Travel BCD for a soon-to-be Instructor?

[old8oy]

Hello all

My first post on here.

I'm off to Central America to take the IDC early next year, and am shopping for a BCD to take with me. I've been using a Mares Dragon, and love it...but it's too bulky and heavy to take, as I'll be doing a lot of backpacking around the region which won't always involve diving.

I favour the Cressi Travelight, as it packs away to almost nothing. The Flex is another I've looked at. A few people have told me that these are not ideal for the rigours of working as an instructor, though? I'm also told that, as the tank contents run down, these Cressi jackets make you a little light and prone to floating up too easily. Some have suggested the Scubapro Equator, which I would like to take a look at.

Has anyone used these products, or have any they can suggest? The Cressi would be ideal as regards space in my rucksack and weight, but if enough of you talk me out of it, I'll certainly listen.

Thanks

Warren

 

[mselenaous]

Hi Old8oy.

Congrats on doing your IDC. Sounds like you'll have alot of fun. I loved living in Panama and traveling around Costa Rica.

Here are a few recent threads on travel bcd's where several brands/models were mentioned. There are several links, and some reviewsl. One has a link to a video.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/buoyancy-compensators-bcs-weight-systems/337500-travel-bcd.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...319913-zeagle-express-tech-configuration.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...ght-systems/279082-lightweight-travel-bc.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...weight-systems/325963-scuba-pro-litehawk.html

Good luck and have fun in your travels.

 

[old8oy]

Hey, thanks for those. I'm looking forward to getting out there and diving, and also learning a little more Spanish on the way around.

 

[rjmazel]

Sounds fun!

 

[redacted]

I'm also told that, as the tank contents run down, these Cressi jackets make you a little light and prone to floating up too easily. Some have suggested the Scubapro Equator, which I would like to take a look at.

The floatiness thing is true, regardless of what BCD (if any) you are wearing, unless you are correctly weighted. Right?

 

[old8oy]

True, awap. But these BCDs are particularly light, and this info was coming from an instructor who runs a kit shop in London...hence my question.

 

[Kingpatzer]

I'm not sure I understand what your backpacking around the country has to do with the size of the BCD you take. When I go backpacking I don't take anything I don't absolutely need. Size and weight are worth more than gold. Even the lightest, smallest BCD is more than I would ever spend on carrying something that I won't use while backpacking.

Stick the BCD you already own and like in a box. Address it to the shop you're taking the IDC at. Mail it. When you're done with the IDC, mail it back home to family or friends.

 

[HowardE]

Check out the Aqua Lung Zuma. For a standard BCD - I like it... very small and lightweight.

 

[mpez0]

You may also want to consider backplate/harness/wings. A lightweight plate (plastic or aluminum), simple straps, and small wings are fine for tropic diving and about as light as one can get.

 

[old8oy]

Thanks, all. I would have liked a wing, as these pack away flat...but apparently most dive centres like you to teach while using equipment familiar to rookie divers. It would be the best option, though...and I'd get more use out of a wing when using twins to dive around the UK.

As for backpacking and weight, Kingpatzer...I know all about this, believe me. I've spent 18 months out of the last 2 years on the road, and have never taken more than a pair of shorts, jeans, a hooded top, waterproof jacket and no more than 3 t-shirts with me. And I need my BCD as I will be diving in most countries, and no self-respecting instructor would expect a shop to supply them a BCD to work with? And mailing valuable stuff to South/ Latin America isn't simple, and most mail firms refuse to insure it...I've asked before.