Back inflate vs. jacket style

[DiveJockey]

Hello, I'm getting certified this weekend and I can't wait to buy my own gear.

The rental BC that I have been using (seaquest) fits well with air in it at the surface but when I descend and let all the air out it feels really loose. Would a back inflated BC combat this problem? Do most back inflate BCs have a pocket for a steel back plate? I hear a lot of complaints from people with these that they are constantly being pushed forward. Any help?

DiveJockey

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

You are pushed forward only on the surface, I find that this is a complaint mostly newbie have. I am concerned about my trim under water not on the surface and the back inflate is perfect for that.

On the surface you just have to lean back a bit.

 

[Divingguy]

There are numerous 10 threads on this just in the last 30 days. Run a quick search using "back inflate" and you will find all kinds of information, and opinions.

 

[Mandy3206]

There are numerous 10 threads on this just in the last 30 days. Run a quick search using "back inflate" and you will find all kinds of information, and opinions.

Ditto, this suject has been beaten to death recently.

But the short version is:

Get the BP/W combo with the harness of your choice.

 

[Damselfish]

Your BC feeling loose UW has little to do with it being jacket or back inflate per se, it simply doesn't fit. If you want a jacket you need to get one that fits you when it's not inflated. The catch to this is that many will then squeeze you when they are inflated. Being squeezed is not the same as fitting! Some jackets are designed to inflate mostly outwards, have elastic in strategic places, or other tricks to minimize squeeze. Back inflates don't have this particular problem, because the cell inflating behind you isn't going to affect the fit.

Most back inflates will have trim pockets in back to put some weights. They wouldn't typically have a pocket for a back plate, but have something built in (which may be hard or soft.) Getting your weight distributed correctly between front and back is important and if you get it right that should address any trouble you have with getting rotated forward on the surface. I say rotated rather than pushed, because there are multiple forces working on you - air behind you exerts a force up and weight in front (especially in integrated pockets) exerts a force down. It's quite possible for this to happen if all your weight is in front and all the air is in back, even just a little air - simple physics. (Not too many people that run into this will say it on this board though because they will just get slammed by people saying it's not true. If it's not true I don't know why they say "just lean back", if there was nothing happening you would't have to do anything, right? For me, I find leaning back is uncomfortable and doesn't work that well anyway - everyone is different.)

IMO, jackets, back inflates, and BP/W all have their place and all have pros/cons.

 

[DiveJockey]

Thanks for the help. I think I'll just have to rent a few different types before I buy. At this point I think I just need to find a jacket that fits. I just don't like the squeezed feeling when it's inflated.

It sounds like this is an ongoing debate; next time I'll check some other posts before saturating this subject...Thanks again

 

[wunat]

IMO, jackets, back inflates, and BP/W all have their place and all have pros/cons.

This is very true DiveJockey. What you intend to do is certainly good in regards to renting and trying out some different BC and decide them for yourself. Take your time and think about what kind of diving you will be doing in the future. Pick a BC with which can grow with your intended diving.

As others suggested, there are lots of information on this board on related topic.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Ditto, this suject has been beaten to death recently.

But the short version is:

Get the BP/W combo with the harness of your choice.

Or don't so you don't have to spend time justifying your purchase

I have decided to stick with BC with rear inflate. No logical reason to change and some divers I watched using them didn't make it look any easier to me

 

[aedavidson]

I have both a back inflate and a jacket style. In my jacket which is an oceanic probe I use 4lbs in each dumpable pouch and 1lb in each shoulder pouch and I have no problems with a steel95 I just use 1lb in each dumpable pouch. I have never felt squeeze as I usually add very little air. I have felt the squeeze on the surface when I was playing the distressed diver on the surface in a rescue diver excercise, as the diver just held the inflate until it was full. I think that just depends on the person so you should try both and go with what is comfortable to you. I think that proper fit and weighting is the most important thing.

 

[Mike Newman]

Hello, I'm getting certified this weekend and I can't wait to buy my own gear.

The rental BC that I have been using (seaquest) fits well with air in it at the surface but when I descend and let all the air out it feels really loose. Would a back inflated BC combat this problem? Do most back inflate BCs have a pocket for a steel back plate? I hear a lot of complaints from people with these that they are constantly being pushed forward. Any help?

DiveJockey

DJ - if you keep diving, and I'm sure you will, you're going to buy a backplate and wings eventually. This combo addresses all the issues you've mentioned, giving great fit and wonderful efficiency. If you find it 'tipping you forward' at the surface just let a little air out and lean back. BP/W beats a jacket every time.