GrumpyOldGuy
Contributor
^^ I think the confusing part is where you carry your lead. If its all on the BC (integrated, plate, etc..) then the tank material in not relevant except a steel tank will require less lead and the total lift must be > total ballast. If you carry the lead on a belt/harness, then the ratio of body carried ballast vs BCD carried ballast may effect the ability of the smaller BCD to float on its own even though on your body the buoyancy of a thick wetsuit may make a smaller BCD possible.
This is why the Ranger and other all-in-one BCD's tend to have big bladders. They have to prepare for worst case scenario, not optimal scenario like would you do with a BP/W.
This is why the Ranger and other all-in-one BCD's tend to have big bladders. They have to prepare for worst case scenario, not optimal scenario like would you do with a BP/W.
