Choosing The Right BCD
When scuba diving, there’s just something about wearing your own BCD, knowing that you’re the only one that’s ever used it and probably be the only one that ever will. It feels good because it’s yours.
But when searching for the right BCD, what should you be looking out for?
Why Do We Need a BCD?
Your BCD (buoyancy control device) is your main life support system underwater! It’s what helps you to stay neutrally buoyant during a dive and what keeps your tank safely strapped to your back. It’s very easy to lose control whilst underwater and if you’re not careful, you could crash into coral and hurt not only yourself but the surrounding marine life too.
What To Look For
A BCD is made up of 6 basic parts:
Air Bladders - holds the air when inflated
Adjustable Back Strap - secures the tank, some BCD designs have more than one strap
Inflator - a power button which when pressed, inflates the BCD
Deflator - a power button which when pressed, deflates the BCD
Pockets (jacket styles only) - usually located on each side to store accessories or an integrated weight system
Dump/Quick Valve - a valve to expel air quickly
There are a few different types of BCD available on the market but the main three are:
The Jacket-Style
This BCD is the original and most popular in recreational diving. When renting gear at a dive centre and being fitted for all the equipment, this is the BCD most likely to be given to you. It’s a very comfortable jacket design that inflates around the chest and waist. Most jacket BCD’s also have pockets for extra storage or integrated weights.
The Back Inflate
This is another jacket BCD design which also features pockets and maybe an integrated weights system however this jacket allows the back to inflate. It’s designed to be better for a more horizontal diving position.
Wing
This BCD is very popular amongst tech divers as it allows much freer arm movement. There is no jacket, meaning no pockets and possibly no accessory storage. The backplate is the only part that inflates so perhaps best for more experienced divers.
How to Fit a BCD
There are a few things to bear in mind when trying on a BCD. Firstly, it's best to consider your style of diving, your weight distribution and your body type. Females generally have different body shapes to males which can sometimes impact the fit, such as torso length and the positioning of chest straps. There are both women’s BCDs and men’s BCDs available though if you would like to have a more accurate fit rather than unisex.
The best way to choose a BCD is to try it on, move about and see how it feels. Ask yourself - is it restrictive? Do you prefer integrated weights or a weight belt? Does it sit comfortably around the weight belt? Check that it will not be too tight when inflated and wearing scuba gear. It isn’t necessary to try the BCD on whilst in a wetsuit but it may be a good idea to bring your regs, just to see if everything is compatible.
Remember, you want to focus on safety, quality and comfort rather than if the BCD matches your wetsuit!
Best Place To Buy
It’s best to buy a BCD from a reputable brand that you trust to ensure quality and practicality.
If buying online, be sure that you can return it in case of an ill fit but why not also support your local dive centre and see what they have in store?
Hopefully, this quick guide has helped and now you can get searching for that perfect BCD!
Want more? Check out my previous guides:
Choosing The Right Mask
Choosing The Right Regulator
Choosing The Right Fins
