Diving essentials part 2
When asked about owning a personal BCD this is where a few questions occur as well as what style IE (back inflate VS Jackie style) as well as do you plan to travel with your BCD or want something sturdy like a back plate and wing. There are many companies that make BCDS and all have their place. That said some are better built.
My top marks for manufactured BCDs tend to be back inflation but I will also through some jacket styles I have liked. I do believe that most diver transition toward back inflation as they dive more often but most commonly start in a jacket style so I will address this first.
When it comes to Jacket styles the aqualung axiom or pro HD are very common and solid jackets, additionally scuba pro Glide are my top three options. I am not the biggest fan of Oceanic, or zegal but are popular grands as well.
Jacket style Pros they are comfortable and feel secure when diving additionally they provide low stress when at surface. Jacket style Cons they are bulky and have added buoyancy that needs extra weight to compensate.
Why I prefer back inflation
Back inflation PROs allowed for lower profile less bulky BCDs, and more streamlining while diving. They also keep you more horizontal while diving, also less buoyant meaning less needed weight. back inflation CONs most have limited pocket options if any pockets besides for weight. At the surface you will need to lean back as BCD will push you forward/ horizontally it doesn’t take much to over come this but something to keep in mind
Travel back inflation options
Aqualung Rouge - has adaptable and replacement options for every component of the BCD so if any part needs replacement you can easily.
Scubapro hydros pro- multiple attachment options and replacement options quick drying material as it has no fabric
Dive rite hydro lite- how are travel style non changeable light weight backplate and wing with out a backplate basic but solid BCD
Automic BCD2- the Cadillac of back inflation and price to match fully quick drying with several upgraded pockets the closest to a hybrid of back inflation and jacket style so more bulky than the other two.
And finally my favorite backplate and wing
This option is a build it yourself or buy a pre built BCD, every aspect is replaceable you are using a harness my least favorite are pre built harnesses with one exception I will discuss later. The standard I like is pick steel for sturdier aluminum for lightweight/ travel then add standard 2in webbing and as many D rings and pockets as you like, followed by the wing of your choice and a single tank adapter. This looks uncomfortable but trust me is more comfortable.
Wing options of choice is the APECS WTX-D30 or D40 or the Dive rite wing in similar lift options.
Back plate of choice for pr built harnesses is the scuba pro Xtec stainless steel as there is adjustability and adds a nice grab handle Very similar to the hydros with the ability to remove and replace the wing.
Remember all gear should be tried on and adjusted as needed I recommend trying a few from your local dive shop for fit prior to buying
