Comments about Sherwood Ventura BCD:

Ok full disclaimer. I have not used this on a dive yet. It will be a month or two before i take a dive trip. When i was looking to buy this BC, i was frustrated for with the lack of reviews on it. So i figured i'd write something in case somebody else was in the same boat.

Most of my diving is just vacation diving in the Caribbean. I wanted something that traveled well but didn't give up on features. The Ventura seems to fit the bill. Its crazy light and slim (4.7lbs). It feels very comfortable yet out of the way. The hip pads wrap around to the front and feel secure. A lot of the travel bcs just have a strap and i enjoy this set up better. The build quality is really nice. The back pad is comfortable and feels almost gel like. The Bc appears to be really durable. Most of the material is a rubbery/plastic vinyl. I wasn't sure how i would feel about it. After seeing it though i really like it. Its different than nylon but feels quality. Its supposed to be abrasion resistant, quick drying and resist sun damage. I would agree that it looks to be true. This BC is pretty sharp looking and is really trim. I wanted everything trim as possible so I also purchased the Sherwood Octo Inflator. I'm down to two hoses with a wireless tank pressure transmitter for my computer.

The bc has 3 air dump valves. The integrated weight quick releases work as advertised. The buckles are a little tough to adjust but i imagine they will work better when wet. Webbing just hangs up a bit. All the D-rings are plastic but well placed. I wish it had a few more attachment points. It has more than most travel BCs though. There is a grip plate for the tank and the strap is substantial. The tank strap seems to be mounted kinda low. Maybe its normal. Its just something i noticed that i hadn't noticed with other BCs.

So in short, it appears to be an awesome BC. However, appearances don't matter if it doesn't actually perform. I'll update this review as soon as i get it in the water for a real test.

Comments about Sherwood Ventura BCD:

Great travel BC. Could use a pocket. I added a brass hook clip.