You may not think that you know much about scuba diving, but there are a few things you should consider before the next time you’re in the market to get the best BCD for beginners. Since there is such an extensive variety of these on the market today, it can be hard to figure out which one will suit your needs best. Hopefully, this article will help. We’ve compiled some of the most relevant information and research on what makes a good bcd so that when you go shopping, you know exactly what to look for and why.
Table of Contents
Zeagle Focus Jacket Style BCD
When you’re on the hunt for a new BCD, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of your options.
You want something that is durable and versatile, but you also want something that will be comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time.
The Zeagle Focus Jacket Style BCD has everything you need in one package. This jacket-style dive vest features an Airplus high-capacity bladder with 1000 denier nylon on the shoulders straps, harness, and pockets. This means that there are no hard edges or uncomfortable seams rubbing against your body as you move around underwater. Plus, this design makes it easier for you to adjust your equipment without worrying about snagging any of those tough-to-reach areas with sharp metal buckles or zippers!
In addition to being extra comfortable, this jacket style BCD is perfect if you like having plenty of storage space available when diving with heavy tanks because its large capacity can hold up good amount of weight! With that level of adjustability and storage, you’ll be able to bring everything that you need underwater without having to worry about if you have too much or too little room.
Highlighted Features:
- 1000 denier nylon on the shoulders, harness and pockets
- Airplus high-capacity bladder with soft edges for maximum comfort
- Self-donning design makes it easy to get in and out of your BCD fast!
- Large capacity keeps you from overloading yourself with unnecessary equipment
Cressi Durable Start Jacket Style BCD for Scuba Diving
The air bladder that comes with your BCD is usually a cheap disposable item. When it fails, you have to buy a new one and throw the old one away.
Cressi Durable Start Jacket Style BCD is a great choice because it has all of the features that you need, but doesn’t have any unnecessary extras that will just drive up the cost or complicate your dive experience.
This durable scuba diving jacket is made from 1000 Denier Cordura fabric, which means it will last longer than other jackets on the market without getting worn out as easily. It comes with two large cargo pockets and three exhaust valves to help you adjust buoyancy in any position underwater.
The backplate system is made from ultra-durable thermoplastic – this makes sure that your weight belt stays securely in place no matter how much movement there is during your dive adventure!
Highlighted Features:
- 1000 Dcordura fabric means this BCD will hold up better than other models on the market
- Large cargo pockets and three exhaust valves for easy buoyancy control
- Backplate system with thermoplastic frame design keeps your weight belt secure!
- Single tank mount keeps your equipment tidy and organizedBest BCD for beginners
Oceanic Biolite Travel Scuba Diving B.C.
Scuba diving is a hobby that allows you to experience the underwater world in a whole new way. However, it also requires a lot of equipment and can be very expensive for beginners.
The Oceanic Biolite Travel BC is designed with these concerns in mind. It’s ideal for beginner divers because it’s lightweight and easy to use while still having all the features that experienced divers need.
This travel BC comes with an integrated weight system that allows you to add up to 14 pounds of weights when needed, but they’re tucked away when not being used so they don’t take up extra space or get tangled in your gear. This backpack-style scuba diving BCD has dual pockets on the front which make it easy to grab your weights quickly without taking off your tank or mask first.
Many people don’t realize how easy it is to pack up your dive gear when you have one piece designed specifically for portability like this one!
With this travel BC, you’ll have everything you need right at hand so you can focus on enjoying yourself instead of worrying about what might go wrong if something goes missing during dive day!
Highlighted Features:
- Integrated weight system keeps your weights secure while not in use
- Soft pack design for easy storage when you’re not using it
- Dual pockets on the front of the BC make for quick weight access
Zeagle Covert BCD
Diving is fun but it can be uncomfortable if the equipment doesn’t fit properly.
The Zeagle Covert BCD has been designed with your comfort in mind. It features a lightweight, durable design that will keep you comfortable while still providing the performance you need when diving underwater. Designed for both men and women, this BC is great for recreational divers who want to feel secure underwater without sacrificing any of their styles on land or at sea.
With its sleek design and light padding, this scuba gear from Zeagle offers high-performance without being bulky or uncomfortable to wear during dives. This model comes with shoulder straps that have been designed with wider straps than other models in order to provide more comfort while wearing your dive suit over the top of it all day long as well as side release buckles so that getting into and out of your gear isn’t a chore.
Highlighted Features:
- Lightweight design won’t weigh you down underwater
- Shoulder straps are wider for added comfort under your suit
- Side release buckles are easy to use
- Designed for both men and women
Aqualung Womens Pearl BCD
Scuba diving can be an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to explore new underwater environments while having fun with friends or family members. There are so many dive destinations in the world ranging from tropical reefs to deep water wrecks filled with marine life of all shapes and sizes! It’s no wonder that people want to learn more about this incredible hobby!
Aqualung makes getting started easy by offering complete packages designed specifically for women who are looking for high-quality gear at affordable prices. This package includes everything you need from your BCD (the life jacket part) all the way down to your mask, fins & snorkel gear!. So there are no surprises when you’re ready to make your first dive. And at this price point, anyone can afford it!
Highlighted Features:
- This is a complete package deal and includes everything you need for your first scuba dive.
- Includes an integrated air-integrated computer that tracks your dive time and depth.
- This is specifically made for women to ensure maximum comfort and fit.
- Not only does it come with everything you need, but it’s also an incredibly good deal at this price range
Buying guide
For choosing a starter BCD, it’s important to consider what you need from your gear. Here are some points to consider:
What activity will you be doing?
Some people who are interested in scuba diving only want to do snorkeling and don’t need more than a mask, snorkel & fins. But some people might start by doing shore dives and want to make sure they like the experience before committing to becoming a certified scuba diver (the process can take time and money). So it’s important to figure out what type of gear you’re looking for at this point.
Will weighting your BCD matter?
Some beginner BCDs come with internal or external weights that allow you to control how negatively or positively affected you’ll be when descending/ascending while underwater. If weighting your BC is an important factor, then go for one that has removable weight pockets and make sure there is an option to add more if needed.
Do you plan on doing any diving in cold water?
If you plan on diving in colder climates, then it’s important that you buy a BCD designed for those conditions as most scuba gear isn’t meant to be used with freezing temperatures. BCDs that are designed for cooler or even cold water will have insulation along the chest area as well as the back of the device so that you stay warm underwater without adding an extra layer of clothing which could potentially weigh down your BC and put your safety at risk.
What size should my BCD be?
Some people want a smaller insignia because they don’t want to look so bulky and large underwater. And other people prefer a larger insignia (also known as a wing or jacket style BCD) because they require more buoyancy to stay afloat higher in the water, which is why they weigh down their gear less than someone with a smaller insignia. If you have back problems, then it’s important to pay attention to how much weight you’ll be adding to your waist belt so that you don’t cause yourself any pain after using the device for extended periods of time.
What material should my BC be made out of?
BCDs are typically made out of either nylon, polyester or rubberized neoprene depending on what brand/model you buy. Rubberized neoprene is best used in cold water climates as it’s more insulating and can keep you warm underwater. Nylon is a great option if you plan on spending time diving in warmer climates. Because rubberized neoprene contains water which means that it will eventually start to feel wet. Which can make you overly hot & uncomfortable underwater.
What features should my BC have?
An adjustable crotch strap comes in really handy when scuba diving. As it allows the lower part of the life jacket to fit more securely around your waist without any discomfort. This is important if you’re going to be submerged for an extended period of time. It will help with comfort and buoyancy control. Another feature that’s nice to see on a BCD is an emergency whistle. As we all know, scuba diving can be dangerous. If there’s ever an emergency where you have to signal for help! It’s important that your BCD has a whistle on it. So that you don’t get separated from your gear and potentially put yourself at risk of drowning.
What is maintenance like?
A device like this will require regular cleaning and any parts (seals) should be replaced every 2 years. It’s very important that you clean out your BC after each dive. And make sure all valves work properly before using it again. This ensures safety when scuba diving as valves can malfunction if they aren’t cleaned or replaced in time. Also, make sure the inflator and dump valves function properly by checking them while wearing the life jacket. To do this, remove the inflation tube by pressing your finger on the inflator button and pulling upwards. And then pinch the dump valve to release air from inside of the BCD.
What type of weight system should I get?
A lot of divers prefer using integrated weight systems. Because there are no loose weights that need to be attached on the outside of the gear. Which doesn’t look sleek and can potentially fall off while driving. However, detachable (slip) weight pockets are nice for advanced divers. Who requires more weight in order to stay neutrally buoyant underwater. Generally speaking, beginners should opt for an integrated weight system.
FAQs
Here we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about BCDs. So that you can get a better idea of what they are and how to use them.
Conclusion
A great beginner BCD is important for scuba diving. It will enable you to comfortably experience all the fun things that come with being underwater for an extended period of time. A significant feature of any quality BCD is a crotch strap that reduces discomfort and ensures safety while driving. Spend some time looking around and don’t forget to ask questions to other divers. Who have been scuba diving for a long time to get their opinion before buying a scuba diving BCD.