Buy Now or Wait?

[ctaylo91]

Hi, I'm a newly certified diver and am looking into a BCD.

After doing some research I would be able to decide what I'm looking for, and go with that.
Price isn't a big factor so I would be willing to pay for the one I'll be able to use for a long time

However Im nervous about spending all that money and after a season of diving I dont like it.

Would it be a smarter idea to rent for the first bit to figure out what I like and don't like before buying one?

Please pass on some feedback
Thanks!

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Unless you know what kind you want I'd advise you to rent. Try as many different styles as you can. Jacket, back inflate, backplate and wing if possible.

 

[Teamcasa]

Hi, I'm a newly certified diver and am looking into a BCD.
<snip>
Would it be a smarter idea to rent for the first bit to figure out what I like and don't like before buying one?

One thing is certain, your first BC will not be your last.

That said, renting until you get some clear direction on your gear choice is a good plan but you might also consider buying a used one. If you don't like it you can always sell it and the cost difference won't be very much.

 

[redacted]

It is often cheaper to buy a used BCD to get you by until you have enough experience to make a good decision.

In other words, if your selection is a BP/W, you should probably go ahead and buy it. Otherwise wait for the awakening.

 

[leabre]

In other words, if your selection is a BP/W, you should probably go ahead and buy it. Otherwise wait for the awakening.

Good advice! I originated with a very expensive BCD and lost a lot of weight and the thing slipped off of me at 60' attached only be the reg in my mouth. I switched to a BP/w by the next week (and it cost about 35% less than the BCD I was about to buy to fit my new waist size).

Almost 5 years later I still dive that same BP/w and have replaced the webbing only once (to accomdate the switch from wetsuit to drysuit). My weight has gone up and down depending on the season of year and without any fear of whether it'll fit me... it always does.

 

[ctaylo91]

Thanks for the advice all!
I'm joining the local dive club, so I think that will give me a good idea of what style I like

Thanks again

 

[ctaylo91]

Another Thing.

During my training dives, we used the jacket stlye with the wrap aroud air cell. One thing is which I heard from someone, is that you float like a cork at the surface, which I noticed. Then it seems like the back inflate style is popular as well.

Frees your arms up when swimming horizontally, and Im sure theres more pros and cons which Im completely unaware of.

Since scubadiving is primarily underwater, is that more important than how comfortably you float at the surface?

 

[TSandM]

In addition to joining the dive club, you might consider contacting Steve Blanchard (steveb@gue.com). He's in Ottawa, and I'm sure he could help you figure out where you might be able to try a backplate system. (That's the BP/W referred to above.) They're very nice for cold water diving. (They're nice for warm water diving, too . . . )

 

[Teamcasa]

Another Thing.
<snip>
Since scubadiving is primarily underwater, is that more important than how comfortably you float at the surface?

You need to be comfortable with any gear you end up with. Jacket, back-inflate BC's or back plates with a wing (air cell) will all be comfortable provided they fit properly, you are weighted correctly and have sufficiently practiced each.

Joining an active club is a good plan but I suggest you find a good, well trained mentor to dive with. Keep training and keep diving safe! Just have some fun!

 

[nelsondejesus]

Another thing, don't get sucked in by the sales pitches of the LDS you'll be visiting. Try out rented BCs first and dive often and look into what the other divers are using and get their feedback as well. Also, remember that the most expensive is not necessarily the one best suited for you. If you're already leaning towards a particular brand/model, I suggest that you post a thread on this board so you can have additional feedback on the ones you are intending to purchase.