Considering Back Inflate

[dive_chica]

I got certified not too long ago and currently own Scuba Max Altima Jacket style BC. A few weeks ago I was able to try on a TUSA Xpert back inflate that was returned to us and really liked how it fit. Before I go splurging on something new I'm curious what the pros/cons are & any input you might have that I should consider. I know the best way to get my answer is to rent one but haven't had much luck finding LDS here in Las Vegas that have back rentals and we only have jacket style at my work (Dive Las Vegas/OnlineScuba.com)

Any thoughts?


Jacqueline
Dive Las Vegas
OnlineScuba.com

"It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and say the opposite." --Sam Levenson

 

[RikRaeder]

I love my back inflate.
Pro: makes it easier to remain horizontal in the water; uncluttered front harness
Con: 50/50 to put an unresponsive diver on the surface face up (alternative is face down); smaller pockets

Some complain of problems with bc pushing diver forward (towards face) on surface, but I find that if I don't overinflate it, this is a non-issue

 

[potato cod]

Hi Chica,

I just tried a back inflate (BI) for the first time a few weeks ago while shopping for my first bc. Here's what I found:

Pros: My SO and I both found that it is much easier to maintain a horizontal position in the water with a BI and we also found our bouyancy much easier to control than with a jacket. So easy to hover! Also, no squeeze from the BI when inflated. We loved it and ended up going this route.

Cons: The BI doesn't float you like a cork at the surface, so I think divers that are less comfortable in the water may not be as happy with a BI. Also, if overinflated they can push you forward, but this is really just an issue of being familiar with your equipment and knowing not to overinflate at the surface. That said, I experimented with mine and found I could add a LOT of air at the surface before it would even begin to want to tilt me forward.

The best way to see if you like this style really is to try it for yourself. Do you know anyone with a back inflate that you could borrow for a test dive? I'm a little far away from you, but I bet there are some Vegas-based SB members that might let you try theirs if you asked real nice...

 

[gNats]

I also love my BI.

I did a Discovery Dive using a borrowed traditional style BC. When I decided to take lessons, I did purchase much of my own equipment. After trying on several models in a LDS, I went with the BI because of (not necessarily in this order or priority):

1: Portability for travel
2: Comfort
3: Styling
4: Trim feeling along the waist and front.

After 12 dives, I am not at all disappointed in the choice to go BI.

I don't feel it pushes me forward and since I have nothing else to compare to, it is even less of an issue. I find if I put my feet slightly in front of my body, my fins help compensate and I tilt back. The same goes for trim and hovering. I really don't have anything to compare to so I can't give you advice there.

Plus, even with a 7mm 2pc, I don't feel overly bulky in my waist, under my arms, or in front of me.

A few things I would recommend:

Pockets. I only have one stowaway pocket which is sort of useless. If you are big on pockets, keep that in mind when looking over the BCs. I found I compensate for the lack of pockets by using clips strategically placed around my BC.

My LDS offered to order a few different size wetsuits for me to try on that I could pick from. You may want to check and see if they will bring in two or three of the top BI for women. If they know you will purchase from them, opposed to online after trying, they may be more receptive to assisting you in your decision.

Good luck. Let us know what you choose.

 

[gNats]

I
Jacqueline
Dive Las Vegas
OnlineScuba.com

"It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and say the opposite." --Sam Levenson

Oops - just realized you work for a dive shop. My recommendation for fit and comfort probably won't be a big deal for you.

 

[diveandclimb]

Go BF. You won't regret it for a second. I got my Sea Elite Tek-X (which I love btw and can be picket up for something like $250) before my AOWs and have not regreted the purchase for one second. The pros and cons everybody else gave are true but the imho the pros outweigh the cons. If you look used on the boards you can sometimes get really good deals on used rangers and stuff.

 

[ronbeau]

I got certified not too long ago and currently own Scuba Max Altima Jacket style BC. A few weeks ago I was able to try on a TUSA Xpert back inflate that was returned to us and really liked how it fit. Before I go splurging on something new I'm curious what the pros/cons are & any input you might have that I should consider. I know the best way to get my answer is to rent one but haven't had much luck finding LDS here in Las Vegas that have back rentals and we only have jacket style at my work (Dive Las Vegas/OnlineScuba.com)

Any thoughts?


Jacqueline
Dive Las Vegas
OnlineScuba.com

"It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and say the opposite." --Sam Levenson

Jacqueline, I agree with what the others have said. I have an Aeris ATMOS XT which is mostly back inflate with a little inflation on the side. I have no problems on the surface. My previous BC was a ScubaPro KnightHawk. When I lost a little over 50 pounds and was looking for a new BC I narrowed in down to the Aeris ATMOS XT and the ScubaPro KnightHawk. The Aeris BC fit better and was less expensive. I am very happy with it.

My daughter and Wife both learned with a jacket BC. They both use ScubaPro LadyHawk BCs and love them. There is definitely a lack of pocket space on a back inflate BC. I find that a small and acceptable trade-off for all the benefits others have previously mentioned.

 

[Damselfish]

Some people like the less cluttered front and lack of squeeze you typically get with a back inflate. On the other hand, some people like the "hug" many jackets give you. Some people prefer the way a jacket floats them on the surface, they may get a higher or more secure feeling. This only applies if the jacket fits well and isn't floating up around your ears leaving you behind in the water. As far as I'm concerned the fit is more important in general than the style.

Jackets tend to have more for pockets, BIs often have something small or none.

People often say a BI helps your horizontal trim but I really don't get this - when you're underwater the air is going to be behind you no matter what which type you're wearing, unless you have the thing really full which seems unlikely. Now, if you want to be on your side or back or some different position - taking pictures, looking under stuff, whatever - the BI may have more tendency to turn you back to horizontal since the air can't move forward as much. Now if you happen to dive without much air in it, it's not going to make much difference what you have.

As far as the whole "push you forward on the surface" thing you will read "yes it does" and "no it doesn't" until the cows come home. Fact is, it may push you forward on the surface and this doesn't necessarily have anything to do with overinflation as is often said. More to do with weight distribution. I think the people who say it doesn't push you forward are often diving with heavy exposure protection and steel tanks, which will naturally counteract a tendency to tip forward. If you're diving in warm water with the typical aluminum tank and little exposure protection you don't have that; a BI may very well push you forward and you'll need to adjust your weights to compensate. I started diving a back inflate (Ladyhawk) a few years ago and it was really annoying on the surface until I got the weights right. (My criteria when I bought this BC was not jacket or BI, but what fit me best.)

 

[diver 85]

why not try out the Tusa B.I. that was returned???....If you work there, certainly they would let you try it out, diving that is.....

 

[susiediver]

Anyone have the womens bc by mares allikai....thinking of getting that one...just wish it came in pink ...that soft blue is not my color...but love the mares products ...have their pink mask, snorkle and fins...they just need a pink accent bc...i may have to get the pearl but not sure i will like that one