BCD Recomendations?

[fitch4]

I'm looking to get a new BCD, mine is 10+ years old and getting a bit snug. I'm 5' 7", 165bs and dive all warm water with a thin shortie. I'd like weight integrated into it to get rid of my weight belt but other than that am open to suggestions. I'd also prefer not to break the bank on it. What do people recommend?

[ScubaToys Larry]

You will get a lot of recomendations from jackets to back inflate, and even back plates and wings. I'm a big fan of the zeagle bc's as they have integrated weights, nice pockets, life time warranty, and very comfy!

My favorite is the Zeagle Brigade.

[Judestudio]

Originally Posted by fitch4

I'm looking to get a new BCD, mine is 10+ years old and getting a bit snug. I'm 5' 7", 165bs and dive all warm water with a thin shortie. I'd like weight integrated into it to get rid of my weight belt but other than that am open to suggestions. I'd also prefer not to break the bank on it. What do people recommend?

I'd look at the new Zeagle Scout. Packs small and perfect for warm waters! Priced less than $200 with your 10% board discount! I can't think of any BCD with such TOP quality workmanship, materials and customer service at that price anywhere else. It comes with integrated weight pockets and made from 1000 denier fabric, same material they use in the heavy duty BCs.

If you'd like the flexibility to use in colder waters, have a look at the Zeagle Brigade, it has a bit more lift.

[creggur]

I have to put in another vote for the Zeagle Brigade.. Nice heavy duty straps and D-rings as it is a Ranger harness, but a smaller bladder which is great for travel/warm water diving. Plus what has to be the best weight integration system on the market.. Another nice thing is that since it's Zeagle and modular you can get a custom fit, lifetime warranty, and great customer support from Zeagle. With your ST discount you can get one with rear trim weight pockets for right around $400.00. If you've got that to spend, and like a back-inflate style, you just can't go wrong..

My sig really says it all!!
Good luck on your search..

[Zenagirl]

I definitely agree and recommend any Zeagle BC wholeheartedly!

[Xspect]

My wife loves her Oceanic ISLA, I bet the Hera is just as comfortable

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

You will get a lot of recomendations from jackets to back inflate, and even back plates and wings. I'm a big fan of the zeagle bc's as they have integrated weights, nice pockets, life time warranty, and very comfy!

My favorite is the Zeagle Brigade.

And their components are modular. You get perfect fit and you won't end up with more air cell than you need.

[letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by fitch4

I'm looking to get a new BCD, mine is 10+ years old and getting a bit snug. I'm 5' 7", 165bs and dive all warm water with a thin shortie. I'd like weight integrated into it to get rid of my weight belt but other than that am open to suggestions. I'd also prefer not to break the bank on it. What do people recommend?

You need to shop around, and try a few different BCs on. Scubatoys have some good deals but it is probably better if you try them on elsewhere before buying.

[creggur]

Originally Posted by letsgodiving

You need to shop around, and try a few different BCs on. Scubatoys have some good deals but it is probably better if you try them on elsewhere before buying.

While this is solid advice, it's really not totally necassary with ST.. In my experience the guys that you deal with on the phone there are pretty much experts on getting you the right size by taking your measurements, likes/dislikes, and other factors into play... I can't speak for them but I've seen Larry post it here a number of times, if it doesn't fit right they will exchange it no questions asked..

So if you don't have an LDS in your area that carries a BC that you are interested in, or you don't want to use your LDS as a fitting room, the guys at ST are pretty good at getting this stuff right...They haven't missed yet with me or my wife...Good luck on finding the right BC!!

[letsgodiving]

It depends on your location I suppose. We are in Florida so there are a lot of large scuba dealers. We can pop to Divers Direct or Divers Supply and wander around the store trying stuff on at will.