Okay, you obviously came to this page because you are looking to buy the Sherwood Avid BCD and want to get an honest review, right? If not then you are on the wrong page.
In this review we are going to look at what make the Sherwood Avid different from other BCs, The good vs the bad, what other divers are saying about this BC, and where to get it for the best price online.
First, lets look at some of the features of this BCD that make it different from other BC’s on the market today.
The Avid is a jacket-style BC, this makes it easy to float on the surface because it completely wraps air around the diver.
The 3D air cell and suspension strap work together to guarantee a secure fit while also eliminating squeeze when the BC is full inflated.
The Newly improved forward location of the CQR-2 weight system makes loading weight much easier. It also provides a reliable and simple way to carry weights on the BC, making it balanced for comfortable swimming body position.
The Good
Okay, now we will look at some of the features that makes the Sherwood Avid BCD a good buy.
- You will be able carry everything you will ever need on your dive with two large zipper pockets, also you will have enough space for all your dive accessories with 6 durable metal D-rings.
- You will be able to rest easy on the surface before and after your dive because unlike back inflated BC’s the Sherwood Avid jacket-style completely surrounds your body with air making you more stable on the surface.
- The BCD virtually eliminate the squeeze the most jacket-style BCs have when inflated with its 3D designed air cell and suspension straps.
- You should be able to dump air in any possible while diving with with 3 uniquely places dump valves.
- You Should also notice little to no apparent tank wobble while diving at depths, this is made possible by Dual nylon tank straps. The 2 tank straps also serves as insurance in the event one of the straps comes loose.
- Made from heavy-duty, 1000- denier nylon, the avid is designed to be rugged and durable, and should last a long time, as with most Sherwood equipment.
The Bad
- There is no handle for carrying after the tank is mounted. After mounting your tank if might be a little bit hard to carry because there is no hard handle for lifting.
- Because the avid is a jacket style BCD, it lacks the freedom of moment and space in the front most divers experience with back-inflated.
- Also, The Sherwood Avid might not have the lifting capacity of most back-inflated BC. Which will not make it idea for heavy lifting. However, the lift capacity is sufficient most recreational diving.
What other Divers Are saying about the Sherwood Avid BC
I searched internet for divers how have bought and used the Sherwood Avid BCD. I have to say the feedback was very positive. Below are a few of them and there source.
I can fly, with the Sherwood Avid BCD
I had a horrible tendency to roll over on my back with my first BCD. I dive cold water with 14 mm neoprene over my core. At first I had the same problem with the Avid, but I found that by dropping the steel tank as low as it would go, it stabilized my yaw trim. I then put 8 lbs in each QR pocket and 4 lbs in each zippered pouch, all the weight on my stomach and Bingo, I can fly. Thank you Sherwood.
Taken from scubaboard.com
Love My Avid
Had a Mares Dragon but although it was a well made jacket it was a bit short in the cut the Avid was by far a better fit being 190cm and 102kgs.I just love it. Very durable.Lots of pocket space.
Taken from Leisurepro.com
Love it!
I’ve used it for about 10 dives now and love it! I’m a big guy ~260lbs and an XL was just fine and fits comfortably. No issues, very durable design, love the metal D-rings – I always get nervous with plastic rings! The dual tank straps are awesome as well and allow for much more rigid control on your back (plus serves as a back-up in case one of the straps comes undone). I would buy this BC again!
Taken from Leisurepro.com
Excellent Product
I bought this item after reading the many positive reviews on it and I found that I agreed with the other reviewers on all counts. It was easy to pack, easy to use and overall an excellent product. The integrated weight pockets in front and back made it very easy to get optimal buoyancy control and I loved the additional safety of the dual tank strap (I had a very bad experience in the past where my dad’s single strap malfunctioned in deep water and rough surf so this was important to me). The one problem I have had is that one of the knobs on one of the well-placed dump valves came off. Haven’t figured out yet how to best repair it.
Taken from Leisurepro.com
Great BCD
Lots of D-rings to hang everything you need and easy to add the Akona BCD kit. Very functional. Used the back weight compartments to distribute my weight (2 lbs each pocket) along with the quick release pockets. Much more balanced in the water, similar to using weight belt with weights spaced apart.
Taken from Scuba.com
Solid Sherwood
Fit and finish are as expected from Sherwood. Nice float position on surface. Would like to see a handle for carrying after the tank is mounted, also a retention for console. These were both features on my previous Sherwood BCD.
Taken from Scuba.com
Where To get The Sherwood Avid for the Best Price Online
There are some many places where you can buy the Sherwood Avid online, I know, I looked…. However, the best deal I found was at Leirsurepro.com, with saving of up to 40% on the retail price.
Not only do they have the best price online they also have PFF (Pressure Free Fit) Guarantee. This basically turns you home into the the changing room. Try it on, walk around, if it doesn’t fit they will arrange return of the BC and bring you another size free of charge.
You can get the Sherwood Avid from Leisurepro by clicking the link below.
