TESTCENTRE
A Type of buoyancy
Type BCD
COMPANY: SEAC PRICE: £ 411.95 WEB: WWW. SEACSUB. COM
I
learned to dive around the time that the old horse-collar buoyancy devices had just about been consigned to the history books. Jacket-style BCDs had become derigueur and I probably spent the good part of a decade using such a device.
After that, like many divers I made the switch to back-mounted buoyancy in the shape of a wing and have pretty much continued that way for the duration. Whenever I get the chance to test a conventional-style BCD it’ s always something I look forward to, and SEAC’ s Type proved a real treat for me.
Of single bag design, the Type is manufactured from a robust 420D Nylon material. Weighing around 3kg, it’ s of compact dimensions and form, folding almost flat and thus making it an excellent option for travellers. The hard, plastic backpack, with integrated lifting handle, features a single tank strap on its rear and a nicely-padded inner which proved very comfortable in use. The BCD is rated to carry a single cylinder of up to 18 litres capacity or 10 litre doubles. Two trim weight pouches( maximum capacity 2kg) are located on the rear of the Type and I used these to split my lead between the 4kg-apiece integrated weight pockets. These slide efficiently into the two zippered side pockets of the jacket and are held in place and promptly removed for handing up to the boat or dumping in an emergency via a pair of quick-release pinch-clips. The zips are easily accessed and while the storage compartments aren’ t cavernous, there’ s plenty of room for a small reel or spool plus a compact DSMB, torch or a GoPro-style action camera.
The capacity is understandably reduced when the weights are in situ, but the Type offers a total of five stainless-steel D-rings as suitable attachment points for accessories. Fit-wise, the medium-sized jacket allowed plenty of leeway for my drysuit, but once tightened up using the Velcro cummerbund, quick-release waist strap and a swift tug on the shoulder straps, it moulded to my shape.
The padded straps themselves terminate in circular swivel buckles attached to a lower webbing strap. These swivels allow the straps to be routed for best comfort and away from the front of the chest. A firm press breaks on the swivel mechanism separates shoulder pads and straps for ease of kitting-up or de-kitting.
A two-position sternum strap is also provided.
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