A good beginner BC?

[Penguinboy]

I'm looking into buying my first BC (not wing), and I am, to be honest, a bit daunted by all the options, when the only personal preference I have atm is a LPG that has distinct inflate and deflate buttons (not ones side by side - worried I'll push the wrong one ). Just wondering if anyone can recommend to me a good one for a beginner. Im 5'10 if that makes a difference - just after a decent BC that won't break the bank . I've had the "Buddy" brands (A British company) recommended, but currently I rent a Dacor Rav and that suits me fine. I want to look into all the options first though

Any recommendations appreciated

 

[calscubagirl]

I'm by all means not an expert at buying BCs but, it's a matter of preference. Which ever BC you buy, you'll get to know the bells and whistles.

Go to the pool before OW to road test the bc you buy.

I'm sure there are others that will chime in.

 

[TeddyDiver]

My 0,02e. Robust, a good fit, boyancy at least 18l/35lbs. Pockets, extra D-rings etc tingeltangel are useless. Integrated weights ONLY if you got a "lost waist" issue (weight belt slips away)...

 

[crpntr133]

I'm by all means not an expert at buying BCs but, it's a matter of preference. Which ever BC you buy, you'll get to know the bells and whistles.

Go to the pool before OW to road test the bc you buy.

I'm sure there are others that will chime in.

I agree with calscubagirl. Also don't buy a "beginer" BC. You will end up buying two BC's when you should only buy one. Buy a good one and be done with it. Don't think that a BC is above your diving skills. I bought a Zeagle for my first (and last). My main reasoning was that it is modular. Thus if I gain weight, I buy the piece I need. If I start working out and become more muscular in the chest, no problem, buy the piece. Also customer service is awesome.

 

[PerroneFord]

We outfit students in Genesis BCs. I've worn them a couple of times. They seem robust, and fairly inexpensive. I was able to trim out in it pretty well once I got used to the sdjustments (i.e., once the instructors kid showed me how to adjust it!).

 

[SparticleBrane]

We outfit students in Genesis BCs. I've worn them a couple of times. They seem robust, and fairly inexpensive. I was able to trim out in it pretty well once I got used to the sdjustments (i.e., once the instructors kid showed me how to adjust it!).

Anything more than a single piece of continuous webbing is too much for you to handle, hm?

 

[SteveAD]

I second what crpntr said. don't think about your first BC, buy your last BC first. I also dive zeagle.

 

[The Chairman]

I like the Oceanic Islander or the Zeagle Stilletto. Both are back inflate, pack up tiny and do a great job.

 

[Penguinboy]

Thanks for the good advice everyone some good points to note here.

Also don't buy a "beginer" BC. You will end up buying two BC's when you should only buy one. Buy a good one and be done with it. Don't think that a BC is above your diving skills.

This wasn't quite the way i meant it, but it's a good point to bear in mind anyway. I meant avoiding a BC which was more complicated in setup or use; Something designed, in my inexperience, for a more "tech" use. But no problems its a good point anyway

Thanks all

 

[Rainer]

Thanks for the good advice everyone some good points to note here.



This wasn't quite the way i meant it, but it's a good point to bear in mind anyway. I meant avoiding a BC which was more complicated in setup or use; Something designed, in my inexperience, for a more "tech" use. But no problems its a good point anyway

Thanks all

Have you seen a "tech" BC (BP/W with hog harness)? There couldn't be something LESS complicated!