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.
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 ;)
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.
:)
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
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)