Table of Contents
What size BCD should I wear?
Always try your new BCD over the exposure suit you plan on wearing it with. The measurements shown are chest measurements over your exposure protection, so if for example you have 42 inch chest and wear a dry suit which is approximately 2 inches of bulk, you should consider a size compatible with a 44 inch chest.
How much BCD lift do I need?
Here is a guideline to help you figure out how much lift you will need: Tropical Diving (little or no exposure protection) – 12-24 pounds. Recreational Diving (full wetsuit or drysuit) – 20-40 pounds. Technical Diving (diving under demanding conditions) – 40-80 pounds.
Is BCD too small?
A BCD that doesn’t fit you properly is very likely to cause a problem with one of the other items of your gear. A BCD that’s too tight could hurt you when fully inflated, and a BCD that’s too loose will move around your body during the dive. Comfort : The BCD hugs your torso. It needs to fit properly to be comfortable.
What does BCD stand for in scuba?
Buoyancy Compensating Device
The acronym BCD commonly is considered to stand for either Buoyancy Compensating Device or Buoyancy Control Device. Generally when a diver refers to a BCD they are describing an inflatable piece of diving equipment which takes the shape of a sleeveless jacket.
What does BC stand for in scuba diving?
Buoyancy compensator (diving)
| Jacket type BC on diving cylinder | |
|---|---|
| Acronym | BC or BCD |
| Other names | Buoyancy control device |
| Uses | To adjust and control the overall buoyancy of the diver |
| Related items | Backplate and wing |
What is a BCD in scuba gear?
Your Scuba BCD (Buoyancy Compensator Device) is a key part of your underwater life support system. Also referred to as a BC (Buoyancy Compensator), we offer the best brands so you know you can rely on top quality gear for all your diving needs.
How many pounds lift BCD?
Your BCD should have at least 56 lbs of lift! This ensures the BCD can provide enough lift on the surface for the diver to not have to put forth any effort to stay on the surface. Please keep in mind that if you are diving in tropical conditions, you may only need 6 to 10 lbs of lead to descend.
How much weight can a BCD lift?
Many recreational BCDs have 16-17kg lift capacity. A bcd with a plastic backpack would fall to pieces with a double 15. In the water they might weigh 12kg but out of the water they weigh more than 40.
How tight should a BCD fit?
A BCD should fit you like a comfortably–fitting coat; it should allow you to move freely without binding or slipping. The ideal BCD fit includes: Snug, but not tight around your mid-section and arms/shoulders. Straps should cinch across your body comfortably, but shouldn’t have slop or feel constrictive.
What is a BCD in scuba diving?
Imagine scuba diving while hovering, weightless underwater – eye to eye with a fish. How is it possible? It starts with your buoyancy control device (BCD). A BCD does exactly what its name describes – it gives you control in the water. Sometimes you want to float on the surface comfortably.