Our ScubaLab Director Readies his BC

Carrie Garcia

Before you take your new BC diving, there are some things you need to do:

1. Adjust the internal ends of the cummerbund so the outer ends overlap between 3 and 6 inches when secured over your stomach. If the sternum strap offers more than a single position, find the most comfortable height that doesn’t interfere with other gear.

2. Thread tank strap(s) through their buckles, if needed, and then slip the BC over your tank to make sure tank buckles are centered, and tank pads and Velcro patches are positioned where they can best be utilized.

3. Check exhaust valves for tightness. Turn on the air in your tank, and inflate the BC to test for leaks and proper power-inflator function. Pull all valve cords to make sure the exhaust valves are working.

4. Take it for a dive even if it's just in the pool. This will help you get familiar with your BCs unique features.

More on BCs:

Our ScubaLab experts review 16 BCs — see how they measure up HERE.

Want to know how we test BCs at ScubaLab? Check out these behind-the-scenes photos from the 2016 BC Test.