Travel BCDs

Many avid divers like to take their own equipment with them when they go on vacations. Traveling with BCDs can often be difficult due to their weight and size however and that leaves many divers with no other choice than to rent equipment they are not familiar with. Below, you will learn about travel BCDs, what they are and how they can help you have a more enjoyable diving experience when you are away from home.

What Is a Travel BCD?

A travel BCD is a buoyancy compensator device that has been modified to be lighter and more compact than the traditional BCD varieties. The reason that most divers do not consider traveling with BCDs is because of how bulky and hefty they are. A travel BCD that is built to be taken with you is usually made out of a lower denier material to make it lighter.

These types of BCDs usually only contain the most basic features and will not come equipped with all of the bells and whistles of non-travel products. They also are made with plastic rings instead of steel ones to cut back on the weight. Travel BCDs are ideal for more exotic tropical locals and may not be suited for cold weather or harsher conditions.

Benefits of Travel BCDs

While the BCDs that are made for travel are not as complex and fancy as others, they do come with many benefits. When traveling with BCDs, you want them to be as light as possible, to cut down on baggage costs and to make them easier to carry from place to place. The lighter weight is not only useful in this case, but can also make it easier to move through the water more quickly as well.

The compact design of these models ensures that you are able to fit them in a smaller amount of space. Also, the elimination of many optional or extra functions also ensures that you will end up with a cheaper option. There is no need to pay for all of those extra features if you will not be using them.

Perhaps the best benefit of traveling with BCDs is that ability to use your own diving equipment when traveling to a faraway location. Even though you may not be familiar with the area or instructors, you can draw comfort from knowing that you are using your own equipment and that nothing will go wrong with it.

How Much Do Travel BCDs Cost?

Travel BCDs may cost less than full range models, but they are still pretty pricey. Prices for these products range from $250-$425 on average, depending on the type of device and name brand you are looking for. Sometimes you may be able to find a clearance or gently used model for sale, but going with a brand new and up-to-date model is best.

Traveling with BCDs is a convenient luxury that is now made affordable to most divers. The tips above can help you better understand the benefits of using travel BCDs when you go on exotic dives.