Scuba diving accessories choosing advice!!

[John deep]

I’m looking to buy a new diving light and buoyancy compensator.

And am looking to have the best, yet I don’t have a long diving experience but I honestly have no experience in diving equipment purchasing.

Anyone can help!!!

[Jack]

As for the diving light I will give you some advice, choose your light according to use.

There are two kinds of use which are occasional use and regular use

You use your dive torch occasionally. You want to use light to see a specific object or fish, or you want emergency lighting. A torch is perfectly adequate for your needs, with its concentrated beam, compact body and long battery life.

You use your light throughout your dive or you dive at night. You want a powerful beam to create a light environment and reflect accurate perception of colors. A lamp is suited to your needs.>>[/font]

Also you have to consider battery life.
The length of time you can use the light will depend on the power, type of bulb and power supply (disposable or rechargeable batteries). LEDs consume less energy than a standard bulb. Remember to dispose of your spent batteries responsibly.

Care for the quality of light.A halogen lamp gives a denser beam for lighting over a distance.
LED bulbs give a softer and more natural light, but the beam is shorter.

Signal the presence of your anchor point at night.
Flash lamps are useful at night or in silt water to signal the presence of a diver.
Don't shine light directly at fish, as this distresses them.

Look for the power source. There are two types of power source:
- Disposable batteries: cannot be recharged.
- Rechargeable batteries: rechargeable, often come in the same format as disposable batteries and last longer.
- Nickel/cadmium rechargeable batteries: economical, but repeated recharging decreases the lengths of time they hold charges if the lamp is not fully discharged each time -> 10 hours charging time.
- Nickel/metal hydride (NIMH) batteries recharge faster and do not lose their charge --> 4 hours charging time.

I hope this will give you help for the diving light purchase, and don’t hesitate, anyway you will buy this time and then later you will buy again and again.

[Red sea shark]

I agree with what you say about the diving light, I see that you also looking to buy abuoyancy compensator.
Then you have to look for the most important features in a buoyancy compensator:
1- Buoyancy.
This is the capacity of the BC to float. It guarantees stability and balance. It is given in newton and kg.
The BC's buoyancy depends on the size and volume of the vest.
You should choose your BC vest so that it can offer stability at the depth you dive, bring you safely to the surface and keep you there.
Take 2 criteria into account when choosing:
- The size (XS, S, L, etc.).
- The volume (depending on the dimensions of your diving equipment).

To choose the right size BC, you should inflate it when you try.

2- Comfort.
A BC vest can hold your tanks in place. It should be adjusted to be a perfect fit on your body so you are not restricted during your dive.
Key points for comfort are:
-Back plate (a padded metal or plastic sheet where you can attach your tank).
- Padded straps/belts/shoulders
- Neckline. - Elasticized belt
- Cut (for women, children).

3- Fit.
Your vest should adapt to your chest. It should be properly adjusted and not move around once it's on.

For the best fit, choose:
- An adjustable cummerbund (it should fit perfectly round the waist).
- An adjustable harness.
- Specific women's (chest doesn’t get squashed) and children's (size suitable for smaller torsos) models.

You should also ensure devices such as the inflation valve, vent valve and D-rings are easily accessible.

4- Practicality

Your BC vest must be practical to use. You should easily be able to access your dive instruments and accessories :
- Stainless steel or plastic D-rings. - Detachable weight pockets/ Weight pockets in the back. - Zipper pockets. - Clips. - Safety whistles.
Try on several BC vests in store and remember to inflate them. Make sure you feel comfortable and can easily access your instruments and accessories

I think this will cover most of the points that you have to look at when you going to decide which buoyancy compensator to purchase.