Advice for newbie on BC / BP

[coulter]

I am fairly new to Scuba diving... just logged my 27th dive.

I am looking to buy a BC. The shop I have had all of my training at uses Oceanic Pros so really that is all I know. I live in Puerto Rico so I will be mainly diving in warmer waters. My weight is about 155. I currently use 12 lbs of weight on my belt which I would like to have integrated in my setup. I do have an interest in eventually using double tanks.

Which BC's (not only brand but model) would you recommend? I keep reading about Zeagle, but I am not sure which model I should be looking at.

I also keep reading about backplate setups. I have never even seen or heard about these until I came to this forum (I guess they aren't popular in Puerto Rico). I have tried to search for the advantages and disadvantages to backplates vs. BCs but have yet to find anything. I am assuming that backplates don't integrate the weights? There doesn't seem to be as much storage area on a backplate as well?

Am I missing anything else that I should be looking at?

 

[PerroneFord]

http://www.gue.com/Equipment/Config/index.html

 

[coulter]

Thanks for the link that gives a great explanation on backplates!

If I decide to go the backplate route, what is the best way to figure out the weight of the plate I need. I would prefer not to have to carry additional weight on me.

I am 5'10 - 155 lbs

 

[PerroneFord]

Tobin (Cool-Hardware) has a nice guide that goes over this, but the answer is related to the exposure suit you use, as well as the tank(s) you use, and how much weight you normally dive with.

I dive with a 5mm Farmer John top, and use a SS Backplate with Al80 or double AL80 and wear no additional weight. I dislike integrated weights for a number of reasons. I'd rather carry more tank than more lead.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Thanks for the link that gives a great explanation on backplates!

If I decide to go the backplate route, what is the best way to figure out the weight of the plate I need. I would prefer not to have to carry additional weight on me.

I am 5'10 - 155 lbs

Weighting in singles is function of your exposure suit, and tank used. You don't say what you are using.

Based on the limited info provided, 12 lbs, you could use a SS plate.

Assuming your current BC is ~4 lbs positive, even with an empty bladder you need about 8 lbs. A medium SS back Plate and harness is about 6 lbs negative.

Many people find they can dive in tropical conditions with just a SS Backplate for Ballast.

If you were to switch to a more negative tank, you might want to consider a lightweight backplate to avoid being overweighted.

As far a wing, it's likely you need very little lift, and a 18-20 wing would be plenty.

For a more complete answer I'd need to know the buoyancy of your exposure suit, the tank type you use, and if you carry any other gear.


Tobin

 

[coulter]

Well as I stated before, I am a newbie. Having said that when I bought my wetsuit, the only thing I looked for was a good fit. I did not worry about the lift. It is a 3mm full suit. I do not wear it right now, but in the winter I will. With it on, I need 12 lbs.

I use an AL80 tank. The only other gear I have, is a knife and a camera. The camera does have some lift, but not much.

Thanks for your help!

 

[cool_hardware52]

Well as I stated before, I am a newbie. Having said that when I bought my wetsuit, the only thing I looked for was a good fit. I did not worry about the lift. It is a 3mm full suit. I do not wear it right now, but in the winter I will. With it on, I need 12 lbs.

I use an AL80 tank. The only other gear I have, is a knife and a camera. The camera does have some lift, but not much.

Thanks for your help!

A SS plate and small wing should do it.

Tobin

 

[Chad Carney]

Assuming that a BC is 4 lbs positive, with an empty bladder, is a pretty broad assumption.

Streamlined Zeagle BCs like the Stiletto have zero inherent buoyancy, and even larger Zeagle BCs like the Ranger LTD are just under a pound buoyant. (Tested in my pool personally.)

I can't recall ever wearing an Oceanic BC but perhaps Doug Krause or cerich will chime in about that.

coulter,

Some divers love BPs and some prefer SPs (soft packs), they are both BCs. You need to decide based on the diving you will do most.

Some divers want a system that is more modular which is where a BP & Wing excels. Others prefer to own a separate BC for recreational dives and another for tech.

I'm a rep for Zeagle Systems and we have all of the above styles. My personal favorite is the Stiletto BC, it's a SP&W.

Our BPs do have weight integration options along with many wing options.

Chad

 

[cool_hardware52]

Assuming that a BC is 4 lbs positive, with an empty bladder, is a pretty broad assumption.

Chad, many BC are inherently positive, some by as much as 6 lbs. Cumberbunds, Padded Straps, hard to vent bladders, and other gas trapping features all lead to floaty BC's

I never said ALL BC are inherently positive. Bravo to Zeagle for building BC's that aren't.

Why did I use the example of +4 lbs earlier in this thread? Pretty simple really. The OP stated he currently uses 12 lbs of ballast. Even if his current BC is +4 a 6 lbs BP and Harness won't overweight him.

Tobin

 

[cerich]

I honestly do not know of a BCD that is 4lbs positive.

BTW when a Instr. in Cayman I wore 6lbs or weight in a 3mm full with my Ranger and could hold a safety stop with 500 psi at the end of the dive with Alum 80. I'm not skinny!