Nearly a year ago I bought my first BCD, a humble Aquatec Atlas for PHP 10,000. It was highly recommended as a good entry level buoyancy control device and the reviews I read from the Internet were mostly positive save for some warning of the dump valves not being sown in sturdily. For ten grand, I got integrated weight pockets and a built in horn!
Sure enough, after more than 70 dives it gave way. After Pescador island, the horn got lost. After last month, the right shoulder valve ripped, which I only noticed after the dive.
I took it back to Carol in Nautilus along Pasay Road to be repaired. Last weekend, we did a weekend trip to finish Chie’s advanced course. I had planned on renting a spare BCD from Nautilus which Jan, my instructor had picked up. Lo and behold when he got to Eagle Point, he had with him a brand new BCD which wasn’t a rental — it was a full replacement!
This is the new model:
The Atlas Pro is more or less the same thing, but comes in a more attractive black and orange scheme. The integrated weight pockets are more sturdy as they use a combination of velcro and a locking mechanism.
Carol replaced my old BCD with the new 2010 model. She even fixed my horn! This is really great customer service coming from a dive shop and it’s something that makes a big difference for me as a consumer. I’d definitely recommend (well I always do) her shop to anyone who has started taking lessons and needs equipment.
They don’t screw around — it’s all about your life!