Finding the right BC.

[Penguinboy]

Hi there,

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum firstly.

I'm looking to buy my first BC but I'm making sure not to rush the process or become impatient. I want to find the right BC for me, but there is a very large range out there and any advice is appreciated!

I'm not too fond of my weight belt, and so I'm very much interested in the Weight Intergrated BCs. I had problems in my Open Water Course in a Drysuit with a very heavy belt, and it occasionally slipped. I know that the amount of lead a weight-intergrated BC can carry is not enough generally for British diving but if i can lighten the load on the belt at least thats a bonus!

There are also ofcourse the "Wing" BCs - they look interesting but having never used one in my training they don't look too useful to me as a beginner diver. I wouldn't want to go out and by something I wasn't familiar with.

A friend at my BSAC club recommended the "Buddy" Range, from AP Valves, to me and so far the Buddy Ranger (https://vault2.secured-url.com/mtcsl/dw/index.htm - in their BC section and just down the list a little) seems like a strong contender. It has a load of technical advantages I don't understand, weight intergrated and seems to be a popular make, as with it's predecessor the Commando. It also has, in my limited experience, a fair price for a good new BC. So far it looks like a winner to me, but I'm going to locate one at my LDC and perhaps check a few more shops and reviews before I go ahead and buy it. That should give me time to get my £250 together too!

Any advice or help on this topic is greatly appreciated! Also, if anyone owns a Buddy some user-feedback would be really useful! Any good BCs that have served you well I would be interested to hear about!

Thanks a lot in advance!

[JamesP]

Hi there,

For your purposes i would say wings and bcds have one major difference, where the buoyancy has been placed. (with a wing, most if not all the air is placed on that back) where as a bcd it is also put around the waist.

They both have there advantages and disadvantages. I believes wings are worse on the surface than a bcd as all the buoyancy is on the back, rather than around the waist aswell.

if you are looking for a bcd though, my local dive centre use SeaQuest/Aqua Lung Latitudefor training, (conventional bcd) 2 zipped pockets (integrated weight belt) and weight trimming pockets (on the back) this can be found at http://www.aqualung.co.uk/products/latitude.html.

I managaed to pick mine up second hand at the end of the dive centre lifetime and I feel very very comfortable with it.

as for your problems with the weightbelt, have a look at a Poseidon wightbelt (http://www.poseidon.se/equip_list.asp?grp_ID=06001&Prod_typ=11&LangID=4)
it is a set once and then it is a clip type mechanism, the other possibilty would be a harness.

From your post I take it you are a begginer, try and carry on with the weight belt, it may just need to be a little tighter and higher up (aka above your hips).

regards

James

[Alan Ewart]

Hi there,

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum firstly.

I'm looking to buy my first BC but I'm making sure not to rush the process or become impatient. I want to find the right BC for me, but there is a very large range out there and any advice is appreciated!!

Indeed, there is a huge range, they cost cash and the thoice can be bewildering.


I'm not too fond of my weight belt, and so I'm very much interested in the Weight Intergrated BCs. I had problems in my Open Water Course in a Drysuit with a very heavy belt, and it occasionally slipped. I know that the amount of lead a weight-intergrated BC can carry is not enough generally for British diving but if i can lighten the load on the belt at least thats a bonus!!

Nor I. Integrated weights are only part of the solution. You could also consider a harness which shifts the weight to your shoulders. Personally I would recommend spreading your weight round. Part on a weight belt or harness & part in your Integrated weight pouches. That way if you have to ditch weight you dont have to ditch it all.



There are also ofcourse the "Wing" BCs - they look interesting but having never used one in my training they don't look too useful to me as a beginner diver. I wouldn't want to go out and by something I wasn't familiar with.

A friend at my BSAC club recommended the "Buddy" Range, from AP Valves, to me and so far the Buddy Ranger (https://vault2.secured-url.com/mtcsl/dw/index.htm - in their BC section and just down the list a little) seems like a strong contender. It has a load of technical advantages I don't understand, weight intergrated and seems to be a popular make, as with it's predecessor the Commando. It also has, in my limited experience, a fair price for a good new BC. So far it looks like a winner to me, but I'm going to locate one at my LDC and perhaps check a few more shops and reviews before I go ahead and buy it. That should give me time to get my £250 together too!!

The buddy is a great choice. Reliable, comfortable and tougher than a regiments worth of old boots. Buy one and you will still be using it in 15 years. I Personally would not go for a wing style BC (note I'm not saying a wing). If this style of Buoyancy device appeals then go for one with a stell backplate etc, but these are less suited to single cylinder diving.



Any advice or help on this topic is greatly appreciated! Also, if anyone owns a Buddy some user-feedback would be really useful! Any good BCs that have served you well I would be interested to hear about!

Thanks a lot in advance!

Your very welcome. Welcome to the forums and enjoytyour diving

[msd dan]

Buddy is the way to go.

Ap valves dont make the Ranger anymore, but lots of places are selling what they have left.

Buddy make 2 BCD's now the Explorer for Recreational divers and the Commando for the more experienced diver. Both are excellent Jackets.

I have just ordered the Commando, 4 weeks waiting list due to demand im afraid.


The money and the choice is yours!

[Fiona]

Buddy is the way to go.



Why is that then :confused:

[Penguinboy]

Thanks for all the help ladies and gents! Very helpful replies to my post, and very much appreciated! Sorry for not explaining my experience - I am a beginner diver, with 12 dives so far including training ones. I have dived in warmer water and did my training in StoneyCove quarry.

I hadn't realised AP Valves don't make the Ranger any more, as it was still a part of their tour of their site. On the internet it is still available for £250 thankfully.

I did try a harness in my OW training, lent to me by a Dive Master with our group, and it was very comfortable - no trouble with it. However they did want me to stick with the belt as they wanted me to practise weight belt removal and replacement - obviously harder with a harness! I have yet to buy one however, as they can be quite expensive from what i have seen. The belt is £6 or something like that and the harnesses can be up near £60. I would definately get one of these over a belt to wear with my BC. I also hadn't made the connection, Alan, that I could ditch one set of weights in an emergency and save the other whilst still gaining positive buoyancy - thanks for switching on that lightbulb! Great advice and feedback.

Thanks again for all the help!

[Matt-75]

For the weight belt, try a padded one, preferably with rubber padding, they wont slip and are well comfortable. I have an Oceanic belt with 7 pockets, which theoretically could take 21Kg (3kg x 7) of weight, but in reality you will only use 3 or 4 pockets. That leaves you 3 pockets to stash random stuff in.