Scuba Diving BCs: Behind-The-Scenes Photos of ScubaLab's Gear Review Part 2
John Michael BullockScubalab 2016 bc gear test at Blue Grotto
So Many BCs, So Little Time
When we contacted gear manufacturers to get their newest BCs, we received a whopping 18 models.
ScubaLab spent two days in April scuba diving at Blue Grotto in Williston, Florida. Why, you ask? To test out the latest BCs for our 2016 gear review, of course! We're inviting you behind the curtain and under the water with a behind-the-scenes look at how we evaluate BCs during our in-water testing. You can check out the first part of this behind-the-scenes gallery here.
SEE ALL OF SCUBALAB'S GEAR TESTS
John Michael BullockScubalab 2016 bc two days test at Blue Grotto
Round 2
We had so many BCs to test that we broke the test into two days. Day 1 was jacket-style and women's BCs, Day 2 was back-inflate and travel bcs.
John Michael BullockRobby Myers swims all types of orientation to test the stability
Roll Over
Assistant Editor Robby Myers swims upside down, sideways, and any other orientation he can think of to test the stability of the tank support.
John Michael BullockMary Frances Emmons makes some notes on her underwater slate
Deep Thoughts
Deputy Editor Mary Frances Emmons makes some notes about one of the BCs on her underwater slate.
John Michael BullockTest divers evaluated BCs
Making The Grade
Test divers evaluated BCs on a number of criteria including their comfort and adjustability, cargo pockets, valve operation, and weight systems.
John Michael BullockTom Wuest prepares the next set of underwater scoring sheets
Surface Interval
Test Supervisor, Tom Wuest, prepares the next set of underwater scoring sheets while the test divers swap over to a new BC.
John Michael BullockIt's important to keep track of who's tested what
Keeping Score
With 18 BCs (each in multiple sizes) and half as many test divers it's important to keep track of who's tested what.
John Michael BullockIts important to set up the BC and attach it to the tank.
Some Assembly Required
An important part of the test criteria was how easy it was to set up the BC and attach it to the tank.
John Michael BullockPatricia Wuest enters Blue Grotto
Enter The Fray
Editor-In-Chief Patricia Wuest enters Blue Grotto to test out the newest BCs on the market.
John Michael BullockTest diver familiarizes himself with a BC
Switching It Up
A test diver familiarizes himself with a BC before getting into the water.
OUR REVIEW IS NOW ONLINE! CHECK OUT SCUBALAB'S 2016 BC TEST.
