What You Need To Know About The Sherwood Avid?
Key Features and Benefits
The Sherwood Avid has been around for quite some time now. The new Avid 700 Series has been updated to make an already great BCD even better. Below are some of the main features of this unit that make it stands out from other BCD on the market.
Extra Padding for Additional Comfort
Unlike previous models of this BC, the new Sherwood Avid 700 has been updated with comfort in mind and now sports an additional neoprene padded neck roll. This feature helps with reducing chafing and irritation you might experience from repetitive diving or when diving in just a rashguard. This makes it a great choice for your perfect Liveaboard BC.
3D Air Cell Bladder For Stability
The 3D Air cell in this Jacket-Style BC makes it easy to float upright on the surface by wrapping are completely around you. When fully inflated on the surface the suspension straps create a stable and comfortable fit which virtually eliminates the squeezing you would expect from other jacket-Style BCs.
CQR-3 Integrated Weight System
The CQR-3 Integrated weight system is among the best in the industry. Know for its stability, ease of weight insertion, and convenience, it has also been upgraded with larger pull handles. Making it more accessible and easy to handle, even while wearing thicker gloves. A major improvement from previous models.
3 Strategically Placed Dump Valve
The Avid gives you superior control over your buoyancy by providing three strategically placed dump valves. There are 2 valves located on either shoulder, with the right valve attached to the power inflator assembly. The third is located by the right butt cheek and also doubles as an overpressure relief valve. The position of the three dump valves makes it easy to quickly dump air in any position.
Plenty Of D-rings and Pockets for Accessories
This BC is equipped with 6 stainless steel D-Ring conveniently placed through the BC to attach additional gear or accessories. It also features zippered pockets for additional safety and scuba accessories.
2 Trim Weight pockets
There are also non-releasing trim weight pockets that can accommodate up to 10 additional pounds. This gives you the ability to adjust your weight and buoyancy for proper balance when underwater.
Dual Tank Straps
The Sherwood Avid comes with 2 tank straps that help to keep your tanks securely in place. This is a feature that is not always included with other BCDs and allows the dive tank to become an integral part of the unit preventing tank shift when maneuvering underwater.
Sherwood Avid: Manufacturers Specification
BCD Type | Jacket Style |
Lift Capacity | 29lbs/13Kg Size: MD |
Weight Integrated | Yes |
Weight Capacity | 20lbs/9kg |
Trim Pockets | Yes 10lbs/4.5kg |
Dump Valves | 3 |
Number of Pockets | 2 - Zipper Closure |
Number Of D-rings | 6 |
Our Rating: Sherwood Avid BCD
Overall Score
4.3/5
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Design
The jacket-style design gives Avid a sleek look and superior comfort in the water. The neoprene padded neck roll and 3D air cell bladder provide a comfortable diving experience.
Funtionality
There are plenty of D-rings and pockets to hold all your scuba accessories. With plenty of lift and weight capacity for most recreational diving, the trim weight pockets are a nice addition.
Ease of use
The CQR-3 integrated weight system is easy to use and the dump valves are conveniently placed for easy inflation and deflation.
Cost
The Sherwood Avid BCD is a great value for the money. Its feature-rich design makes it a good choice for both beginner and experienced divers alike.
What We Like
The Sherwood avid is a great choice for both beginner and experienced divers alike. Its feature-rich design, comfort, and fit make it a top choice in its class. Here are some of the things we like most about it.
Neoprene padded neck roll for added comfort – This is great when wearing only a rashguard and helps prevent irritation after doing repetitive dives.
CQR-3 integrated weight system – The new CQR-3 system is easy to install and remove. The larger pull handles make it easier to use, even when wearing gloves.
3 strategically placed dump valves – The Avid gives you superior control over your buoyancy by providing three dump valves. This is a major improvement from previous models.
Plenty of D-rings – There are 6 stainless steel D-rings conveniently placed through the BC to attach additional gear or accessories.
3D air cell bladder – This provides a lot of Stability on the surface, and the adjustable cumberbund prevents squeezing when the BCD is fully inflated.
What we don’t like
While there is plenty to like about this BCD, there are a few things that could be improved.
Side Pockets may lock space – The side pockets lock some space when the weight-integrated system is installed and can be difficult to access when the BCD is fully inflated.
No quick release for the weight pockets – This is not a deal breaker, but it would be nice to have a quick release for the weight pockets.
Limited color choices – The Sherwood Avid BCD is only available in black and navy blue. We would like to see more color options in the future.
Who Should Buy The Zeagle Stilleto BCD?
The Zeagle Stiletto BCD is designed primarily for warm water diving, but it does produce enough lift and weight-bearing capacity to make it work for temperate water diving as well.
Furthermore, the price of this BC is in the middle when compared to other BCDs like the Scubapro Go BCD and Cressi Travelight, so it’s a good option if you don’t need the fanciest and most expensive unit. Moreover, it’s also made for people who need something durable and rugged, yet also fairly lightweight and portable too.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sherwood Avid is available is available in wide range of sizes from XS to 5XL
It cannot be used for dual tanks. I would recommend getting a harness, wing and back plate set up to do a dual tank properly
The Bottom Line
The Sherwood Avid BCD is a great choice for both beginner and experienced divers alike. Its feature-rich design, comfort, and fit make it a top choice in its class.
If you are looking for a good all-around BCD that won’t break the bank, the Sherwood Avid is a great choice.
Still Looking For The Right Scuba BCD?
Find the best Scuba Diving BCD for your next dive trip by checking out our list of the top 10 BCDs available on the market today.