asked before but differently - opinion & advice

[Dive4air]

I knew that when someone posts for advice here, many of the responses come from hard core divers (keep reading) and every one has an opinion. So I am going to try this differently this time.

For Recreational diving (under 100 ft) with no intention of becoming a tech diver, and for mostly warm to temperate waters with no intention of ice diving, ever, what would your recommendation be if you were to put yourselves in my shoes for a BC and Regulator set-up (1st/2nd), and why not throw in gauges and/or computer too.

I know everyone is very happy with the BP+Wings or whatever Zeagle makes, but at the end of the day, most LDS sell jacket styles like cup cakes, and back inflation for those with more peculiar demands. So, let's hear from some folks who use jacket style BCs and what you think of them underwater and on the surface. The last thing I want is to buy a back-inflate and find myself flopping around on the surface because I have never tried one before. However, I am open to trying new things and so many are happy with them.

BTW, I need to purchase a set-up soon, so I am actually evaluating advice for real.

Oh, and I don't have the luxury to rent all sorts of styles and brands to try out.

Thank you.

 

[ScottZeagle]

I don't see many back inflation users "flopping around on the surface" - and those that do probably shouldn't have an open water certification, imho.

If you want a light weight warm water BC, I would check out our Escape BC.
As for regs; if you are diving in less than 100ft and in water warmer than 40 degrees, I will put our Envoy reg up against anything else you can get for a list price of $319.

Just my biased opinion, of course...

Scott

 

[Bob3]

For regs, get whatever your local shop services.
Aqua Lung is always a good choice, and the TX50/DS4 Apeks can still be found for in the $315 range, and it will give you great cold water performance.
Otherwise look at the US Divers Titan or Legend series.
With a single tank of 80 cu ft you'll have about 6 lbs of buoyancy swing, so you won't really need much of a BC at all.
A couple plastic bags in the pocket would work out for you.

 

[matt_unique]

I knew that when someone posts for advice here, many of the responses come from hard core divers (keep reading) and every one has an opinion. So I am going to try this differently this time.

For Recreational diving (under 100 ft) with no intention of becoming a tech diver, and for mostly warm to temperate waters with no intention of ice diving, ever, what would your recommendation be if you were to put yourselves in my shoes for a BC and Regulator set-up (1st/2nd), and why not throw in gauges and/or computer too.

I know everyone is very happy with the BP+Wings or whatever Zeagle makes, but at the end of the day, most LDS sell jacket styles like cup cakes, and back inflation for those with more peculiar demands. So, let's hear from some folks who use jacket style BCs and what you think of them underwater and on the surface. The last thing I want is to buy a back-inflate and find myself flopping around on the surface because I have never tried one before. However, I am open to trying new things and so many are happy with them.

BTW, I need to purchase a set-up soon, so I am actually evaluating advice for real.

Oh, and I don't have the luxury to rent all sorts of styles and brands to try out.

Thank you.

If you don't have the opportunity/desire/etc. to try out equipment, go with the advice that seems most reasonable, from the most reasonable source. That may or may not be Scuba Board. Do you have an instructor that you trust based on your experience?

From my observation the recommendations from the board are BP/W, Back Inflate, and Jacket Style BC's in that order. I have used all three types as have many others.

There is an "anti-BP/W" element on the board. Perhaps as a result to overzealous advice from BP/W users. We're human - even good advice delivered in a bad way p*sses us off.

What that being said, I personally prefer the BP/W, even for recreational single tank diving. In short, they work the exact same way as a BC (less complicated in some cases), offer more gear clipping areas than a BC, and cost the same as (in many cases less then) a BC. If at some point you choose to expand your gear carrying needs whether it be doubles for tech or if you begin to carry lots of camera equipment or whatever you may want to bring with you - the harness will provide more options for carrying this gear. I spent $450 on my first BC. 6 years later I spent a little less on a nice BP/W setup. Since I can use my BP for singles (though I would need a smaller wing) my BC was a waste of money that I could have spent on other dive gear.

My BC is a back inflate Seaquest Balance. Back inflate BC's are more streamlined than jacket style BC's and they are less "in the way" when diving.

--Matt

 

[The Kraken]

Dive,
I think, based on some observation, one of the reasons the people report being pushed about the open sea in a back inflate style BC is because many instructors have never used one and, therefore, cannot teach the proper manipulation of the gear.

My first BC out of the gate was a back inflation style. For some reason I never bothered to inflate it fully at the surface and thus never had a problem with the dreaded, all fatal, face down syndrome.

Moving along from that issue, I'd like to back up Scott on his recommendation.

I have a Zeagle "Tech". The Zeagle BC's are all but bomb proof. The one he recommends would be excellent for a beginning diver, and even for an advanced diver. Had that particular model been available when I purchased my "Tech" I would have purchased it instead.

Zeagle's warranty policy is renowned.

If you learned in a jacket style and feel that you will be more comfortable in the water in your upcoming dives, then by all means stay with that style. Why do I make that recommendation - because you will be comfortable and at ease, two prime requisites of becoming a proficient diver.

I think too much emphasis is placed upon the new diver regarding the purchase of a particular type of gear.

Become comfortable and proficient first. It's only money. You can make more.

If you become injured because you were trying to accomplish a feat too far outside your comfort zone, then that is inexcusable.

You will need to push your boundaries, but not too fast and not too far at first.

Remember, all things in moderation.

Safe dives . . .
. . . safer ascents

 

[MaxBottomtime]

If you don't have the opportunity/desire/etc. to try out equipment, go with the advice that seems most reasonable, from the most reasonable source. That may or may not be Scuba Board. Do you have an instructor that you trust based on your experience?

From my observation the recommendations from the board are BP/W, Back Inflate, and Jacket Style BC's in that order. I have used all three types as have many others.

There is an "anti-BP/W" element on the board. Perhaps as a result to overzealous advice from BP/W users. We're human - even good advice delivered in a bad way p*sses us off.

What that being said, I personally prefer the BP/W, even for recreational single tank diving. In short, they work the exact same way as a BC (less complicated in some cases), offer more gear clipping areas than a BC, and cost the same as (in many cases less then) a BC. If at some point you choose to expand your gear carrying needs whether it be doubles for tech or if you begin to carry lots of camera equipment or whatever you may want to bring with you - the harness will provide more options for carrying this gear. I spent $450 on my first BC. 6 years later I spent a little less on a nice BP/W setup. Since I can use my BP for singles (though I would need a smaller wing) my BC was a waste of money that I could have spent on other dive gear.
--Matt

Great advice. Also, in a few years you will need to buy another BC, or you could replace the webbing on the backplate for around $20. Your choice.

 

[OE2X]

I think both Matt and Maxbottom time have pretty much said it for BP&W's.

The only thing I will add is that I don't go face forward on the surface with my BP&W. I can fully inflate it and and lay on the surface completely face up. No offense to Zeagle, but I can't do it nearly as well with my Ranger. It's probably because I have 20# of weight in the front pockets and only 10# in the back tank pockets.

FWIW - I shed 10# going from the Ranger to the BP&W.

 

[munkispank]

I can't get involved in the BP/wing discussion as I am not involved in these.

When I bough tmy first BC I was a student ( still am actually) an dmoney was very tight. I had been diving for about a year using rentals and decided to plunge in. I bought hte cheapest one I could find (was a sea elite/ diverssupply own brand) Although low on finesse, It did me fine for about two years diving in warm water/easy condtions. I then bought a slightly nicerone just cos I got annoyed with the inflator/deflator hose being too short. I got another 'basic' BC, mares midrange- can't think which model, for abot $250. I find it perfect for my diving needs and my regularity (approx 30 dives a year).

Go with what you can afford and what you think is an appropriate investment. I have also done some dives with more expensive jacket BC (friends equip) and din;t really notice any difference in terms of comfort or ease in easy conditions. I am sure maybe they last longer etc, but in terms of comfort, I didn;t se ethe difference.

good luck with your choices!

 

[SeanQ]

In the thread title you asked for opinions and advice. I'll try to give you both.

In my opinion, BP/W is the best setup. Other people have posted their reasoning for this choice; I share the same reasoning. I am, by nature, a cheap person. I don't enjoy spending money. A BP/W setup will last me at lot longer than any BC. The backplate is bulletproof, the wing is extreamly durable and a harness is very cheap to replace. The system can be used in any sort of diving I wish do, except perhaps rebreather diving. That is a long, long way away though.

My advice is to get a system that meets the requirements of your diving enviroment, is something you are comfortable using, and is something you don't mind paying for. If you really do not want to pursue tech diving in any form, a stab jacket or back inflate can fulfill your needs. If, however, in the future you change your mind about tech diving, you will probably regret buying a BC that wouldn't be able to make the switch with you. The bottom line? It's your money, it's your decision.

 

[OE2X]

Saying that a BP&W is only for tech is a misnomer. Yesterdays boat dive found 6 of 8 divers in BP&W's. This was for non tech recreational dives. Max depth was under 100'. The odd thing was that all the wings were Oxycheqs!

Many of us out here in the PNW use our wings primarily for recreational diving.