TUSA BCJ-3100 Liberator BC
Finding the right buoyancy compensator for you is finding the right balance of features on a good basic framework. The TUSA BCJ-3100 Liberator buoyancy compensator provides an excellent framework and a good collection of amenities that will serve well both beginning and experienced diver.
TUSA has been well received with their Imprex Independent Harness System (Patented, available on Imprex BCs). Building on this experience, TUSA developed and introduced last year a “New Harness System” and “Tank Suspension System” for use in its new Liberator BC. With this new harness system, the BC fits more like a garment. Weight of the tank is more evenly distributed with this BC than any other I’ve experienced.
TANK STABILITY FOR ADDED COMFORT
Key to success of the “Tank Suspension System” is how it stabilizes the tank, in particular, the top half of the tank. Separately formed tank rails prevent tank roll and slipping across the back of the BC. There is a tighter fit between the upper end of the tank and your body. A simple, adjustable strap at the top of the BC, looking much like a “tank positioning strap,” further stabilizes the top of the tank by looping over the tank valve and reaching down to each shoulder strap. Movement of the tank is minimized before, during, and after the dive and weight is removed from the shoulders.
Key to comfort with any piece of dive gear is making it feel like it is part of you, part of your own body, so you don’t even notice it is there. With BCs this is not difficult, but the Liberator BC also make the tank blend into your flesh.
NEW HARNESS SYSTEM
The “Tank Suspension System” works in concert with the “New Harness System” to achieve this unity. From what I can see, there is nothing terribly sophisticated in this harness system. If anything, it gains its success from its simplicity. The cummerbund is not as wide as in other BCs but this seems to allow for more flexibility when it comes to position on the body. The cummerbund is full adjustable with a large latitude (a plus for us plus-sized people). A strap and buckle further stabilizes this cummerbund.
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Element two of the suspension system is the three-dimensional back padding. The padding is made of a solid, non-hydrophilic (does not absorb water) material. The three-dimensional shape is what provides the padding. Because this material is solid, it does not contribute to the BCs buoyancy in a negative or positive way.
The shoulder straps are ordinary (dual adjustable and quick release) but for the exception of the joining with the tank via the strap at the top of the shoulders.
BIG BLADDER, SMALL PROFILE
A generous size bladder with buoyancy strategically positioned provides excellent lift and stability. The bladder is constructed of heavy duty 840 denier nylon with polyurethane backing for strength and durability. Most of the lift is concentrated under the arms with some along the back for stability. This results in good buoyancy compensation balance underwater and excellent “head and shoulders” up on the surface with full inflation. When fully inflated, the bladder construction design allows expansion outward rather than against the body. Even with the generous buoyancy, however, the bladder lies flat against the body when fully deflated. This is a streamlined BC.
AIR CONTROL
The power inflator works well with bright red inflation button that reacts with a gentle puff of air with a light touch or rapid inflation with a full push. Manual, oral inflation is also possible, although I found the mouth hole a bit too small.
Dumping air can be done from the inflator, by pulling on the hose, activating a large dump valve on the shoulder, or on the right rear, best used when making a head-first descent. The shoulder dump valve also doubles as an over-pressure exhaust valve to protect the BC from over inflation. This valve and the entire hose/inflator assembly can be removed from the shoulder for easy cleaning, both of the BC and airway.
BELLS & WHISTLES, BUT NOT TOO MANY
My favorite amenity on this BC is its huge zippered pockets. I like BIG pockets, and while velcro is okay, I’ve lost too many accessories from improperly closed pockets.
There is one heavy duty stainless steel ‘D’-ring on the right shoulder, more than enough for the average advanced diver for heavier accessories. There are additional, smaller plastic ‘D’-rings on the underarm bladders (two on the right, one on the left). A nice quick-release accessory clip is provided on the left side.
And finally a nice handle, separate from the tank strap, is provided for easy lifting of the entire tank and BC assemble.
FINAL ANALYSIS
I’ve been diving this BC now for several months covering a variety of diving situations, including beach and boat diving. I very much like the way it handles the weight of the tank on my back, so much so that I am going to try again diving my heavy 96 cubic foot steel tank with this BC. Its ability in handling the tank dry is equally matched in the water, both on the surface an underwater. The TUSA BCJ-3100 Liberator buoyancy compensator provides just the right balance of amenities on a good framework for easy, enjoyable diving.
For more information, visit your nearest TUSA dealer. For a TUSA dealer near you, visit www.tusa.com on the web or see the Dive Store Directory in the back of this issue for a California dealer.
Dale Sheckler is Editor and Publisher of California Diving News, Producer of the SCUBA Show 2001 expo (June 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention Center), and co-author of the book newly released A Diver's Guide to Southern California's Best Beach Dives, 3rd Edition.
