Buoyancy Compensators
There are some important factors to weigh (so to speak) if you're planning to become a scuba diver and are interested in buying a
buoyancy compensator (BC). You'll need a good understanding of what a BC is and why it is so important in the world of diving.
What's a BC?
* A BC is an essential piece of scuba gear that regulates how you float while under the water. It is deflated on your descent in order to sink and once you have reached your "cruising altitude," you refill it slightly so you can maintain a continuous depth. Likewise, when the dive is over you inflate your BC while you decompress (hovering at about 15 feet of depth before returning to the surface).
* Keeping proper weight balance underwater is important because it extends your bottom time. Think of it like driving a car: It's inefficient to speed up, then slow down, then speed up again. Maintaining a steady speed uses your fuel more efficiently. In diving, imagine having to kick constantly to keep yourself at a certain level. You will expend so much energy that not only will you use up your air, you will also get tired quickly and that's no fun.
* BC balance is important to keep you from bumping into coral seabeds, reefs or other bottom-dwellings.
* When you're above water it should keep your face well high of the surface, even with all your equipment on. It acts as an aid to keep your tank afloat and to keep you from inhaling water as you attempt to exit the water (especially on boat dives).
* You should never have to fully inflate your BC, so make sure you choose a BC with a buoyant lift that equals more than the weight of your ballast, belt and full tank combined.
* '''A BC is not a life jacket!'''
Quick Picks
Here are some quick picks chosen by price range to give you an idea of what is available on the market. Essentially they all look relatively similar. However, when it comes to performance and extra features, there is a definite difference between the various types. Choosing by price is not just a matter of budget, but it is also a matter of what type of diver you are. Occasional recreational divers and the novice shouldn't spend a lot of money on a hightech. Serious divers who spend a lot of time in the water should opt for the best they can afford, as the quality will pay off in durability, comfort, and functionality.
Style
There are two main BC styles:
kids get special BCs.
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* '''Backpack BC.
* '''Jacket or Vest BCs''' inflate all around the body. They may feel cumbersome to some divers, but they are the most popular BCs on the market. Still, many claim jacket/vest BCs are not as comfortable as harness style BCs and are not secure enough.
Capacity
Lift is determined not only by your body weight, but also by the weight of your gear, the weight of your belt and the type of diving you are doing. For tropical dives you will either be wearing a
weight belt both for safety (quick release) and for comfort. For people doing boat dives, take into account any extra difficulties you may have when trying to get out of the water with this type of BC. Also, if you are particularly heavy, an integrated weight system may not provide enough weight. Women may benefit more from having weights in their BCs because it reduces friction and discomfort on the hip region.
* '''Double-tank capacity'''
** If you are a cold-water diver, take long dives or do any cave diving, then you may prefer having two tanks, for safety as well as convenience.
* '''Spine pad'''
** This can greatly improve the comfort of your BC by keeping the chill out of your backbone, literally, and providing a comfortable support. Also look for shoulder pads that help take the stress off your shoulders.
* '''Pockets'''
** Extra pockets are great to have if you want to carry extra stuff with you, like
lift bags. If you don't want to carry anything with you while you dive, don't bother paying extra cash for features you don't need.
* '''Stainless steel D-rings'''
** These connective rings are very useful if you plan to carry any extra items with you while diving. They can also provide a way of clipping your
lanyards. Otherwise, they can pose a potential safety risk because they can catch on something.
Related Products
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