Black Diamond back inflate bc

[Sabanist]

I may be assembling this thing incorrectly. When I put it on it seems like the sides of the bladder stick out excessively, like wings.

Is this normal? Do they always do that? seems like it would be cumbersome at depth, especially if trying to get through a wreck or something. I would be afraid it would snag

[Jim Lapenta]

What did the shop tell you about putting it together?

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[Sabanist]

Well, it was pre assembled already but I was thinking there would be some way of securing the "wings" so they are more sreamlined.

I am testing it from an individual, not a store

[Scott]

Older Black Diamonds had an elastic bungee close to the middle to help with minimize tacoing. As it gets wet and stretches the elasticity decreaces.
I modified mine by cutting off the bungee and had a buddy sew a strap in its place. I put a buckle from a chest strap on so I could sinch the wing down.

The wing on the BD is just plain big.

[Sabanist]

I realized I needed a tank. The elastic bands wrap around the tank, this is what creates the pocket and takes in the wings. Operator error.

[Sabanist]

I also have to comment on the weight of it. It's pretty heavy as BC's go. Granted I've only used jacket bc's til now. Between the plastic cradle for the tank and the extra pockets and stainless steel d rings. The weight adds up. I don't think I could travel with it, which is discouraging.

[TipsAndHowTos]

One of the first things you must consider before purchasing a BCD (especially your first BCD), is what activities you’ll be using it for; seaQuest’s Black Diamond is what I would categorize as an ‘entry-level technical’ BCD; its wing is big, and it actually is big enough to support 2-tanks gear; and a diver dives with two tanks when the diver have the equipment’s technical knowledge and the need for being underwater for longer periods of time or for deep dives; with the Black Diamond you can work on a different type of projects under water, it’s not just a recreational BCD; for example, if you have to carry a camera and it’s accessories, or assist other divers preparing for technical dives, then you’ll make great use of the Black Diamond’s pockets, D rings, and overall design; makes carrying gear much easier with its larger wing.
As for wreck diving, if the dive is not too technical and if the wreck’s dive-thru areas allow the average diver to pass through without difficulties, the Black Diamond is still a great choice; learn your body’s dimensions’ before diving in unfamiliar wrecks; I did this, by setting up all my gear (I own a Black Diamond) using the back of a dining chair to simulate my shoulders; then inflated the Black Diamond’s wing all the way - because you never know how much inflating of the BCD you may need in an emergency, right?- attached a tank, then looked around from all angles, to see my measurements; now, before diving into tight spaces, I just see the openings and immediately know if I pass through, no problem. And all scuba gear is heavy for traveling, or even diving locally; call the scuba store (if available) before you go diving, and try to rent some of the gear, like weight belts, so you don’t have to carry everything.