7DaysinParadise
Diving => Dive Equipment => Topic started by: flopnfly on April 15, 2007, 09:44:00 AM
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I've been looking at all the BCD's that are out on the market and I must admit that I'm a little overwhelmed with all the info.
So I'm going to ask all you dive gurus for some advice.
What are the absolute necessities I should be looking for and what are some of the nice little extras?
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There are 2 main types of BCD, so the first thing to decide, is if you prefer the jacket stlye, or the back inflation style.
Jacket BCD's inflate evenly around your body, including across your chest. They are generally more stable when floating on the surface.
(http://www.scubagearplus.com/prodimages/AerisContourBCD.jpg)
Back inflation BCD's have an air bladder that basically surrounds you tank on your back. It keeps you chest area clear and might give you a bit more freedom of motion that way. The biggest drawback to the rear inflation, is that on the surface, it will still want to tip you over onto your chest in the water.
(http://www.scubagearplus.com/prodimages/OMS_45Wing.jpg)
As for features, the three main criterea are lift capasity, weight integration and number of dump valves.
Extra lift capasity is good, if you are planning to carry anything heavy underwater, especially if you plan to use double tanks. The trade off here is extra bulk.
Weight Integration, is pockets that you put seprate weights into. This can remove, or lessen the weight requirement on your weight belt.
Extra valves to release air are good because it makes the BCD more convenient to use. A dump valve at the lowest edge of the BCD is great if you are planning to do any head-first descents.
Other than that, a good number of D-rings for attaching extra gear, is a bonus.
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Well Everyone:
Diving many years ago, we would get together before the dive and discuss depth/time and buddies!
BC's How floaty is your wet suit, how deep are we diving,(Wrist depth Gauge) how much weight do we need at the bottom?? (Time..Good Watch) Sooo.. at 30ft. we need 16lbs... at 60ft. maybe 12lbs. at 100ft..?? (shouldn't be there, but we often were).. Anyway kick like heck to get down..! :) ..and hopefully didn't drag the bottom too much!
Here are the pics of my first Buoyancy compensator and Regulator...(No freeze ups with this Baby)!!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/fredtracie/Aquamaster.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/fredtracie/aquamaster2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/fredtracie/aquamaster2.jpg) <img src="http://" alt=" - " /> (http://http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/fredtracie/aquamaster2.jpg)
Cheers...Fred & Tracie
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Fred, they are awesome!!! I hope you're going to hang on to those.
So when are we going diving? :D