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#384
TRAVEL BCD
Cairojoe - 9/11/2008 3:42 AM
Category: Equipment
Replies: 5

I am looking at buying a travel bcd and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I do most of my diving during travel, so I would like something light and durable. 
#227
Scout - 9/11/2008 7:23 AM
I have a Mares Icon, which I bought from my lds March 2007 after seeing it at BTS. Rolls up into a neat package. It’s a back-bladder unit with integrated weights, two dump valves and a non-dumping inflator hose. Two back-flap pockets hold trim weights. After about 50 dives, I noticed that one of the stress-bearing seams was separating (faulty stitching) so I brought it back to the lds for warranty service. Mares sent a brand new one within a week. I probably have fifty dives on the new one with no problem. I’ll retire it after another hundred, but will probably replace it with a backplate/bladder system which will travel better.
#8046
Rich-D-Fish - 9/11/2008 9:50 AM


I can’t say enough good things about my Dive Rite Transpac w/Travel Wing. I use it for both my local cold water dives, as well as travel to tropical waters. I bought it because not only is it simple and very comfortable, but it’s extremely durable. I wanted a BCD that would last many many years. And if some of the webbing goes out, or the back bladder gets old, I just replace that part very easily and less costly. The webbing is heavy duty, as well as the buckle and 8 Large D-rings. It’s also nice that I can interchange the travel wing with a whole variety of larger wings to fit the type of diving I devolpe into. I went with the travel wing because of it’s small size and donut shape with no spots for air to get trapped. It has plenty of lift for me in cold water carrying a Steel 100hp tank + 24 lbs of lead weight. I just saw at my local dive shop that they now carry the Travel Wing 360, which looks like a middle size between the travel wing & the Rec wing. I don’t think I will need the Rec wing unless I start carrying doubles. I also like the integrated weight pockets. They have a zipper on the top for loading/unloading, so you don’t have to wear out the velcro-quick-dumps on the bottom. The zippered pockets pack flat, but are large enough to stowe any strange weight configuration the dive boat may supply you. The whole BCD packs nice and flat after you break it in to get a little stiffness out of the webbing. The travel wing is the perfect size to lay flat in my suitcase without needing to fold it. You can’t go wrong. I have almost 50 dives on mine and it still looks like brand new. One last tip if you choose to go this route.... buy from a LDS that carrys them if you can. You can save a few bucks buying online, but my LDS showed me the proper way to install the wing and the weight pouches (would have been tricky), plus they knew how to adjust it a few different ways to better fit my body. I noticed online that all the parts sell separately. It’s very versatile. Good luck.
#405
tricia3909 - 10/15/2008 6:35 PM
what about going with a bp/w rig?
#93
Subscribed
Scubapirate - 1/20/2010 10:22 PM
I am looking at the Mares Icon and the Cressi travelight. They both fold up and are around seven pounds for travel.