BCDs - Jacket Style vs Wings - Scuba Tech Tips: S04E13

[@davidfenollar5810]

I could literally listen to Alec for hours... Something about the way he delivers information is both informative and entertaining. Love your work mate. - From Australia.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hope you're finding some ideas. Take care. Alec

[@jackgrant4795]

I know right..... Ive learned so much from him. He doesnt do like some folks do and go off on all this technical lingo, he keeps it plain talk, but that comes with ha ing the years of experience he has too. Very humble man.

[@expert_fretwork]

I think the thing I look forward to the most in all these videos is the subtle, low-key shots at Kevin and his weight.

[@clifbrittain2972]

Low key?

[@mrstihl16]

As a bigger guy myself, I'm really curious just how big kevin actually is. Are there any videos that show him?

[@mauriciomunoz6223]

If there was a SCUBA Nobel Prize Alec would have one by now. It's OK if he never gets a prize: Alec gets the "people's love award" for his contributions to SCUBA.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The "Scuba People's Love Award". I like that. Screw the Oscars. Take care. Alec

[@ronbeatty516]

Agreed.

[@wendychilson7597]

Alex, you are a joy to get essential information about diving from. May you live another 70 years!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's my plan Wendy. Thanks for watching.

[@pierreparent403]

Good day Senor Peirce, Alec I have been a fan for years and this is my first post to any sites except to last week in light of my dive in Santa Teresa in Costa Rica with Iguana Divers. I just arrived in Costa Rica where I will spend the next 4 years as a Canadian Diplomate assigned to the Canadian Embassy in San Jose. Prior to my departure I visited my Scuba Store in Ottawa and decided to purchase different equipment in order to adapt to the tropical conditions of Costa Rica. I also opted to a Wing BCD and I wish to express my sincere gratitude for this information as I have rearrange the weight distribution in the back as demonstrated in this video in order to improve on the buoyancy and stability at surface as most of the dives are from a boat. Again a big fan and now i will enjoy my renewed appreciation for Scuba Diving in the tropical climate. Been diving since 1988 but NOW it's time to move up. Ex-Air Force Pilot I have enjoy the air but my future is directed to the underwater. I am even considering retiring in this beautiful country as COVID not such an issue here. Happy new year Sir!!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you for sharing Pierre and Costa Rica is a beautiful place to retire to. As FYI, at the ranch right now its a warm -11C with a wind chill of -15C. Have fun diving and glad to help make your experience safer and fun. Take care.

[@a-a-ronbrowser1486]

I for one appreciate all these tips, I am making the transition from hard hat commercial to becoming a scuba instructor so these have been very helpful in seeing the difference in technologies. Thanks again!!!!

[@Darthgonzo]

I love your style to explain things.. WOW i would love to have you as my Scubateacher... also your humor is the perfect one... BIG THUMBS UP !!! Keep this style ....

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Alec

[@Toob41]

What a pleasure it is to learn so much from Alec, presented in such an enjoyable way. These videos are priceless, thanks.

[@Gmon750]

A great video. I own both styles of BCD. I purchased my first wing-style BCD a couple years ago after using a conventional jacket-type BCD for 15+ years. I find the jackets-style BCD to be great not only for floating on the surface, but being surrounded by air bladders allows for very maneuverable diving underwater. With no high/low spots, I can dive sideways, tilted up/down much easier. I purchased a wing-style (Rogue) for its modularity and compactness. It took some time in getting used to it. I find that the wing style BCD's tendency to make the diver horizontal makes for very relaxing diving as it keeps the diver in a horizontal position the entire time. I don't spend much time in a BCD on the surface for it's not that big a deal. I love the compactness of the wing-style and it's much easier to get in and out of. For me, the comfort of the jacket-style has me wanting to use it again, but do not like the bulkier design. Great explanation on both setups. I enjoy watching your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@lawrencelundt3773]

Alec! Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge! Your way of demystifying all things diving related is both comforting and illuminating.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

My pleasure! Lots more to learn about this great sport. A

[@ElectronicEnglishRu]

Alec is unbelievably charismatic! Enjoy every video!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you!

[@mateusz.stanczak]

Alec you're so competent person! This is great! Just look, you record your episodes without any cuts! That's because you have sooo much to say about it and you know this subject to the bones. Thanks!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I try for one take because Kevin complains the editing he has to do to make me look pretty. If there is cuts, it's probably because I either dropped something or was interrupted. We shoot it stores and customers love yelling out their love. A.

[@mateusz.stanczak]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I’ll be following your advices! Good job!

[@RickSm1th]

Good information with the exception of the comment about adding air to your bcd to ascend, any properly trained and competent diver knows you do not add air to ascend, you fin to the surface and dump air to maintain a controlled ascent speed. Apart from that it's fun to watch.

[@mikeramsey9747]

Alec, I really want to thank you for this video on the jacket and wing BCD, before I really didn't understand the differences and the benefits of either BCD.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Mike. It was way too long but it's not a subject that can be shortened easily or it leaves more questions than it answers. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@rickkinney2544]

This video sparked my interest in a back inflate BCD. I've watched several other KZbin videos on in and read a lot of reviews. Based on what I like personally, I've ordered this BCD from my local Oceanic dealer. I want to thank you for explaining the various points of it in comparison to full jacket BCDs. This looks like it will fit the bill for my particular diving preferences. Thanks again to you and Kevin for making these Tech Tip videos. I have learned something and enjoyed every one I have watched.

[@Wazza_333]

I love your running commentary. Educational and funny just how it should be.. Thank you. I'm glad I subscribed.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Awesome, thank you! Lots to watch and laugh at, maybe even learn something too. Thanks for watching. A

[@chord972]

Excellent. Not one of my several dive instructors resolved the balancing of weights back/forward to achieve comfort when at the surface with a non-STAB BCD. You did it clearly and concisely. Thank you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad it was helpful! TC. A

[@javatar1900]

Great video! at 10:40 the comment about sealed bags! I used to work at a shop that had 300 lb of unsealed bags, toxic lead dust everywhere around the baskets where the 3 4 and 5 lb bags were kept. Always bothered me seeing that dust around. at 8:25 the weight belt comment LOL, right on Alec. Cringed a little at the inflate button comment at 6:07. We teach that it is not an elevator button! Vent air going up, be slightly negative or neutral, in case there is a man o' war or boat or another diver above you. debating switching from my workhorse sherwood avid jacket to a Mares hybrid. This helped. thank you Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Jim and for your input. Alec

[@LMSILVIA]

Great video as always.That happened to me when i Changed my reg to a heavier one with a brass and glass spg and added stainless spring straps to my fins. The first dive i did i was bouncing all over the bottom. Had to take almost 4 pounds off the ballast weights!!!

[@erniestammers5121]

Hi Alec, I wish I had seen your videos when I first started diving over 12 years ago now, (had to give up due to health problems) you have given me a great insight into all the things I was doing wrong in the beginning, dont get me wrong I have had some great dives in Portugal, Cyprus, and even here in the UK. Its a great pity I cannot take it up again, but now at 73 and health issues, its too late but great to reminisce . Thanks again from the UK, I will subscribe to your channel, as you never know my grand children might want to take up scuba diving, I did teach them to swim and snorkel in our 10 ft round Bestway pool.

[@blackopssurgicalsniper6189]

Thanks for replying to my comment on vintage dive equipment. I was raised in North Central Arkansas about 4 miles from Bull Shoals Lake. Wonderful lake. Started snorkeling around age 10. My dad loaned me the money to buy the Navy equipment after I salvaged a boat motor from 25 ft. of water with just the snorkel, mask and fins. The ex-Navy diver gave me a few tips and I bought a manual. Air was hard to find, At the time, my brother and I were the only divers that I knew of. I really enjoy the vintage equipment as I used some of the things you demonstrated. I am glad I found your channel. By the way, Sea Hunt was what got me into diving.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You and millions more were drawn to scuba diving by Mike Nelson and his exploits. I'm glad you're enjoying my vids. Take care. Alec

[@joseluisrosales9226]

tanks for the video, great as always! I recently changed from bcd jacket style to wing,it's just great,the harness and backplate system is confortable, clean and efficient.

[@danger6903]

Youve just explained to me why my first shore dive was so awful. I had a stab type bcd which was smaller than the one I had used in the pool, so it had all the buoyancy further back, it had weight pockets rather than the belt i was used to, so all the weight was further forward...the salt water gave me extra buoyancy etc etc I floundered around feeling both stupid and frustrated... Must get my own BCD and I trust your advice and guidance - Thank you so much!

[@AndrewWithey1]

Hi Alec, thanks for your great videos! I learn so much from them. I have seen a couple divers with different set-ups to what I dive with, and I was hoping you could do some videos on side mount diving and re-breather diving? Thanks. Looking forward to more great videos!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I have used both and they are excellent for their designed purpose. They are NOT suitable for normal recreational diving. Look carefully at their purpose. Don't be sold by "they work better all the time"-type statements without questioning it. Alec

[@AndrewWithey1]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks for the response!

[@blacklace00]

Thanks so very much! I'm heading for BVI soon on family holiday. They SCUBA and I snorkel. But I had NO IDEA what they were talking about with tech specifications of their kit. Now I can keep up with the after-dinner conversations and not feel like a fool. Thanks!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No need to hit folks with specs they don't understand. Good you can lead the conversations now. Lots more to watch and learn about Barbara. A

[@MrToucandream]

Alec, another great video! I'm an older diver that was certified only a few years ago. I wish I had done it early in life but can't change that. So your videos have helped me get some of the experience I missed. I hope to be diving for many more years and your tips have made diving much more enjoyable for me! I love the wing style BC as well, mostly due to the compact and light weight and your tip on weight distribution will make it even better when I wait for the boat to come pick me up... think I'll tinker around with the ratio of weight forward Vs back before my next dive. Thanks so much for this tip!! Keep 'em coming buddy! Chris

[@elchibrolito4217]

Greatest video about BCD/wings i've seen so far. And fun too !

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow, thanks! A

[@recreationalvehicle5212]

every other instructor tries to make this scuba diving thing impossible - you do an amazing job

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you very much.

[@rachele.9328]

Hey Alec, thank you so much for all your videos. You are so much fun to listen to and I learn something new every video.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Rachel. Alec

[@allenchason2473]

Great info as I've been away from diving since the late 80's. I've started getting interested in diving again and I'm enjoying all your videos, thank you!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Go for it Allen. Lots of tips to get you back up to date with gear and my Vintage Scuba will make you laugh at the stone age diving days. A

[@kennethjmcarthur2428]

Hello Alec. I am also an older diver, 68 years old. My first BC was the life-saver model. I loved scuba but hated dressing like an astronaut in our cold Canadian waters. In 1972 I bought the first integrated system I knew of. It is called an AT--PAK. The plastic backplate is hollow. I would put about 20 lb of buckshot in there. The bladder was a huge horseshoe shape. It was awkward at first but I loved the fact I had nothing in front of me. We used to throw the inflated gear overboard & put it on in the weather. This old classic is still in my old bag. I still have my original Jet fins as well. I thought of Kevin during your video. Do you have one in your collection? Ken

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I did but have been selling off my collections (need the space). I remember when horse collars were standard and BCD's just showed up in magazines. Look in my Vintage Scuba series for old backpacks and diving systems. Should bring back memories. Alec

[@yannit67]

Fantastic video. Makes everything easy to understand. Now I know why I should invest in a wing-bcd.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm glad I was able to help Martin. Take care. Alec

[@roadboat9216]

Hey Alec, when are you going to get some qualifications. Ha ha. Thanks for the great informative video. I too am an old timer diver. Learned on double hose, single stage regulator in the early sixties. Am a PADI instructor, (retired), but unlike you have not kept up with the newer equipment. thanks for the education! I have been wondering about this style of BCD. Now I actually know a little bit about them! Thanks again. Will try one sometime.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks ol'-timer. They do make diving a lot easier. Maybe safer too LOL. Alec

[@johnteng9132]

Excellent teacher! I wish he taught my engineering courses in college I may have actually have enjoyed becoming an engineer.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow, thanks John. A.

[@weis0083]

"Do your job, Kevin" 🤣 Love these videos - thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it. A

[@jumpedupchimpanzee]

Top tips, as always. Just bought my first wing (XDeep Ghost) and can't wait to get it set up and give it a try.

[@goncaloportugal1]

Congratulations Alec for your channel and many thanks for your precious tips. I would like to suggest a video on BCD's lift capacity. Differences between capacity, how to properly evaluate your needs and how to choose the right one for you. I made myself this questions and it seems there are more people - specially when deciding to buy their first bcd - that wonder about those questions too. What do you think?

[@autoculto7629]

I love the freedom of movement with a wing and would never go back to a stab jacket. I don't use any extra weight but I do use a 12L steel tank plus 3L pony. This setup floats me perfectly however I want to orient myself, however I can't use my 10.4L aluminium cylinder due to the different bouyancy characteristics.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Nice to hear from an experienced diver who know what works for himself and not what marketing or others expect. Safe diving my friend.

[@stephansc.897]

Hi Alec, I really like to thank you for all your great Tech tips... may I ask you something? please make a techtip about backplate-Wings. thank you Sir!!!

[@nunogirao8097]

What advice do you have for connecting stuff to your BCD? The pockets have a terrible access and I just hate hanging things. What is the best way to connect a light, knife, SMB and reel, octopus (of course) and gauge? What about cameras?

[@Lady_Di42]

The most detailed video I could find, thank you!! 👌🏻

[@rtx1j]

Hi Alec, great video as usual =) I use a Back-inflated BCD with 8lbs all in the Integrated Weight System in tropical water. Normally at the surface, I would lean back to stop tipping forward. Performing safety stops in flat position. I really enjoy the flat position the BCD provides underwater and dont mind the tipping forward while at the surface. Gonna try the non-dumpable weight pocket in my next dive. Thanks for the tips. Cheers.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Do so for sure Rowan. You should float face up at the surface. Suppose you were unconscious? It works. It just takes parctice to get it right. Alec

[@VJazzman701]

I want Kevin to say “Shut up Mr. Lahey!” But in all seriousness, I love these videos and am responsible for at least 20 views for each one! They have compounded my enjoyment of diving. Thank you!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like and are learning something new from them Ruiel.

[@bristol8920]

Good video Alec, thanks for bringing me up to-date,I'm old school from the days of the ABLJ and a separate weight belt and a wet suit....

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Ahh! The 'Good 'Ol Days. Actually they weren't all that good but it was fun. For the uninitiated, suiting up went like this: 1. put on your 2 piece wet suit with Hi-pants, Beavertail and zipper wrists and ankles; 2. assemble your tank and regulator (no BCD); 3. put on your Horsecollar BC with waist and crotch strap (ouch!); get into your tank harness (sometimes with it's own crotch strap!) and pull the shoulders tight; 4. hike the weightbelt up under the tank and buckle it up in front. Ready to dive! Today it's assemble the tank, reg and WI BCD, put it on and dive.

[@FrancescoScaglioni]

I remember it well - and the suits felt as if they were made of armour and were as stiff as all sin.

[@codysheridan100]

I would just like to point out for new/novice divers, you do NOT want to be inflating on ascent. To go up, fin, as you get shallower the gas in your BC will expand. As this happens you need to deflate your BC so you don't rocket to the surface and hurt yourself. Are your weightings based off aluminium tanks Alec? I use 9-12 pounds with my 8mm wetsuit in Sydney. I find people are often taught to take too much weight, which can be dangerous.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You are quite right of course. Assuming you are close to neutral at depth and don't need extra air to start an ascent, a few fin kicks or even taking a big breath and holding it for a few seconds ought to be enough to get an ascent started after which you will be dumping air as you rise. The amount of weight needed is a personal thing Cody. Regardless of the tank used, each diver will need weight to suit his body. It's not possible to look at a diver, or even weigh a diver and say with any accuracy how much weight he'll need. You may come close, but that's not good enough. Having said that, an aluminum tank (we call them aluminum here, not the more accurate aluminium) has a different buoyancy than a steel tank and that will affect your weight requirements. At 9-12 pounds using an 8mm suit I'm guessing you're using a high capacity steel tank. Particularly since you are probably in salt water. With an 80 aluminum tank and a 6.5mm wetsuit most divers here would be using 18-20 pounds even in freshwater. There are so many factors that affect weight requirements including interestingly the diver's experience level and even gender that it's foolish to think you can guess what a diver will need. Take care. Alec

[@codysheridan100]

Thanks for responding, I think weighting is something so critical for a new diver to get right. It can improve safety and even more importantly it makes the dive so much more enjoyable! Just a follow up, a majority of people here dive 12L 232 bar steel tanks. These have a buoyancy of -4.25kg (-9.4 lb) when full and -0.75kg (-1.7lb) when empty.

[@bradhoughton1288]

Thanks for the video Alec. My favorite line in this one... "kick like the devil" lol. I've got the wing style (back inflate), and have been sinching the chest strap too tight. Didn't realize that it was just to keep the shoulder straps on my shoulders. Little things like this are just one of the reasons i love your vids. I'll have to save my $$ for the weight pouches, i thought i was getting a good deal on 2 x 11 pound lead weights. It's hard to adjust them. With smaller weight pouches i could distribute them more evenly from the front to the back (trim). Anyways, thanks for the video !!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you (again) Brad for your thoughtful and kind comments. If mistakes I've made and tips I've learned help just one diver, I'm happy. Re the chest strap, too many stores just sell the item but don't explain (or don't know!) hwo to use the various components. They leave it up to the diver to find out on his own - not smart! Alec

[@michaelruger9425]

Hello Alec. I have a suggestion for a topic. I would like to know more about regulators, or more specific the process used to test them before a dive shop will send you off with a thumbs up to rely on it underwater to keep you alive. Is it merely just adding air and connecting the LPI to a fancy calibrated gage to determine the pressure while simulated breathing to monitor pressure drops or fluctuations? Is there more to it then that? Again maybe someone else out there may be curious what the shops are charging for when they are inspecting a reg before giving a thumbs up, or down for diving.

[@ZippyDan]

How do you reconcile the potential need to quickly and easily eject weight in an emergency with your advice to place a significant amount of your weight (half or more) to the rear of a wing-type BC where it is not easily accessible and would be almost impossible to quickly eject in an emergency?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If your properly balanced with weight in drop pockets and trim pockets, then dropping even 2 pounds (e.g. on side pocket), will start your ascent. As you know once a diver starts ascending it accelerates if BC air is not dumped. In an emergency you don't have to drop 100% of weight to ascend (otherwise its a rocket up). So dropping a little weight gets you going up to do a CESA. Hope this helps explain why weight can be in non-ditchable trim pockets, which most BC's have.

[@ZippyDan]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter That makes perfect sense. An emergency ascent should still be a controlled ascent as much as possible. And you still have your BCD for additional buoyancy if needed. Thanks for taking the time to clarify.

[@garrettstevensen2467]

Hello Alec... please make sure to help educate us, on what to look out for when going to backplate BCD’s. Specifically, advise us on proper weight distribution, while factoring in the necessity to ditch weights in emergency... can’t dump entire backplates or tank mounted weights as easily. I’m not certain how this is accomplished accurately and safely while maintaining good trim as well.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The backplate helps to achieve good trim without having all of your weight on a belt around your waist. But you do need to find the best placement of the weight by trial and error. There is no "set" process for this. Each diver and dive circumstances is different. The plate will replace some of your weight requirements and also move that weight to the center of your body mass. Additional weight can be on a weight belt, via tank weights, hook-on weights or other means. As you practice and try various set-ups, you should keep in mind the importance of being able to dump some, if not all, of your weights. Of course, you would never drop your pack (which also includes your tank and reg) but the backplate would usually be just a small amount of your total weights. Alec

[@alaind831]

I was waiting on that video, thanks! one thing maybe missing is talking about being more streamlined and how much more efficient back mounted BS can be swimming under water ? I feel like my BC with all it's pockets is like dragging a bag undersea - but I don't have a wing to compare but been thinking of getting one.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Once you try a wing you may be hooked Alain. I shunned them for years because my experience with them goes back to the At-Pac which was a very heavy, bulky, cumbersome affair and turned me off. But the new ones are excellent. See if you can get one to try. Just realize that it will be odd at first. You will feel like your missing something and your buoyancy control will be way off. A bit of practice and re-adjustment of your weight trim should do the trick.

[@indosauro]

Hi Alec, great video as usual. Can you make a video on airtrim system? I'd love to see your explanation and point if view. Thanks in advance. Cheers

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I have to find a store with that setup but will add it to my ideas list. A

[@bypyhgyk]

Dude, you are awesome teacher!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks! 😃 A.

[@teslafreak]

I've been looking forward to this one, thanks Alec and Kevin!

[@markstengel7680]

Hi Alec, I suppose trying them on in a store helps in choosing what's best for each individual. Every decision in life has a cost. Now i know a bit more re: BCD's. Alec, your vast knowledge is priceless. Hang Tuff

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for your support Mark. Take care. Alec

[@jasonblalock5274]

Absolutely the single greatest video I've watched!!!! thanks for the info!!!!

[@jeepflyer]

Alec, great video as always. Love all the insight from your experiences. Have you ever used a BCD with the new inflate/deflate lever down by the waist? If so what were your thoughts? Open to other commenters here if they have as well. Just curious. Thanks!

[@oliverstubbs7637]

i dive with a DIR style backplate and wing which has a dump valve on the left hand waist side. i really like it! it makes dumping air a lot easier as you can stay in a horizontal trim position and dump air. no need to get into any upright position. just lean over to the right so that the valve is raised slightly, and pull the cord! its also easier to dump air if there is very little air in the wing. i don't really have any experience diving with a "normal" recreational wing that has a waist dump. as i have dived the DIR "techy" with for the last few years

[@seikibrian8641]

Hi Wes. I have a (now discontinued) SeaQuest BCD with the i3 lever system, and I really like it. When I push the lever to release air, both dump valves (right shoulder and left rear) open and air will escape from whichever valve is higher; no position issues. Whether I'm feet down, head down, or horizontal, it just works.The other valve doesn't let water in because they have "non-return mechanisms" -- which are simple one-way flaps, really, but they seem to work just fine. The i3 system is now available on some Aqua~Lung BCDs, and I think we'll be seeing a lot more of them and similar systems from other brands in the future.

[@jeepflyer]

Brian, thanks for the insight. I'd love to try an i3 system before buying but I doubt they are a popular choice for a shop to buy for rentals. I'm relatively new to scuba and have had no problems with traditional BCD setups. I have a healthy skepticism of new unproven designs but I try to avoid the "fear of new" syndrome just because something is new. The reason the i3 piqued my interest was for the streamlining it offers by not having an inflator/deflater hose flopping around. I'm getting into spear fishing and lion fish removal, and that also seems like a plus as it's one less thing to catch a line on or get tangled. Like you also mentioned, not needing to change orientation to deflate is very appealing as well. Not to mention the control lever is always in the same place. When I write it all out I guess my biggest question is now which i3 BCD type to go with, vest or wing? Haha

[@billschillerstrom583]

A couple of points. For the typical recreational diver, the BCD should never be inflated until your head breaks the surface of the water. For obvious safety reasons, the BCD should never be used to ascend. The second problem with the wing system is a sizable percentage of the weight you are carrying cannot be quickly dropped in an emergency. And dropping the front weights will not have the intended purpose of allowing the diver to safely ride higher in the water.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No argument here Bill. Good points. Alec

[@seikibrian8641]

Bill Schellerstrom " For the typical recreational diver, the BCD should never be inflated until your head breaks the surface of the water." If I wear enough weight to be able to descend from the surface in my 7mm two-piece wetsuit, by the time I get to 30 feet and my suit is compressing I'll sink like a stone if I don't add some air. My head will never break the surface, because I'll be stuck on the bottom.

[@JoeLLacelle]

Hi Alec. in this video, you sugest to inflate the BCD to Ascend. But every thing i was told when ready to ascend, is to empty your vest before going up to avoid air over expansion in your vest and to only inflate once at the surfice. just kinda wondering

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

In theory you're right. The expansion of the air in the BCD must be released or it will get out of control, particularly in the last 20' or so of your ascent, and bring you to the surface too quickly. However, that depends very much on your depth and on your state of buoyancy at the time you start the ascent. If you are in shallow water (less than 50') and if you are already neutral, you would begin the ascent and begin releasing air to control that ascent right away. However, if you are in deep water (90'+) and if you happen to be negative as say while taking pictures on a deep wreck, it might be a struggle to get started. You would have to fin fairly hard, messing up the bottom and consuming air. Better to inflate the BCD a bit until you start to rise slowly and then control your ascent until you reach shallower water and can release the air to halt your ascent. It all comes down to control. Whether you put air in or dump air is not the issue. You use the BCD as designed (buoyancy control device) to assist your ascent, your descent, to hover or set your state of buoyancy at any time. Another very important issue that your question raises is little known or regarded by many divers. The rate of air expansion in your BCD is not linear. That is, the rate of expansion or the speed by which the air expands is much greater near the surface. Just when you need control, physics intervenes and takes it away. Careful attention to your buoyancy is critical in less than 30'. The air expands so quickly that it's easy to lose control and be forced to the surface at a dangerous rate - not to mention that boat hulls are very hard! All the dump valves in the world (some BCDs have 4 of them even though you can only operate 1 at a time!) won't save you if the BCD is overinflated and you're rising quickly near the surface. As the sergeant said every day on Hill Street Blues", "Be careful out there." Alec

[@JoeLLacelle]

Alec Peirce Scuba ok. i dont have the Advance O.P.W. yet. so ive only gone to a max of 60' which explains why i dint know that at greater depth you might need a little help to acsend. Thanks for clarifying this.

[@carmengrace2413]

Those gold bars can be heavy

[@originalkk882]

True about the splitting of weights in the wing BC if diving in a thick suit and needing significant weight. But the example was a travel wing, so if I'm diving in the summer in Cayman when it's 84F, I don't use a suit, and only use 4 lbs of weight, which I need to all be ditchable, so not going to put weights in non-ditchable back pockets.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Right. Two 2-pound weights either in the front ditchable pockets or on a small weight belt would be best. A diver must always be able to drop his weights, or most of them, if needed. Alec

[@dgordon130]

Alec, just found your videos and love them. :-) This series reminded me of the At-Pac which I used decades ago. The backpac portion was hollow and used shot to balance. It also had a plastic shell. Very cool and the best setup I saw at the time when I was diving. Now as then, weighting was so critical. Most of the BC's of the day then where bouee fenzy's or USD horsecollars. Love to hear your thoughts on those. Cheers to a phenomenal series. Also, though I was never certified by them, what the heck happened to NASDS? In Ontario they had a stranglehold on Scubapro for decades. Great series and thanks.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The At-Pac was way ahead of it's time. It was the first weight-integrated BCD and quite good although a bit of a bother to set up. We spent a lot of time getting the right amount of lead shot and then mixing it with marbles so it didn't move all around in the pack. I have a couple in my vintage stuff. NASDS, commonly called NASTY because their course was so militaristic, was bought by SSI. I think they wanted the list of names more than anything. Yes. NASDS had an arrangement with Scubapro. I don't know the details of the it but an NASDS store sold Scubapro only. Another reason why it finally failed.

[@forgot_my_name_again]

Alec great video as usual. About the weight distribution perhaps you can make a video about that. Until about a year ago, needed to dive with 14kg of weight and with a dry suite even 16kg. Most of that located around my waist resulting in back problems and some poor trim. Then I purchased a back plated wing with a heavy steel backplate. I could remove 4 kg of weight as result of less volume. Still wasn't happy so purchased a 20kg heavy steel 300bar tank instead of a light one. Now I dive with just 2 kg of additional weight in a dry suite with perfect horizontal trim.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

We just completed an episode on the benefits of a backplate. Watch for it. Alec

[@Liquid188]

08:26 hahahahaha! Thank you for that laughter Alec! Great one!

[@WilburTheAtheist]

Hi new diver here starting off in freshwater lakes would just like to say I love your videos their very informative and interesting to watch!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Freshwater lakes are the best place to learn to dive. Cold water, low visibility, currents, dark bottoms, buoyancy problems, boat traffic, etc, etc. If you enjoy diving there and gain experience, you will become an excellent diver. Good luck Willis. Alec

[@davedonati206]

Hi Alec, great topic & on weight placement advice! The wings of today are far better than those awful at-packs of the early 80s! Do you recall those? Thanks. Dave

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Do I recall them, heck I use them and sold them. Check out my Vintage Scuba playlist for backpacks or BCD. There are several there including an at-pack and even weirder BC's. A

[@davedonati206]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Ok, will do.

[@PSDiver]

There are many things to consider as a Public Safety diver when choosing a BC. Many teams have a protocol of how quickly you can don it. This could put you at a disadvantage if you have a weight integrated system or any weight in the BC, for that matter. Also, many PSD teams prefer to have their safety tools in a triangle area (chest area) which is usually attached to D-rings or your strap when using a wing type BC. The disadvantage is that if you become incapacitated for any reason, your head tends to be forced back into the water. Also it becomes a bit more problematic to tow the injured diver. Just a few additional things to consider. I have had many discussions about this with various dive teams. Estevan

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Appreciate the feedback from a PSD pro Estevan. Hope this helps others in you field make a better selection. A

[@josephringling]

Great video Alec and I do appreciate the humor! I do prefer the wing type bcd for the same reasons.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's just the way I am. I'm not here for a long time (no one is) so I'm determined to enjoy myself. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@josephringling]

+Alec Peirce Scuba Yes your humor is a real treat for the dive community. Glad you're making the most of it! I'll definitely share this channel with my friends and check out the rest of your videos.

[@wallybrown9509]

I feel like I’m in kindergarten class with Alec. LOL. It’s ok though, he’s very informative, and seems like a great guy. Great info Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

This is new stuff to many divers. If you already know or understand what I'm trying to say, please be patient. If new divers get some good diving ideas, we all benefit. Take care Wally. Alec

[@wallybrown9509]

I think that’s what I said, I agree with you. And I’m a long way from knowing it all. Thx Alec.

[@karlmarx7450]

As always, super-great. Thanks a million, Karl.

[@steveschiff5926]

Hi Alec. Good informative video. I'm surprised you didn't touch on the differences in buoyancy and trim control between the stab jacket and wing type BCD. I've always been under the impression that it takes a bit more skill and practice to dive with the wing style but once you're accomplished, it's a much more stable configuration, but again one that might not be the best option for new divers who are still working on the basics. There's also the hybrid style that you didn't show in the video which as you know has the air bladder in the back but has the appearance and some configuration similarities including built in pockets towards the front, this is the type I dive with.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You're on your points Steve. I may do a BCD Trim video. Alec

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Yes I remember started diving in 1980s with Royal Navy. No stab jacket or BCD then. I dive in UK waters mostly so guess Canada is similar to us can be very cold. I use aqualung pro QD. Distribute about 10 kg I pockets and some in pocket type weight belt. Works fine. Use semi dry 7mm wet suit. And sometimes even a shot 5mm over the top also. Yes have tried a wing but much older type not that great as I remember.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Our water are both 'cool' and dark. Like I tell o/w students, if you can dive comfortably in these waters, the rest of the world is pretty easy.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter That's what we said, and have been told I. My former training. If you can dive UK waters they are the most demanding in the world. If you can do this here you can do this anywhere.

[@piotrzemanowski3251]

thank you very much for the video, and your time! - so much helpful - i'm going to watch all your films; greatings from Poland

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Piotr. Alec

[@melbcv]

stumbled upon this video in such a timely manner! thanks for the detailed explanation! now i know what to expect when i get the wing typed BC!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Alec

[@1vjbknife]

Good info. Thanks for the comparison; this will help me select a new BC. I think I am leaning toward the wing type; probably an Apeks Black Ice or a Zeagle Ranger.

[@dougberrett8094]

Sorry to come so late, but I just discovered you. I certified circa 1970 NASDS. ScubaPro regulator and tank, Bailey suit with 1/4” Farmer John bottom and 1/4” jacket. One half inch of collapsable neoprene around my core. The “life jacket” was the buoyancy control device. I cast my own weights. People were not yet scared to death of lead then. I am one of those you say to be afraid of because I much prefer the weight belt. I sized the weight to make me neutral at about 15’ in fresh water at high altitude. The suit decreases in buoyancy as one descends and the cells in the neoprene are squeezed. Sure I had to fight to get down, but it was all easy after that. Maintaining neutral buoyancy was a simple matter of blowing a little air into, or letting a wee bit out. And this is my problem with the new fangled BCD’s: in order to vent air one must lift the hose above where the air is. Big pain sometimes. The “life jacket” simply needed the fill valve depressed. I have a wing style BCD because the “life jacket” gave up the ghost long ago. I would go back to the old way in a heartbeat. Not really disagreeing with you, just adding a different view point.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Well welcome to another 'stone age diver'. Anyone who casts their own lead weights knows what DIY means. Thanks for watching Doug.

[@dougberrett8094]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter lots of good stuff on your channel. Thanks. We cast our own weights so that we could use many small weights rather than a few heavy ones. More stable, or at least not so sensitive to small position changes.

[@willsmooth45]

That’s what she said

[@gabewilliam1780]

You're my go to guy for Scuba! Keep up the awesome work!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Gabe. Alec

[@orka498]

Very descriptive, excellent video! What would you say about using a wing for teaching? Particularly hovering/neutral buoyancy demonstrations?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I suppose there's no reason to not use a wing in teaching new divers. Particuarly if the wing is the BCD of choice in your local diving. Just remember that your new divers will be forced to use jackets if they rent or travel. When teaching divers one must not let his personal preferences interfere with what's best for the divers in his class. Too often I see dive stores steering new divers to buy tech gear - wings, backplates, twins, 7' hoses, etc, for their classes. Usually because the store owner is a tekkie. The vast majority wll be diving 6 times a year on a weeklong trip to Cozumel, etc, where that gear is NOT common. Are they well prepared to enter the sport of diving or not? Let your conscience be your guide. Alec

[@Ryaa680]

Hi Alec, you made a very interesting point about Kevin and others who's weight might be up there. The weight pockets in the back of my BCD, similar to yours, have a limit (5lbs at most per pocket). However for someone like Kevin who needs to use 30-40 pounds, how do you put more weight in the back beyond the back pockets' limit? Do you have to buy a weight belt that attaches to the tank or tank strap?

[@Ryaa680]

wonderful video by the way. I started on a stab jacket then my gf who introduced me to diving at the time said I needed the wing style. To each his own, but I love the wing jacket with integrated weight pockets.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

So I consulted with the great one himself on this. For those who's lead exceeds the BCD limit of say 26-30 pounds (happens a lot), this is his answer. Use 2 small tank pockets (2 pounds each) to balance the extra lead (mount high or low for good trim). Plus I use a belt with 2 x 4 pounds (8 totally). The belt is not heavy compared to a loaded BC, easy to take off before boarding a boat. Hope this help and thanks for watching.

[@Ryaa680]

Hi Alec, responding again from the office lunch room here. Thanks for the hearty laughs from the first line of your response. I needed that. And great advice from both of you, thank you! I am putting too much into my bcd pockets and didn't think about using a belt to offset some of this as well as tank pockets. Glad to see you still interacting with us in the comments section! Hope you and Kev are well.

[@sailor4life784]

Hi Alec, Well.... after talking to a lot af my boating friends here and there, I realized that many of us would like to know what is necessary and what is not, when hanging there under the boats while fighting those annoying things growing wild. I really dont have the guts to dive more than 5 meters deep to tell you the truth, so any fancy regulators for deep diving should be excluded here at least from an economic aspect , Will a second stage regulator, 30 feets of hose and a oil free compressor do the job or will it be more comfortable with a pressure tank in a BCD ? Thanks for your videoes my friend ,

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I'm going to do a vid on surface supplied set-ups soon that will work for you. Your ideas are right up that alley and yes, a second stage only on a long hose is often used. I have a 50' hose with a second stage that I use for pool or dock work. I connect it to a tank that sits on the deck but a proper compressor would work too. Alec

[@schmitzquadrat]

Thank you so much for this valuable information. What is your opinion on alternative inflator systems for bcds like the Aqualung i3 or the mares airtrim system? Greetings from Germany.... love your channel

[@michaelandersen1801]

Again - great video. How about a video (maby already in the pile;-)) adressing the different type of inflatorhoses, regular or the one like on Aqualung, like the Rouge, wich have pull dump. Is there any disadvantages to the pull dump? I personally thing the pull dump its a very overlooked luxury advantages - why raise your arm every time to release air instead of a small pull. You dont have to move your arm up/down thrue the dive when you have a pulldump. The regular one seems oldschool once you go for pull dump ;-) Also there are other differences to adress!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Pull dumps are something every diver needs to remember is there. In cases where a fast / big air dump is needed, pull and hold. If a smaller dump is needed, short tugs work fine. Not as smooth as the power inflator/deflator but still a standard safety item on BC's. A

[@charleshays7121]

Alec, I think the recap of the two types is very informative, however i do have one question. What about the so called "hybrid jacket" BCDs? Supposedly the best of both worlds, but what have you found with that style? Thanks for all of your videos!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I have generally found that something that professes to do everything for everybody usually does a lot for a lot. The hybrid (combined jacket-style and wing-style) is pretty good. I've used them and sold them. But they wouldn't satisfy a true wing-style user nor are they quite the same as a true jacket-style. If you get a chance to try one, do so. They do a good job overall. Take care., Alec

[@J.Vic801]

Alec hello can you explain the difference between regular diving and side mount diving ? Maybe some pros and cons of each?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

We'll look at that J. Sidemount is practiced by a very small number of divers. You can find lots of info on the www in the meantime. Take care. Alec

[@xxdivelifexx4324]

hey Alec great vid as always I love my wing bcd and it definitely makes me tip forward but I just lay back like a lazy boy and it works great... I was wondering if u could do a vid on the pros and cons of an under arm regulator hose verses an over the shoulder or standard reg hose thanks. keep up the great vids

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I used a Sherwood Maximus for some time but never got comfortable with it. It didn't seem to solve anything and created other issues - losing it, recovery, slower getting it into yur mouth plus interfering with the safe second hose. Alec

[@joshuawade8319]

Awesome video. I had been waiting for this one. Thanks, Alec.

[@mariaguglielminotti8209]

Just compliment, I finally understand a lot of scuba things, just fantastic!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad I could help!

[@greetjevandale]

thanx a lot alec! my husband will try your tips next friday in the pool

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Have fun! A.

[@GerritLeman]

I enjoy your movies all the time. I was wondering upfront if you show a Hogarthian wing or not. ;-) But I assume that type of wing is ot directed to your typical audience. Anyway there is one type of configuration you never addressed, I think: SIdemount diving (continuous, loops, toddy style config etc...). You said you wnated an idea, well this may be one. Again Alec thanks for your videos. I enjoy them.

[@oliverstubbs7637]

i think DIR/hogarthian set ups are becoming more popular with recreational divers! they really have the edge on reliability, design and the ability to be used in many situations (singles, doubles) would be great to have that on the show!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Gerrit. I may get to the many other setups. Most will be in my Vintage Scuba playlist because most have gone by the wayside. Alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Most alternate systems are designed to address a problem or circumstance that simply doesn't arise in recreational diving. Hence their limited appeal. That doesn't diminish their value, just their popularity among divers in general. Thanks Oliver. Alec

[@albertbell7120]

Love your vids Alec after many years of Buddy commando going to change to the Black ice its on order hopefully arriving this week will let you know how it goes.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yes please. I'm not familiar with it but I love the name. Alec

[@carlosmontiel2329]

I own the Oceanic Biolite and after few dinvings, I can say it is perfect.. Super confortable & lightweigt . Plus bouyance never be better. I used to rent BCD and this one change my diving since I am more confortable. By the way I bought the "female" since I love the black / pink colors and I can say it fits exacttly to the blue one. Perfec for day to day BCD and travel

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good to know you found an excellent fit. I know several divers who love the Biolite's light weight just for travel. Safe diving my friend. A

[@murphysy6406]

Alec, I love all of your video. I do think spreading the weight on the wing bcd would make it goes up right. however, would it take away the benefit underwater? I assume it would also make you out of the trim position?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You have to play around until you get the right amount of weights in the right position on the rig so that you have the correct buoyancy AND the right trim. Getting the right amount of weight is fairly easy. Getting the right placement so you're trim underwater and OK on the surface takes a bit of time. It's all possible though. I discovered last year in Barbados how sensitive the trim is. I had my Oceanic Biolite perfect in my 5mm suit and then one evening, we decided to go for a night dive. It was so hot at the site that I decided to not wear my suit. What a screw-up! I was all over the place like a drunk seal! Next day on the boat in my suit - perfect! Good luck. Alec

[@cochinaable]

My first BCD was a Seaquest horse collar type.... with a LP connector to my reg that was in 1978... back then BC's as they where called were colored orange or yellow like the US Divers horse collars... Why are BCD's today all black or dark colored? Nice video...

[@cochinaable]

Oh,,,, yeah,,, back then real divers didn't use BC's hehehe

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Well, by the 70's and 80's the advantages of a BC were well known. The only divers who didn't use them were pretty dumb. The days of he-man divers, you know, no BC, 12" knives, 2 hose regs that sucked and wetsuits that didn't fit were long over by then. I know. I was there. Take care. Alec

[@yorweth1]

i started diving in 1968 on the wild welsh coast and my first inflatable was a horse collar .bright orange later upgraded to a Fenzie .orange as well .Easy to see in rough and cloudy water . but swam for 2 years without any inflatable at all . But soon got one after getting caught in between rough water and high cliffs down the Gower in wales and nearly cashed my chips in

[@Str8Flossin]

Alec, BCD’s and pounds of lift.... can you please shed some light on this subject? Was at my local lds and heard.... “ I wear 50 pounds of weight and a dry suit, so I’ll most definitely need a bcd with 75 pound of lift.” I’ve heard conflicting opinions on this. I trust your opinion more more than the other guy. Thanks!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

A dry suit provides perhaps as much as 30-40 pounds of lift, certainly when inflated at depth. Assuming the diver is intelligent enough to only add enough air to keep himself neutral at all times, he can always swim slowly to the surface with no air added to his BCD!! He sure as heck does NOT need 75 pounds of lift!! Have you even seen a Poseidon missile launched from a submarine?? If he for some unfathomable reason gets so negative that he is in danger of sinking, he can drop his weight belt and rise recklessly to the surface - risky but better than drowning. Sometimes I think "I use a 75 pound air cell" is a bit like "I've got the High Output option on my car so I can go 0 to 60 in 5 seconds!". Use common sense and trust a reliable LDS staff, preferably someone who doesn't brag about his deep dives. Good luck. Alec

[@richpalmer64]

ditchable weight is better than BCD lift. Theoretically, you should be able to swim your rig off the bottom in case of a BCD failure. If you can't, you should have enough ditchable to make you buoyant enough to swim up. if you are wearing a dry suit, the drysuit is your redundant buoyancy. Hopefully you never should drop weight at depth.

[@myatix1]

Great Video, Thanks for sharing you years of experience! I was wondering what you thought of the Oceanic Biolite Wing BCD and wondered if you have had a chance to dive with the new Scubapro Hydros Pro? I'm currently looking for a good BCD to travel with but also something that is hardwaring that I can dive with hear in Scandinavia (Denmark). Would love to hear your thoughts? Thanks again!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Both Oceanic and Scubapro make great products. Either choice would make you happy. I've used both and finally decided on the Biolite. It is much lighter, simpler and the stretch material, which I had second thoughts on, is fantastic. With the built-in bungees, the BC almost disappears when deflated so there's no bulk at all while diving. In fact it doesn't feel that you're even wearing a BCD! And it packs like a pair of socks! I added a single medium sized mesh pocket in case I want to carry something. Good luck. Alec

[@myatix1]

Thank Alec, Do you use the Biolite for regular dives at home as well or is it just a travel BC for you? Am a little worried that some travel BC's just aren't built to last?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Ok. Full disclosure here. I don't dive in cold water anymore. Before y'all jump on me, I put in over 50 years of diving almost exclusively in Canada, summer and winter. When you've done that, you can laugh at me! And don't forget I'm 70. Doesn't mean I can't dive in cold water anymore. It just means that I think about it a bit longer. I would dive here under special circumstances but it's not likely. So, to your question, I've used the Biolite on 4 dive trips and loved it. I don't see why it wouldn't last just as long as any other BC regardless of the water. In all honesty, if I was making a dive here, I'd probably get a BCD with more weight capacity for that dive. Don't know if this helps. Alec

[@mermaidwithmuscles100]

Just bought Hydros pro and used it for 9 dives. No complain so far.. Very comfortable, great lift, easy inflate and deflate, looks good as well

[@albertbell7120]

Hi Alan I have the Bilite and use it for holidays warm water ... I live in the North East and don't think it would last long in these waters same as Denmark but that's my opinion.

[@ericgehrke5967]

Could you possibly do video on how to self rescue with a lift bag

[@arturojgt-HVM]

Dear Alec, what do you think about sidemount? I bough few years ago a Z sidemount system, a complete set for two AL80.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sidemounts and all the tank mounting/access/setup systems are for specific environments or purposes, not generally for fun divers on a wall. There are new aspects to diving to consider not just tank position, such as CCR's, heads up display, shared data between computers and more ideas. I many do a bit on side mounts next time I'm in a pool. Thanks Arturo.

[@markthomas2526]

Hi Alec love the video's how about showing how to convert to side mount without scrapping your wing system I dive with a APEX WTX setup and was thinking about the switch.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Switching to side mount is a simple matter of arranging your scuba set-up to accommodate the side-suspended tanks. It should not matter what style of BCD you are using, or if you have one at all!!! Have a friend put on your wing. Then hold the side mount tank where you want it to hang and figure out the placement and style of clips required to achieve that. It's easier to do when you are looking at it rather than wearing it although you may need to make some adjustments when you do put it on and even more when you get into the water. Also, don't get too caught up in making the positioning precise. There will always need to be small adjustments once you jump into the water and suddenly the side mount tank has no weight. Try the set up in a pool first. I have not tried side mount using the WTX system but I think it ought to be easier than most. It has dozens of attachment points and very clear front area. Good luck. Alec

[@nitroxdiver461]

that oceanic wing BC looks very nice. I use a jacket but will probably switch soon, the wing style looks much more "pro". Thanks Alex, - Will

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Welcome ND.

[@jamesteddy9819]

Alan you are fun and informative, I'm glad I found you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for waching. I hope you've seen or heard something new. Alec

[@kKandiel]

Sir, Thanks for all your videos. Really helpful. You are one of the people I would really like to dive with.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sorry. My loving wife won't let me dive with anyone but her. Not really a hardship - she's beautiful and a VERY good diver. But thanks for the thought. Take care. Alec

[@kKandiel]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Don't worry, I live in a totally different continent!

[@SaltWaterRiders]

I honestly want to just say thank you very much for all your videos this video by far was one of the deciding factors , if I was going to get this Zeagle Scout! I have always used a jacket style BC and I’m going to give the scout a go thanks to the Tips on this video for a back inflate bc.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm sure you'll be happy. Take care. Alec