How To Choose and Own a BCD

How To Choose and Own a BCD #scuba #howto
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The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor.

[@aliasincognito0]

The sidemount community appreciates the small acknowledgment at the very end.

[@subjektobjektpradikat7902]

Noob diver here with 30+ dives. Bought a second hand bpw. Bladder from tecline, two plates, one dir and one comfort harness and lead pockets for a third of the msrp. Do your research and look out for used stuff in your area if you want to save some money. There are plenty of divers out there who buy new stuff and skip diving after a year or so, that is where you come in ;-)

[@UltimateLogbookApp]

Great overview! Thank you Mark

[@jaimeedean-murphy4665]

I need this video. 60 dives and still rent.

[@laminar0886]

Yeah… I can 100% attest to the benefits of having all your own gear. Maintenance and cleaning… yes, but completely worth all of it. Only thing we rent now is cylinders and weights - when traveling.

[@amazingtazz1579]

Got 3 bcd’s…. BPW, sidemount and jacket for teaching….🤣

[@MysticalDragon73]

So are wing style also what is referred to as back inflate bcd's and used interchangeably or are they something different? As I'm starting my research I've usually heard of jacket and back inflate bcd's along with wing style and trying to sort out the differences and pros and cons. One reason for watching the video. I'm just getting into diving. I did my try scuba class sunday and signed up for my open water class monday that will be starting in a couple weeks. I'm looking at gear and making preparations to getting everything, though likely over the winter. One person in a local shop suggested the Aqualung dimension back inflate bcd. However I'm a bit hesitant hearing how aqualung is going through some changes. I also want some color choices to stand out and be seen better. Especially since alot of my diving will be in a local quarry or three.

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Yes, the nomenclature can be tricky and regional at times. 'Wing' typically refers to anything where the bladder is all behind you. So calling the Dimension a Wing or a Back-Inflate BCD is correct. I'd call it a recreational wing myself, because it's one complete piece of gear. Whereas something like an XDEEP Zen is a backplate and wing or BP/W. A separate backplate and wing system will offer you better customizability because they're modular; you buy the backplate, you buy the harness and you buy the wing separately (or together as a kit). That way you can find a brightly coloured wing and it will work very similarly to something like the Dimension. Time will tell what happens to the AquaLung group, I usually recommend divers at least consider a backplate and wing for their longevity. Because they're modular you can make it your own and replace parts as you progress. The materials are typically tougher also to protect from damage longer.

[@MysticalDragon73]

@@ScubaDiverMagazine Thank you I greatly appreciate the clarification and help.

[@pete.watsons]

#askmark Def need some help on this I just can’t commit to which BCD to get. I used to dive for around 8 years straight, this was about 20 years ago mainly channel diving off Dover. Over last couple years doing a few dives, in Malta, Red Sea and corfu, places I’ll likely to return to, I have now re fallen in love again. BUT, I sold my kit some 8 years ago. I’ve started buying again, I’m torn between SP Hydros pro… OR, incase when on holiday I need a little more air, (twins?) or am I overthinking ..should I go for a backplate set up? I’ve had an online chat with a UK store and they did say go for the Hydros over a plate… I just don’t want to buy and regret. I’ll only do prob 10-20 dives a year max. Any advice? I’ve binged watch most of your videos and as a returning diver and would like to say very very helpful 🙏🙏🙏

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

I usually recommend BP/W for their modularity and longevity, you can treat them like Trigger's broom and it will last forever. There certainly is a place for BCDs like the Hydros Pro, recreational BCDs are quick and easy to throw on and go diving with out of the box. BP/Ws need to be assembled first but, once they're set up you can customise them as much as you like by adding and removing parts that suit your diving. If twins are a serious consideration then a BP/W is the strongest choice and you can alternate between singles and twins by swapping the wing over. The Hydros Pro is best suited for singles. Spend a bit of time looking at backplates and some of the options that are out there and decide which works best for you

[@wildsurfer12]

Get an X Deep Zen and have done with it.

[@MysticalDragon73]

whys that? whats so good about it?

[@peterjulianphotos4659]

#ASKMARK Question regarding correct weighting. I've seen lots of videos and people saying you should be neutrally bouyant at the surface with an empty BCD and 50 Bar left in your tank. My question is should you not be neutrally bouyant at 5 metres with 50 bar and fully exhaled. That way you can ascend by breathing in and you will continue to ascend because of Boyles Law, as pressure reduces volume increases. This in theory mean that you are using 11 litres less air to remain neutrally bouyant at 5 metres than being neutrally bouyant at the surface.

[@chrisphilhower6029]

Me personally? I had little choice. My local shop ordered me an Aqua lung Omni in a custom size. A Medium with a Small Waist. Only thing I am disappointed with is, Did not come with Trim Pockets. It Fits me very well. The Aqua Lung Small was too tight in the Chest. The Medium was too loose in the Waist.

[@willsmooth45]

BUY A BACK PLATE AND WING BE DONE ALSO LONG HOSE PRIMARY DONATE

[@audrickoob5001]

It should be the norm

[@shandown6292]

What's your opinion on Scubapro Hydros X? I can't see so much information on the internet and i'm thinking about buying it as my first bcd, thinking on a long-lasting bcd.

[@aliasincognito0]

Just get a backplate and wing. No reason to fuss around with these types of BCDs. Even if you're only diving recreationally with a single tank, a BP/W is superior to the Hydros X in every possible way.

[@pegasusemt518]

Seems like a nice setup. If you can go try on one in a local dive shop that would be ideal. It’s all about preference and fit. I’ve had my AquaLung Axiom for well over 10 Year and it’s similar to that one. I’ve done BW/W setups before, but I don’t find it as comfortable. The jacket style just makes me happy and comfy. Def make sure you are comfy in it and happy with it. When you try it on - do what you can to weigh it down to actually feel it. Put a tank on it so you see how the shoulders, hips, and back feels.