attn experienced divers...so if you could do it all again and

[Rhode_Island_snahm]

what brands could you point me to for a decent bc??? what have you tried and liked/disliked...any stand out as better than others???? i just wanna get a feel for the more quality brands of bc out there as im buyin my first one pretty soon... ill be mainly diving saltwater...

 

[The Kraken]

In the realms of conventional, recreational B/C's, I can't recommend Zeagle highly enough. The Zeagle B/C's are built on a modular concept that allows differing parts of the B/C to be replaced independently if defective.

Zeagle's post purchase product support and warranty policy is surpassed by none.

Oh, and may I add that Zeagle products are tougher than a 10 year old squirrell?

the K

 

[Cudabait]

Check out the Oceanic Probe. Heavy, will last a long time and lots of room for equipment.....also integrated weights. It'll cost a few more bucks.

regards,

 

[jumbo]

Quality bc

I am really happy with the Scubapro x pac or s tek if you can find one, they are pretty much the same system. Scubapro did discontinue the system this year they are getting out of the technical diving industry. The s tek has a great harness system that is adaptable to any kind of diving activity and with the interchangeable bladder system that can fit any diving need.

If you are average size the Scuba pro knight hawk is also a great BC.

JUMBO

 

[Scottri]

SeaQuest Black Diamond would be my next BC. Everyone has an opinion so take mine for what it's worth. I like simple back inflate BC's.

 

[xiSkiGuy]

what brands could you point me to for a decent bc??? what have you tried and liked/disliked...any stand out as better than others???? i just wanna get a feel for the more quality brands of bc out there as im buyin my first one pretty soon... ill be mainly diving saltwater...

Well, if I had it to do over again, I'd skip the BC and go straight to a Backplate and Wings setup of some sort.

BC wise, I'd look at the Scubapro Superhawk or Knighthawk, Oceanic Probe, or Sherwood Tortuga.

 

[Dstone20]

I am not super experienced. However, having been through two full sets of gear in less than two years, I can appreciate your doing the research before you buy. I purchased the majority of my gear right after certification. As I have gained experience, refined my diving skills and train for more advanced diving, I have found myself upgrading certain portions of my gear. My BC being one of those items.

If you plan on strictly recreational diving, then any number of BC's will work just fine. However, if you plan to later progrees into more advanced diving you may have to buy a new one better suited for that type of diving. BC's that can easliy be adapted for both are good choices if you are unsure which path you may take. Zeagle, Dive Rite and Apeks (just to name a few) all make BC models that can be adapted for both recreational and more advanced diving without having to purchase a whole new BC.

Gear selection is IMO largely a personal choice based on comfort, features, abilities, functionality, style (debatable) and price. Ultimately it comes down to deciding what's right for you based on your needs and abilities. If you can, try out a number of different BC's before you buy one.

You'll get a ton of responses from this board as there are advocates for just about every Brand/Type of gear out there on here.

 

[Web Monkey]

Everybody likes what they bought (except for the people who don't ) The short answer is it needs to hold air when you want it to, dump it when you want, hold enough weight to let you sink, and have enough lift to make you neutral, while also being confortable.

Whatever you buy, there are specific things to look for:

• If you're buying a weight-integrated BC, make sure the weights are retained by a positive locking mechanism that won't degrade over time. This means some type of mechanical relase like a big fastex buckle, or other mechanical device. Don't get one that only uses velcro, since the velcro loses it's grip when it gets old or dirty. You don't want the weights to drop out when you don't expect them to.
• Make sure you can release the weights when you do want to
• Make sure it fits you confortably. It doesn't make any difference who else likes it if it doesn't fit you.
• Make sure the fabric is sturdy
• Make sure the weight pockets are big enough. I assume you'll be diving in the ocean near home, which means a drysuit for most of the year. You could be looking at 20+ pounds, and you'll need a place to put it.
• There is a lot of other stuff to look for like the quality of the seams and the inflator, but most of it is hard to tell from the outside.

what brands could you point me to for a decent bc??? what have you tried and liked/disliked...any stand out as better than others???? i just wanna get a feel for the more quality brands of bc out there as im buyin my first one pretty soon... ill be mainly diving saltwater...

 

[spectrum]

what brands could you point me to for a decent bc??? what have you tried and liked/disliked...any stand out as better than others???? i just wanna get a feel for the more quality brands of bc out there as im buyin my first one pretty soon... ill be mainly diving saltwater...

Here's a post I made after 2 dives. My feelings have not changed after 64 dives. The Sherwood Avid is a solid full featured jacket.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=1142032&postcount=2

Pete

 

[Diesel298]

well whatever ya get, make sure it will suit your needs, and then some...
as you devolop more in your diving and want to get intoo "specalities" make sure yoiu dont find yurself in a situation where you equepment no longet suits your needs..
Scubapro makes a excellent BC all of them are good, somer have more or better options than others...in the North east id recomend stayin away from the ADV design and stickin with the stab jacket, or back flotation..
i have dove the scubapro line and of all of them the classic plus is nive but of the scubapro id recomend the knighthawk (or lady halkhawk depending on your gender)
i know a few people diving the posiden BCs and like them. plenty of d rings.. adjustments. blah blah. seems like a nice unit but i havent personally tried it...
mares also makes a good product..
i personally dive the dive rite trans pack and as somone mentioned before...
go with a BPW it will suit ALL diving needs, always.
good luck
Ray