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DISCLAIMER

This section deals with the Bouyancy Compensator Device and regulator. These two items are probably the most important items that you will buy for scuba diving. They are the most expensive for a reason – you will need these above all other items to survive underwater. For this reason, it is important to seek professional advice when buying this equipment along AND to have proper training in its use. I can only give my advice as to what is comfortable. Remember it is only my advice and something to think about when you buy your equipment. You should not base your decision on my advice alone and I recommend that you do seek professional help with equipment selection.

Thinking of Buying?

You should be thinking about buying this equipment if you know that you will be diving regularly or that you feel that this is a long term interest. Two things you should consider when you make the transition to private from rental equipment – cost and convenience.

When I say cost in your considerations to move from rental to private, I mean the cost of paying for the equipment in one lump sum and owning it, as a opposed to the cost you should spend on your equipment. If you are going regularly, then the cost of renting the equipment will add up and quickly equal the amount that you would have spent on buying your own equipment. Of course, the depends on how serious you are on the sport and how frequently you go diving. I like to go every two weeks, so for me the cost is justified in getting my own equipment.

Convenience should be your second consideration. Owning your own equipment means that you are familiar with it and, if you go diving with a regular buddy, they are familiar with it too. Familiarity with it means that you won’t have to spend too much time adjusting and learning it before you get into the water, and you know where things are and how to adjust them when in the water. But the drawback of owning your own equipment is that its your responsibility to look after it and lug it around. It’s no longer the dive operators responsibility to maintain it, wash it and transport it. That’s your privilege. If you go only a few times a year, it might not be worth the expenditure and the space it takes up.

Some would tell you that owning your own equipment might give you an added sense of safety. While this can be true, it is worth noting that most reputable dive operators will ensure that this equipment is in good service and working order. Failure on their behalf to do so, will mean their reputation, safety record, and essentially their livelihood. As long as you choose a reputable dive operator, you should have no worries about using rental equipment.

Cost

How much should you spend on a BCD and regulator ? Well, how much can you afford? It’s an obvious answer but it is probably the most correct one. You should aim to spend as much as you truly can afford on this equipment. Remember, its kit that helps you live. Higher prices in this category usually mean better quality and durability. Quality is important as it gives you that sense of security, while durability ensures that, with the right care, your scuba equipment is an investment that can last 10 years. Save your money in other areas if you have to. This is not an area you should get a good feeling when you’ve economized.

Having said that, once you have found the equipment you like, be sure to shop around. So long as you bear in mind the quality and reputation of the shop you are buying from, bargains and discounts can be found. I would, however, strongly dissuade you from buying off the Internet. You need to see the products, try them on, and inspect their quality because of the nature of this equipment and handing over such a large amount of money. I also like to ask questions and new ones always spring to mind when I’m buying equipment.

What I Have

I use a SeaQuest Pro QD+ BCD. I got mine in 2002 which meant that I got a 30th Anniversary Edition, which meant it came in a fetching black and silver combination. I’m sure I also paid for the privilege. It’s a modern jacket-style BCD which is fine for recreational diving. It has an integrated weight system which allows more of the weight to sit on further up on your body and also means that your BCD does a lot of the work in supporting that weight in more evenly distributed fashion. Additionally, it has three dump valves on it – which makes it easier to control your bouyancy.

An optional extra, that I have chosen, is to use the integrated Air Source. This negates the need to have a secondary regulator since it is integrated into the BCD’s inflator. It’s one less hose and regulator that you have to worry about when you are diving and improves your streamline too. In an emergency, you can share your primary regulator with your buddy while you use the air source. It’s important to note that this configuration is only suitable for recreational diving. Technical diving requires you to have an additional normal regulator available. Be sure also to let your buddy know if you use an Air Source.

For the regulator, I use a ScubaPro MK25 First Stage and a G250HP Second Stage. To be honest, I went with the recommendation of my instructor and this was the best quality that I could afford to buy. I’m ashamed to admit that I can’t go into the technical workings and pro’s and con’s of what to look for in a regulator. Go with the advice of a qualified professional.

Tags: Scuba