My prefered scuba equipment

This is a new page I have started writing (Sept 2022) to start answering many of the questions I get about gear. So it may look a little thin on the ground at the moment but I will be adding to it over the coming months as more manufacturers provide me with gear to test. I have decided to start with BCDs. At the moment all I am writing about is the gear I have PURCHASED and used for myself.

The best BCD OPTION

I love this set up for its versitility. Personally I use it without the weight pockets attached as the stainless plate is all the weight I need when using a full 3mm suit. If i need more weight due to a thicker suit I just add it on a weight belt. It is streamlined and with the inflation and weight all spread evenly over your back it gives you excellent trim both underwater and at the surface. As a dive instructor surface comfort is important, since you spend plenty of time at the surface in confined water.

Nowadays luggage allowances when flying have to play a part in your equipment selection. Weight is more often the limiting factor than size. When travelling with this i detach the heavy stanless plate and slip it into by carry on luggage placing the more bulky with and harness in the my checked luggage!

Bang for your buck!

This BCD you can get for under $300 while stocks last. It’s a good BCD at a great price.

Cool concept

I like what Oceanic have done here. I haven’t got my hands on one yet, but look forward to trying one out. Obviously it appears like the ideal travel solution. I do not think it will give such perfect trim in the water with the more limiterd options on where to place weight, but it DOES have rear weight trim pockets which is essential in my opinion on any BCD that does not utilise a stainless backplate.

Best Budget Option

This BCD has no weight integration which isn’t a huge problem in my opnion since a weight belt is one of the most versitile weight systems that exists anyway. You can always seperately purchase and add weight pouches to the cam band if you want trim weights anyway! It is jacket style so comfortable on the surface, and its not bulky. Like all Oceanic BCDs its durable, in fact durability is ehat sets Oceanic BCDs aprt in opinion. I have had terrible experiences with durability in other brands.

Mid Range Durable

This BCD is what i bought my nephew who has just completed his PADI instructor course with me. I chose it for it durable hybrid design, and fact it has rear trim weights at a sensible price. As mentioned before instructors can oftem spend pleanty of time at the surface when teaching in confined. The hybrid design that allows air in the bcd to move forward if you lean back making it comfortable for significant surface time. This is why I recommend it over the Oceanic Excursion. Compared to the oceanpro its only slightly more expensive but seems much more durable. It sizes large. So if in doubt between which size you should get err or the smaller side.

Best Ladies BCD

Durable plenty of trim options and with shoulder straps ergonomically designed for ladies this is a great option. I haven’t tested it myself though!