BCD question - weights / pocket size...

[thereisnofishofsuchvirtue]

Hiya!

So I'm looking for some advice on a BCD, I've been looking around and am wanting one with integrated weights however a lot of them seem to be badly designed so that when you put the weights in it leaves very little room in the pockets - does anyone know of a BCD with big pockets even when using integrated weights?

Thanks!

[Richard Whitcombe]

Avoid integrated weights. Most are badly designed and insecure, especially with the large amounts of weight typically carried in the UK. A lot are also a complete nightmare to restow the weights in between dives.

[paul_c]

or not as other believe,

the buddy range are quite nice and do have reasonable sized pockets, personaly i dont like them due to the bulky design of the BCD, i prefer a slimmer build jacker around my body

have you considered using tank weights for the bulk of the mass and use a smaller ammount of ditchable weight to allow you to become possitivly boyant.

also what are you using the pockets for?

[AndyA]

SeaQuest Pro XLT, great secure integrated weight system, better than the buddy in my opinion and very easy to remove and replace weights wearing the BC. Good pockets too, the one on the left drops down to give you even more room.

[AndyA]

Forgot to add, the Pro XLT also has a couple of non ditchable trim weight pockets at the rear which hold 2kg each.

[whitenoise]

I'd also recommend the Seaquest design of intergrated weights, from what I've seen and tried there one of the best IMHO. I've got the Pro QD jacket, so the pockets aren't probably as nice as the XLT. I used to use the pockets all the time, but then I never had anything in them. Now I need to stow stuff like dsmb, reel, torch etc, I don't use intergrated weights anymore since there would be no room. I now use the Oceanic padded weight pouch which is great.

[Scubajohn]

i use & really like, a scubapro glide 2000 (i think its been updated by a newer model now). The integrated weights have a v secure clip fitting. there are two trim pockets at the back which will each take a couple of kg - which reduces the amount of weight needed in the integrated pouches.

the pockets on my model are the velcro/flap type & are a bit small. the newer model has larger zip pockets - which look a lot better from a use/capacity viewpoint..