AP Valves Buddy Explorer BCD

[Lead Weight]

Hi to all,

I have just registered so this is my first hello to you all. I'm also new to diving so please excuse me if I sound like a novice at times.

My first question to you is. What are your thoughts on buying a Buddy Explorer BCD, is it a good choice as a first BCD, I was hoping on a Buddy Commando but they seem to cost more second hand than the Explorer. What would I be gaining if I waited for the Buddy Commando?

I would be buying second-hand and know about getting them serviced first before use, by AP Valves. My diving will mostly be UK based but with a bit of diving in Thailand.

Thanks for your help.

[Rick]

AP Valves service is legendary - our club TO who is a regional coach sent his ancient one back to AP Valves and it came back looking like a new BCD

As far as differance between Explorer/Commando will leave it to others to judge but bear in mind both these models have recently been updated by AP Valves completely.

Where abouts are you? If you are in London recommend Amphibian Sports in West Norwood for great service and prices

If you are in London your welcome to try some out in our pool (we have a variety of Buddy jackets either owned by club members or club kit)

[Vic]

AP Valves service is legendary - our club TO who is a regional coach sent his ancient one back to AP Valves and it came back looking like a new BCD

Time for my favourite customer service story[1] :-)

I bought a Redwing second-hand. It was decidedly cheesy, but did me for some considerable time[2].

One evening - during a try-dive, of all things - I found I really couldn't get neutral properly. A strip-down of my kit found a 4 inch split along the seam of the bladder.

So I rang AP Valves to find out what glue to use to stick it back together again. There was a short pause, and I got the rather terse reply along the lines of "You don't glue it - you send it back to us for replacement".

Well - that was the killer. I expected that to cost nearly as much as a new wing. "What'll that cost?", I asked.

"Oh nothing. It's free of charge".

I'm sure it costs AP a couple of quid every time they do something like this - but you just can't *buy* this sort of publicity :-)

Vic. (another very satisfied AP customer)


[1] I tried to find a lik to the first time I posted this story, but it wasn't forthcoming. Sorry.

[2] The Redwing is still serviceable - I just don't use it any more. It's been replaced - by another piece of AP kit.

[Adrian Kelland]

[2] The Redwing is still serviceable - I just don't use it any more. It's been replaced - by another piece of AP kit. I've heard they don't service this particular bit of kit for free :D

[Vic]

I've heard don't service this particular bit of kit for free :D

I shouldn't think so.

But they *do* supply any spares you need on demand, and they *do* supply full service manuals. And they[1] *do* recognise you on the phone even when you haven't talked to them for several years...

Vic.


[1] I'm sure anyone who's dealt with Nicky or Sarah at AP knows just how good at their jobs they are.

[JIWilliams]

When I went shopping for my first BCD I asked the same question, whats the difference?

I was given an explanation by the guys an have proceeded to forget most of it, however one thing I did remember is that the Commando has awesome lift capacity!!

Quick comparison. (for the new versions)

Buddy Explorer
Lift Capacity: 15kg (size medium)
Weight: 3.5kg

Buddy Commando
Lift Capacity: 19.1kg (size medium)
Weight: 3.8kg

You would probably be best giving them a quick call and they will be able to explain all the differences. Also, just incase, the Commando is available in XXL, however I am 16Stone and 6ft and only use the large.

[Helen (AKA Hellvet)]

I LOVE my explorer - but i also like the commando, i just find the explorer sits better on my hips and i have better access to the pockets. I do prefer the older style explorers due to the way they changed the pockets on the latest explorer - having a look at the last dive show they seemed smaller and less secure, but to be honest you just need to try them and see which one you prefer...

Where are you based - its often worth visiting a club to try a couple of different BC's in the pool? other than that try a few on at the dive show...