BOUYANCY CONTROL SYSTEMS

BUOYANCY CONTROL SYSTEMS

Quality Scuba and Snorkeling Equipment from MidCoast Scuba Center - Omaha, Nebraska

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MidCoast Scuba Center is the areas authorized ScubaPro dealer.	KNIGHT HAWK	LADY HAWK	PILOT

			AIR 2

KNIGHT HAWK BUOYANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (BCS)

A robust and comfortable back flotation jacket that integrates numerous performance features to deliver outstanding comfort and easy handling.

Back flotation technology positions air bladder in the back, providing exceptional freedom of movement around chest and shoulders
3-dump deflation system enables divers to dump air from a variety of underwater positions
Streamlined air cell technology
Automatic volume control of air cell through compression straps
Rotating Quick Release shoulder buckles and adjustable shoulder straps improve fit by following the diver's movements
Dual zippered pockets with rollout pocket- easily accessible with an expandable compartment for varying amounts of accessories
Soft neoprene neck roll and padded back pad provide a skin-friendly padding for significantly more comfort
Firmly padded, flexible cummerbund compensates for changes in the suit resulting from varying depths.

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LADY HAWK BUOYANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (BCS)

This superior women’s BC teams all the technical features of our Knight Hawk with a female-specific cut and design. This back flotation jacket is thoughtfully tailored to enhance the female diver’s experience, and represents a new dimension in optimized load distribution, freedom of movement and comfort.

Back flotation technology positions air bladder in the back, providing exceptional freedom of movement around chest and shoulders
3-dump deflation system enables divers to dump air from a variety of underwater positions
Streamlined air cell technology
Automatic volume control of air cell through compression straps
Rotating Quick Release shoulder buckles and adjustable shoulder straps improve fit by following the diver’s movements
Dual zippered pockets with rollout pocket— easily accessible with an expandable compartment for varying amounts of accessories
Soft neoprene neck roll and padded back pad provide a skin-friendly padding for significantly more comfort
Firmly padded, flexible cummerbund compensates for changes in the suit resulting from varying depths.

back to the top To learn more about the Lady Hawk BCS click here.

PILOT BUOYANCY CONTROL DEVICE (BCD)

A highly-reliable adjustable jacket considered a favorite by diving centers and resorts worldwide due to its simplicity and durability. This 420 denier jacket is also ideal for traveling divers due to its fast-drying and low-weight characteristics.

Front-adjustable design allows for multiple variations of fit, regardless of the thickness of suit.
3-dump deflation system enables divers to dump air from a variety of underwater positions.
Rotating Quick Release shoulder buckles and adjustable shoulder straps improve fit by following the diver's movements.
Padded back incorporates a lightweight and quick-drying material for increased comfort.
Available with Balanced Power Inflator or AIR 2.

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AIR 2 ALTERNATE INFLATOR REGULATOR

In 1979 SCUBAPRO created the concept of integrating a second stage regulator and a balanced inflator in the same compact housing and the AIR2 (alternate inflator regulator) was born. In 2006 we introduced a restyled fourth generation of the AIR2 which is streamlined, modern, ergonomic and overall lighter than previous generations. Great for traveling divers, AIR2 can be assembled on any BC and eliminates the need for another alternate air source.

As a second stage, AIR2 works like a classic downstream second stage. Its air balanced power inflator valve provides smooth and reliable inflation at all tank pressures. Convenience and ease of use are the AIR2’s
key features:

• Single hose configuration.

• Fixed VIVA flow vane.

• One-hand operation.

• The self-flushing mechanism requires just one push on the purge to clear away all dirt.

back to the top To learn more about the Air 2 Alternate Inflator Regulator click here.

BCD's

True Lift
All of the Buoyancy Compensators we offer here at MidCoast Scuba Center are rated under the current, highest standard for measuring lift. This is the reason why we emphasize the term "True Lift" over just lift or lift capacity.

True Lift reflects a considerably more accurate lift capacity number. While the numbers may seem smaller, they are reflective of usable lift available to the diver while wearing the unit in the water. Manufactures that are not using the "new method" of determining lift will likely have "over-inflated" ratings. Sometimes as much as 30% higher than the exact same product rated under the new standard.

Under what we call the "old method" (though it is still, unfortunately a current practice for some) a BC is put flat (open) in water, fully inflated. Weights are then suspended to, or put on the vest, until it sinks. The amount of weight determines the lift capacity rating. Unfortunately, this method introduces a few errors into the measurement:

Under the old method the BC is measured open, while in actual diving conditions it is bent around the diver’s torso. This change in conditions can make a difference of up to 20%.
In many cases under the old method weights are added in full 1 or 2 pound increments. It may only require a few more grams to sink the BC at the limits of its buoyancy. However since the increments are higher, the lift capacity numbers may inaccurately reflect this.
As mentioned above, under the old method the amount of buoyancy is equal to the amount of weight required to sink the BC. It does not take into account the lift of the water onto the weights (Archimedes Principal). This decreases the actual weight in water by about 10%.

Considering the above points, a BC rated with 44lbs of lift under the old method might decrease to an actual buoyancy of 29 lbs! This breaks down to reduction of 20% (9 lbs) because it was measured flat as opposed to fitted around a diver; a reduction of 2 lbs due to the measuring increments used; and a reduction of 10% (4 lbs) when the lift of the water on the weights is considered.

In contrast, under the current method the BC vest is assembled on to a tank with the straps closed as if being worn by a diver. The tank has additional ballast in order to keep the whole unit continually submerged. The unit is suspended to a weight gauge and fully immersed. The weight in water of the system is measured with the BC fully inflated and deflated. The difference between the two is the actual buoyancy of the BC vest, which is the buoyancy (True Lift) a diver can really use. This method of measuring lift capacity is also independent from the weight-in-air of the vest.

True Lift numbers are especially important for cold-water divers and smaller persons. Cold-water divers require higher lift capacities because they use more environmental protection and consequently more ballast (lead weights). Smaller persons use smaller BCs that simply put, generally have less lift because there is less material. On a side note, rear inflation buoyancy compensators (as opposed to jacket style) almost always have the same True Lift across the sizes. If you are replacing or upgrading a buoyancy compensator it is also valuable to keep this in mind. Under the new standard a BC with comparable lift capacity may be rated at 30% less than the one you currently own.

We hope this information sheds some light on why current lift capacity (True Lift) numbers may seem smaller. When choosing a Buoyancy Compensators it is important to know that a manufacturer is rating their lift capacities by the current method.

Contact Information

MidCoast Scuba Center Inc.

For information on any of our products, services, courses or trips please call or contact Terry Hurley using the information provided below.

Telephone: 402-391-1559
FAX: 402-391-1163
Postal address: 8831 Maple St. Omaha, NE 68134
Electronic mail: General Information: Info@MidCoastScuba.com
Customer Support: Terry@MidCoastScuba.com