Buddy Commando TD BCD

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Neil - 14 Mar 2006 15:48 GMT

Hi,
my tried and tested BCD is heading for replacement. I am looking at a Buddy
Commando TD, I have never used one so was hoping someone would have some
good/bad comments on them.

Thanks

Neil

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Dan L - 16 Mar 2006 12:12 GMT

> Hi,
> my tried and tested BCD is heading for replacement. I am looking at a
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Neil

Bulletproof, will last forever and is a good general purpose BCD.

Only real downsides are that they're a bit heavy when it comes to
travelling and to some people they feel a little bulky.

Dan L.

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Euge - 16 Mar 2006 16:39 GMT

I have a regular Buddy Commando also. The only thing different about the TD
is that its black with more "D" rings. If you're doing regular diving in
British waters (I dive in Ireland so similar conditions) I'd recommend going
for the regular jacket in high vis yellow. If you're in bad vis obviously
black isn't much use. There are useful velcro strips over each pocket to
hold your console. I have the "Auto Air" on mine so no need for clips for
Octopus. I keep my SMB in the supplied pocket. I only use one "D" ring for
my torch. I keep the reel inside one of the pockets. Actually each of the
pockets has a plastic clip for attaching such things.
So unless you're going to have lots of bits dangly bits hanging off you,
keep it neat and simple and go for the regular version.
Happy shopping
Euge.

>> Hi,
>> my tried and tested BCD is heading for replacement. I am looking at a
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Dan L.

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Jules Elliott - 23 Mar 2006 19:04 GMT

> Hi,
> my tried and tested BCD is heading for replacement. I am looking at a Buddy
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Neil

Hi Neil,

I have a regular (ie non TD) Buddy Commando which is great and I have
recently (last year) purchased a Buddy Ranger TD.
The Buddy BCDs are very tough indeed and the aftersales from AP Valves
is excellent - any bits and pieces you need are always sent to you very
quickly.
For UK / N Europe diving, both BCDs are excellent - tough, plenty of
pocket space, lots of rings to clip things on to, plenty of lift etc.
As another contributor has already said, Buddy BCDs are a bit heavy for
taking on holiday (compared to some of the lighter less tough and
cheaper jackets) but I have taken my Ranger to the Red Sea twice
already where its integrated weight pouches allow me to dispense with
weight belt altogether.

If you are likely to be using stage cylinders or lots of other kit that
is big/bulky that you want to be able to clip on to you eg. cameras
with external strobes, big reels etc., then the TD version is probably
worth the few extra quid. However, for most people, the normal version
of the Commando is fine.

The Commando I have is >10 years old and still going strong with
routine maintenance. I see plenty of other Commandos of a similar
vintage in the UK, which is a real testament to their longevity.

Hope that helps. Jules.

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Neil - 24 Mar 2006 17:17 GMT

Thanks everyone for the advice. Bought a TD and it looks "Bulletproof". I've
used it already and as expected it performed fantastic.

>> Hi,
>> my tried and tested BCD is heading for replacement. I am looking at a
[quoted text clipped - 32 lines]
>
> Hope that helps. Jules.

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