RiggedEscape
Registered
Note: this thread is not to induce a "normal BC" vs BP/W debate
ok this whole BC lift thing seemed simple enough when I first started thinking about it, but the more I looked into it the more I started to become confuzzled about the answer. (I blame the internet....the more I read the less I know)
I have started to look into purchasing my own gear for diving and my first step was to join Scuba Board to try and pick up as much info from you guys as I could realizing that some info is priceless (lessons learned the hard way)....some info is dated (don't have to search very far to find info on gear that is either no longer used or even made)....and some info will be debated by any and all that have an opinion (read above about BC vs BP/W rodeo)
when it came time to start looking at BCs a common theme I found regardless of style was the "lift" rating. Now at first glance I assumed that more lift would compensate for tank size/weight, single or dual setup, etc. But as I started to look at the different styles and models I begin to start venturing into areas I need some guildance with.
so let's start in the beginning. what exactly is the amount of lift of a bladder used for? pretty much any thread in this area refers to you using weight to adjust bouyance and factor in variables such as salinity of water, weight of wetsuit, how big you are, using aluminum or steel plate, etc..etc. and I know that you add air or release air in bladder to adjust bouyance, etc. so it all ties together in some form or fashion. where the confusion comes in is when I start comparing the different models to buy.
I have found an average of 30-45 lbs of lift for a BC using a single bottle. But it can vary from 18lbs for a OxyCheq travel wing to 100lbs for a Poseidon Besea(yeah, I know...doubles). As I am so far only interested in singles I'll stick with those that are made for that and there is still a variance that maybe you can answer for me.
a random list of BCs:
Zeagle Brigade 35lbs lift (only lift avaliable)
Mares Dragon 44lbs (OLA)
Oceanic Excursion 45lbs (OLA)
Tusa Plantina
27lbs for xs/s
48lbs l/xl
Hollis HD100
35lbs s/m
45lbs l/xl
OxyCheq Mach V Extreme
30lbs or 40lbs
OxyCheq Travel
18lbs
Dive Rite Rec
51lbs
Dive Rite Travel
30lbs
looking at the variations I can't decide if your choice of lift is determined by your size? (Tusa Plantina) or is there another factor come into play that I'm not aware of? Why is o.k. for you to use an 18lb travel wing for flying down to Mexico on a dive trip and upon your return switch out to a 51lb wing for your normal diving? Would it be better to use a smaller bladder and less lead or what? or is this a case of me over thinking an issue?
this issue started for me because I have yet to find a LDS in my area that rents BP/W for me to learn the difference between a 30lb and 45lb wing and since if I go the BP/W route I will probably be buying it online (hello Scuba Toys...giving you fair warning). It would be nice to know if this whole "lift" question is that important or just go with the old "if it feels good, buy it" noobish method
ok this whole BC lift thing seemed simple enough when I first started thinking about it, but the more I looked into it the more I started to become confuzzled about the answer. (I blame the internet....the more I read the less I know)
I have started to look into purchasing my own gear for diving and my first step was to join Scuba Board to try and pick up as much info from you guys as I could realizing that some info is priceless (lessons learned the hard way)....some info is dated (don't have to search very far to find info on gear that is either no longer used or even made)....and some info will be debated by any and all that have an opinion (read above about BC vs BP/W rodeo)
when it came time to start looking at BCs a common theme I found regardless of style was the "lift" rating. Now at first glance I assumed that more lift would compensate for tank size/weight, single or dual setup, etc. But as I started to look at the different styles and models I begin to start venturing into areas I need some guildance with.
so let's start in the beginning. what exactly is the amount of lift of a bladder used for? pretty much any thread in this area refers to you using weight to adjust bouyance and factor in variables such as salinity of water, weight of wetsuit, how big you are, using aluminum or steel plate, etc..etc. and I know that you add air or release air in bladder to adjust bouyance, etc. so it all ties together in some form or fashion. where the confusion comes in is when I start comparing the different models to buy.
I have found an average of 30-45 lbs of lift for a BC using a single bottle. But it can vary from 18lbs for a OxyCheq travel wing to 100lbs for a Poseidon Besea(yeah, I know...doubles). As I am so far only interested in singles I'll stick with those that are made for that and there is still a variance that maybe you can answer for me.
a random list of BCs:
Zeagle Brigade 35lbs lift (only lift avaliable)
Mares Dragon 44lbs (OLA)
Oceanic Excursion 45lbs (OLA)
Tusa Plantina
27lbs for xs/s
48lbs l/xl
Hollis HD100
35lbs s/m
45lbs l/xl
OxyCheq Mach V Extreme
30lbs or 40lbs
OxyCheq Travel
18lbs
Dive Rite Rec
51lbs
Dive Rite Travel
30lbs
looking at the variations I can't decide if your choice of lift is determined by your size? (Tusa Plantina) or is there another factor come into play that I'm not aware of? Why is o.k. for you to use an 18lb travel wing for flying down to Mexico on a dive trip and upon your return switch out to a 51lb wing for your normal diving? Would it be better to use a smaller bladder and less lead or what? or is this a case of me over thinking an issue?
this issue started for me because I have yet to find a LDS in my area that rents BP/W for me to learn the difference between a 30lb and 45lb wing and since if I go the BP/W route I will probably be buying it online (hello Scuba Toys...giving you fair warning). It would be nice to know if this whole "lift" question is that important or just go with the old "if it feels good, buy it" noobish method