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Buoyancy Compensators (BC's) and Weight SystemsPoint your weighty "BC" questions and input here. Tell others what you use and what you do and don't like about it etc...
Although I've just started diving, I'm considering my own BC. I've had enough of leaky inflators and worn-out velcro on rentals. I think I'll have more confidence to work on my buoyancy with my own gear.
On my last rental, they had me thread the SPG hose through the arm of the jacket and out at the waist. It worked pretty well- the gauge stayed put and didn't drag. Is that likely to work with a Brigade, or should I plan on adding a quick-release?
Owning your own gear is like driving your own car - the seat and mirrors are always adjusted to where you want them, your fav radio station is already set, and you automatically know where the wipers and cruise control are.
Back inflates tend to come with several D-rings in various places depending on the make/model. There are upmteen versions of hose clips, snap clips, & retractors with which to connect/clip off your guages so they won't be dangling - a much better option than running it through a pocket, jacket arm, or other "make-do" invention common to stripped down rental gear. Same holds true for umpteen versions of octo holders to attach to you BC. Look at all the options in the gadget sections of your local dive shops and decide what you feel most comfortable handling as well as where you want them on your BCD so that you can maintain good trim in the water.
Enjoy your new gear!
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Elena It's your life, dive it well.
This member has said "Thank you." to mselenaous for this useful post:
Hi,
I personally prefer going the retractor route. Living in Illinois is not always condusive to the visibility found in the islands so the retractor allows me the ability to bring the spg as close to my face as needed in order to see it. I am still saving my dimes and quarters for Oceanic's heads up display mask because after diving that I don't want to have to deal with spg gauges ever again. LOL
Thanks for your replies. I didn't consider the through-the-arm method to be a shortcut, as it actually worked better than some clips I've used. I guess it may take a few tries to find the configuration I like best.
I use a brass clip with a D ring on one end and a spring loaded clip on the other. I loosely tie wrap the SPG tube to brass clip and then clip it to a D ring. Works well for me but at times want to try a retractor.
Something else to try if you dont mind people laughing and pointing at you is to run the SPG hose over the right shoulder. (Only works with harness type BCs, though.) A side benefit is not having a loop of hose to catch on anything. And you can use a really short hose. And it works well with long hose setups.
Can't use it for certain Aeris computer and old Dacors because they are "from the left side" specific. With a plain SPG that's not really a problem.
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