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10-26-2005, 9:57 PM Edward Joined on:10-23-2005 Singapore Posts 7 What's a good BCD? Currently I am using a back air cell mounted BC. Every time when I surfaced, I have to constantly lean back as I am being push face down due to the back floatation. I tried not to over inflate it but I still get the same problem or I do not have enough lift. Do any of you have similar problem? I am looking for a good BCD to replace it.  Obviously I should look for a jacket / conventional BCD but does anyone have recommendation? I would rather use back mounted air cell due to ease of putting on and comfort underwater.    Report

10-27-2005, 9:35 AM Alex Joined on:09-21-2005 Singapore Posts 24 Re: What's a good BCD? Hi Edward, I have never did a dive with a "Wing-Style" BCD so I am not able to give you any tips on that one. But from what I am heard from people using backflated BCD's they are quite happy because you are suposed to be very stable and comfortable under water. When it comes on floating on the surface - I can imagine that a jacket is the more comfortable choice. But maybe before you buy a new BCD you should give your actual wing another chance. If you are still searching for a jacket style BCD I can strongly recomend the Sea Quest Pro QD. That's a great one and has a very good reputation - just check out in the internet. http://www.aqualung.com/products/pro_qd.html What's the model name of the BCD you are using now ? CHEERS ;)    Report

10-28-2005, 12:39 AM Scubagirl Joined on:09-20-2005 Toronto, Canada Posts 11 Re: What's a good BCD?  Edward wrote: Currently I am using a back air cell mounted BC. Every time when I surfaced, I have to constantly lean back as I am being push face down due to the back floatation. I tried not to over inflate it but I still get the same problem or I do not have enough lift. Do any of you have similar problem? I am looking for a good BCD to replace it.  Obviously I should look for a jacket / conventional BCD but does anyone have recommendation? I would rather use back mounted air cell due to ease of putting on and comfort underwater. Edward, Before you replace what is likely a very good BCD (most back inflates are not your bargain basement BCD's), try not to over-inflate your BCD at the surface. Back inflates do a very good job of buoying you up at the surface without needing too much air. Add just enough to keep your head comfortably out of the water. You're not trying to launch yourself 3 feet out of the water, just enough for you to switch to snorkel (if you're using one). A "good" BCD is simply one that provides you enough lift for the amount of weight you use, is durable, and most important, is the right size so that it fits you comfortably. "Back inflates push you face down" is one of those persistent myths. It simply isn't true if you know how to use it. Underwater, as Alex has already pointed out, it's a great tool to help you achieve proper trim. :) "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined." Thoreau    Report

11-05-2005, 8:45 PM Edward Joined on:10-23-2005 Singapore Posts 7 Re: What's a good BCD? Thanks Alex and Scubagirl for the feedback. I am giving by BCD a few more tries...    Report

11-12-2005, 11:56 PM pinnacle Joined on:11-11-2005 Posts 1 Re: What's a good BCD? try the new tusa platina evolution 5500 bc..provides good lift and comfort while and the surface =)    Report

01-24-2006, 11:38 AM wlee76 Joined on:09-22-2005 Posts 17 Re: What's a good BCD? More than half of all diving fatalities occur at the surface. Sadly, most divers believe that jacket-style BCs provide proper surface floatation when, in fact, a divers surface position principally relates to their weight distribution. A nearly empty aluminum cylinder will usually float an unconscious diver face-down regardless of the BC worn. A few things you can do Shifting weight from a diver's waist toward their center Adding weights to the back of the tank but this may caused you to have a higher center of gravity while under water A weighted metal tank adaptor rather then just tank strap helps too    Report

01-27-2006, 10:45 PM stonefish35 Joined on:01-27-2006 Posts 2 What's a good BCD? I'm using a Halcyon Pioneeer backplate system. never had the mentioned problem. If your BC have 2 Cam strap, try to attach your weight to the lower tank strap to stablise and use a Single Tank Adapter.Thats why i'm doing.    Report

04-07-2006, 9:56 PM Edward Joined on:10-23-2005 Singapore Posts 7 Re: What's a good BCD? Well guys and gals, I have finally settled on Halcyon Pioneer 28 lbs. Yes I know... I complained about tiping face forward. Mind you with the Halcyon I still have the tendency to fall face forward however its much lesser than my other wing BC. After looking at a few jacket style, I find it difficult to put the jacket BCs on. (I have broad shoulders). Not to mentioned taking it off. With the harness system its simpler. Now as to stonefish35 suggestion on additional weight being strap to the tank... its a problem for me. As it is now, I am carrying 2 x 2lbs so having a fix weight that I can't reach to dump worries me. For now, I am happy with the Halcyon. Though I drank a bit of water at dayang 2-3 weeks ago becauce of choppy water. Thanks for all your advise.    Report

05-05-2006, 10:34 PM diverite Joined on:05-05-2006 Posts 8 Re: What's a good BCD? Having used my Diverite Transpec for almost 5 years now here's somethings I have learnt. - Pull the shoulder straps all the way up. A lower mounted BCD gives you more higher CG so you tend to fall forward - Mount the tank lower - inflate just enough to keep your head above water (don't over inflate) - avoid mounting weights onto the BC especially in front - space weights just behind your sides, not infront of your belly - weighted fins help - on the surface bend your knees slightly and tilt your head back slightly (really does help in the balance)        Report

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