43 replies to this topic

[Bubble2Bubble]

As it stands right now my BCD takes up as much room as all my other dive gear combined when I travel. If I could find a BCD that is alittle more compact that would be Great! Even If I had to give up a few features like D-rings, side pockets, intergrated weights etc.
Do's anyone have an good idea here?


B2B

[Walter]

I haven't seen your BC, but it likely has padding and a cummerbund in addition to the weight integrated pockets. Those things take up lots of space in addition to making your diving more difficult. Look into a Scubapro Classic Sport. Scubapro used to make streamlined BCs. The Sport is the only one I've seen lately that is still compact and streamlined.

[WileEDiver]

As it stands right now my BCD takes up as much room as all my other dive gear combined when I travel. If I could find a BCD that is alittle more compact that would be Great! Even If I had to give up a few features like D-rings, side pockets, intergrated weights etc.
Do's anyone have an good idea here?


B2B

You don't say which BC you're currently using and concerned about, but others you might consider are the SeaQuest Passport (a BC made for travel--in fact, the mesh bag that holds the BC doubles as the lumbar support). Two others to consider are the Zeagle Escape and Scout (the Scout doesn't have a cummerbund).

[fbp]

I use an old backplate with wing... tucks in nicely.
Just 2 sholder and a waist strap..

but the compacts, slim lines that Walter mentions are getting smaller and less cluttered than before...

[finGrabber]

Whatever you do Mike, don't plan on traveling with a Zeagle Ranger...that thing takes up alot of room! I've seen a Zeagle Brigade that is alot more streamlined than mine is...you can check them out at ScubaToys

[Bubble2Bubble]

Sorry I didnt mention my BC
Its a dacor talon AT with all the extra's it actualy feels like and bullet proof vest while wearing it. I dont know the weight of it but i bet its all of 12+ lbs. its like having a snap-on rolling tool box with all the drawers. Like all things it has its purpose but I dont think traveling is one of them.


B2B

Edited by Bubble2Bubble, 23 February 2005 - 04:43 PM.

[Funewgy]

Whatever you do Mike, don't plan on traveling with a Zeagle Ranger...that thing takes up alot of room!  I've seen a Zeagle Brigade that is alot more streamlined than mine is...you can check them out at ScubaToys

I have a Zeagle Brigade from the good folks at Scuba Toys and I really like it. It packs up nicely and is extremely comfortable -- that's the "good". That said, I know that Walter has some issues with Zeagle fundamental design, so I would highly recommend that you ping him to get the "bad". As for the "ugly", I give you my avatar.

Also, this month's Scuba Diving magazine (March 2005) has an article/review entitled "Traveling Light" of "11 featureweight BCs designed to go anywhere."

Hope this helps.

Edited by Funewgy, 23 February 2005 - 05:15 PM.

[drdiver]

I have a Zeagle Vacation Express that packs down to about the size of a roll of paper towels. I actually like it better than my Ranger, although it doesn't have all the D rings and things that the Ranger does. They don't make the Express anymore, but I've heard good things about the Brigade.

[ShamuLovesMe]

On the higher end, the Seaquest Balance is not only a great BCD, but also travels light.

[WVMike]

I had a Zeagle Scout, It packed real small. Was a back inflate and weight integrated to boot.

I liked the BC for what it was, but it did have a tendency to ride up high, could benefit from a crotch strap.

Mike

[maninthesea]

Check out the DiveRite Transpac with Travel Wing. I remove the tank bands roll up the wing and it ends up pretty small.

http://diverite.com/...cd/transpac.htm
http://diverite.com/...ells.htm#Travel

Cheers Jim

[Bubble2Bubble]

Jim that is truley a unique BC system Thank You.

Doug

Also, this month's Scuba Diving magazine (March 2005) has an article/review entitled "Traveling Light" of "11 featureweight BCs designed to go anywhere."

I have alot of diving mags but not Scuba Diving!
can somebody be so kind as to post the 11 featureweight BCs on here?

B2B

[Funewgy]

Jim that is truley a unique BC system Thank You.

Doug

Also, this month's Scuba Diving magazine (March 2005) has an article/review entitled "Traveling Light" of "11 featureweight BCs designed to go anywhere."

I have alot of diving mags but not Scuba Diving!
can somebody be so kind as to post the 11 featureweight BCs on here?

B2B

Excuse my typo. It should say "featherweight".

Anway, here are the one's covered...These first six were the "Testers' Choices":

Sea Quest - Balance
Sherwood Scuba - Tortuga
Sea Quest - Passport
Genesis Scuba - Tropic
Zeagle - Stiletto
Oceanic - Islander

Very good performers:

XS Scuba - Advantage
Aeris - Reef Rider
Deepoutdoors - Neutrino
Cressi-sub - Aqualight

Good performer:

Triple-L - Aquarius (this was listed as a "Best Buy")

Hope this helps.

[mvillanueva]

Latest issue of DAN has a short article on traveling light with a few product suggestions (Fins and BC included).

[mvillanueva]

Check out the DiveRite Transpac with Travel Wing. I remove the tank bands roll up the wing and it ends up pretty small.

http://diverite.com/...cd/transpac.htm
http://diverite.com/...ells.htm#Travel

Cheers Jim

Maninthesea...

Hey, that set up looks pretty streamlined and efficient-- much more than our clunky Avid BCs. Do you use Diverite BCs on a regular basis? Or only when traveling?