but none of the recommended seem to have any more lift than I already have. I like a jacket, pockets and lots of clip holders.

What do you suggest? Welcome your feedback.

When I found I couldn't properly support a student at the surface, I went from my Dacor to an Aeris Atmos XT. It is a hybrid BCD: mostly back inflate but with some wrap around.

Meanwhile, I'm with the others. You should NOT be bringing heavy objects up from the bottom yourself; you should be using a lift bag. That's what they're for!

Bonne chance,

 

[sharkdiver00]

I agree with the others, lift bags were created to lift objects from the bottom... you should not use yourself and yoru BCD for that purpose.

To answer your question, I use a Zeagle Ranger to teach and it gives me all the lift I need. Even with students well over twice my weight. YMMV though.

Maria

 

[ReneeC]

You are all quite right regarding the chain. I have considered using a lift bag (which I always do when we anchor) but I like climbing up the line and the chain is only 14lbs. I will take your recommendations to heart. Which is now another question / comment - I've never seen a divemaster use a lift bag?

As for my size - I'm a ladies large since I am a bit chesty! One of the things I love about the Diva is the ability to adjust the cumberbund to a smaller waist.

 

[underwater daphne]

are you sure it doesnt have enough lift or is that only what u were told?
the diva lx shouldnt be a problem really. especially not in L.

 

[sharkdiver00]

The Diva should give you plenty lift. Although I use the Ranger to teach, my play time bc is a DIVA LX and it has lots and lots of lift (and I wear small size). If you still want to change, why don't you at least dry try a Zeagle Ranger? you can customize those BC three ways (including the cummerbund).

good luck,
maria

 

[beachdivequeenbelam]

You should have enough lift. The other student should have their own BC which you can air up. You only need enough to lift yourself, at least that all you should need. You are talking about teaching divers correct? SO they should have thier own equipment, and the first step to rescue they teach is weight belt off and so you should be fine with whatever you choose. Also you can always remove your own weights as well. I don't personally like Zeagle's intregrated weight system. I use an Athena.
Good Luck!
Sincerely Bridget