Let's clear the air.
Before you start writing in we are talking about a B.C.D, A.K.A:
Just to make it clear here, as masks are not goggles, fins are not flippers, a B.C.D is NOT a life jacket !
- B.C.D = Buoyancy Control Device.
- B.C = Buoyancy Compensator.
- Stab Jacket = Stabilizer Jacket.
Just to make it clear here, as masks are not goggles, fins are not flippers, a B.C.D is NOT a life jacket !
Far too many times I have seen divers with too large or too small BCDS that fit where they touch or squeeze like a Victorian corset, is your BC too big, too small or just right?
Above all else the fit of a BCD is the most important consideration, too big and it will move around taking your tank from left to right, up and down. If it is also weight integrated it will also shift your balance. Too small and it not only restricts movement and breathing, it also really becomes a pain.
The main considerations are these:
Let's now take each one in order:
Correct fit:
A BCD that is too small or too large will not make you a happy diver so make sure it fits before you buy. Start by choosing a BCD that has most if not all of the above points, appears to be the right size and try it on. Make sure that when you go to try your BCD you are not in just a 'T' shirt or thick winter jacket. With the cummerbund fastened make sure there is enough room for you to easily put your hand between it and you. Next the chest strap, it should be loose across the chest so not to restrict breathing but not too loose, again allow enough space to slide your hand between you and the strap. Next the shoulder straps, hike the BCD up until it sits comfortable on your shoulders. All straps should not be at full extent or be at the end of their adjustment. Now raise your arms and swing they about like a windmill to make sure there is no restriction of movement. If all is good so far ask the assistant to stand behind you and take hold of the BCD by the arm holes where your shoulder blades are. Once they have take a firm grip try turning left and right inside the BCD, this will simulate tank movement so if you find it excessive, the BCD is too big. Now fully inflate the BCD by using the LP inflate (the store should have a tank for this) or by using the oral inflate, check everything as before and that the cummerbund and chest straps are not too tight, so, make sure you have room for adjustment.
Comfort:
The BCD fits but is it comfortable? Narrow shoulder straps will dig into you when the tank is fitted, ladies, make sure that the shoulder straps and buckles do not interfere with your breasts especially by squeezing left and right. If possible fit a tank, the bigger the better because if it is still comfortable with a large take, it will be good with a smaller tank.
Ease of use:
The BCD should be easy to use with everything necessary within easy reach. Inflate/deflate, is it easy to locate and use? Pockets - can you get your hands in/out of them? Are all releases accessible? check with the BCD inflated and deflated as some BCDs inflate and make it impossible to get anything out of the pockets.
Style of Diving:
If you live close to the coast or within easy driving and an occasional flyer the size/weight of the BCD is not so important, if not it could be an issue. In this day and age where airlines enjoy charging by the kg or reducing baggage allowance, a lightweight travel BCD maybe the one for you. Personally I have both depending on the type of diving, for holiday and teaching I use the light weight, for wreck and other fun I use the 'all singing, all dancing' mainly because it has bigger pockets, more 'D' rings to attach torches, large cameras, more cylinders ... well just about more of everything really. The travel BCD is great for everyday, no nonsense diving without the frills.
Dump Valves:
Your BCD should have a minimum of at least two dump valves, one top and one bottom so you can dump air right way up or upside down.
Ancillaries:
Pockets, 'D' Rings, Clips .. These are a personal choice depending on the type of diving you want to do but you should have at least two 'D' rings, left and right shoulder, the right one for a hose clip to secure your octopus, left one for you to secure other equipment. One retracting clip on the bottom left for your console so you can read it and let it return rather than drag it around.
Easy Release:
Many people don't think about this but it can be important in some situations where fast and easy BCD removal could be an issue. In an emergency situation like entanglement, you may need to release your BCD quickly, or should you need assistance your buddy or other diver may need to remove it. Cummerbund and chest straps are not usually a problem but check the shoulder straps as many 'lower end' BCDs do not have quick release.
Integrated Weights:
This is very much a personal choice
The main considerations are these:
- Correct Fit
- Comfort
- Ease of use
- Style of Diving
- Dump Valves
- Ancillaries - 'D' Rings, Clips, Pockets
- Easy Release
- Weight Integration
- Colour
- Cost
Let's now take each one in order:
Correct fit:
A BCD that is too small or too large will not make you a happy diver so make sure it fits before you buy. Start by choosing a BCD that has most if not all of the above points, appears to be the right size and try it on. Make sure that when you go to try your BCD you are not in just a 'T' shirt or thick winter jacket. With the cummerbund fastened make sure there is enough room for you to easily put your hand between it and you. Next the chest strap, it should be loose across the chest so not to restrict breathing but not too loose, again allow enough space to slide your hand between you and the strap. Next the shoulder straps, hike the BCD up until it sits comfortable on your shoulders. All straps should not be at full extent or be at the end of their adjustment. Now raise your arms and swing they about like a windmill to make sure there is no restriction of movement. If all is good so far ask the assistant to stand behind you and take hold of the BCD by the arm holes where your shoulder blades are. Once they have take a firm grip try turning left and right inside the BCD, this will simulate tank movement so if you find it excessive, the BCD is too big. Now fully inflate the BCD by using the LP inflate (the store should have a tank for this) or by using the oral inflate, check everything as before and that the cummerbund and chest straps are not too tight, so, make sure you have room for adjustment.
Comfort:
The BCD fits but is it comfortable? Narrow shoulder straps will dig into you when the tank is fitted, ladies, make sure that the shoulder straps and buckles do not interfere with your breasts especially by squeezing left and right. If possible fit a tank, the bigger the better because if it is still comfortable with a large take, it will be good with a smaller tank.
Ease of use:
The BCD should be easy to use with everything necessary within easy reach. Inflate/deflate, is it easy to locate and use? Pockets - can you get your hands in/out of them? Are all releases accessible? check with the BCD inflated and deflated as some BCDs inflate and make it impossible to get anything out of the pockets.
Style of Diving:
If you live close to the coast or within easy driving and an occasional flyer the size/weight of the BCD is not so important, if not it could be an issue. In this day and age where airlines enjoy charging by the kg or reducing baggage allowance, a lightweight travel BCD maybe the one for you. Personally I have both depending on the type of diving, for holiday and teaching I use the light weight, for wreck and other fun I use the 'all singing, all dancing' mainly because it has bigger pockets, more 'D' rings to attach torches, large cameras, more cylinders ... well just about more of everything really. The travel BCD is great for everyday, no nonsense diving without the frills.
Dump Valves:
Your BCD should have a minimum of at least two dump valves, one top and one bottom so you can dump air right way up or upside down.
Ancillaries:
Pockets, 'D' Rings, Clips .. These are a personal choice depending on the type of diving you want to do but you should have at least two 'D' rings, left and right shoulder, the right one for a hose clip to secure your octopus, left one for you to secure other equipment. One retracting clip on the bottom left for your console so you can read it and let it return rather than drag it around.
Easy Release:
Many people don't think about this but it can be important in some situations where fast and easy BCD removal could be an issue. In an emergency situation like entanglement, you may need to release your BCD quickly, or should you need assistance your buddy or other diver may need to remove it. Cummerbund and chest straps are not usually a problem but check the shoulder straps as many 'lower end' BCDs do not have quick release.
Integrated Weights:
This is very much a personal choice
