Back inflated vs Jacket

[Aussie Diver]

Was wanting to know everyones opinions on Back intflated BCs vs jackets. I'm looking at buying one, and am so far unsure. I've dived with mainly jackets, but a back inflation a few times, and liked some things and disliked some things about both. I'm currently looking at Seaquest Black Diamond or Balance, or a Pro QD. Anyone had any experiences on these?

 

[scubatoys]

I wrote a little blurb on that subject on my web page:

What are the advantages of Back Inflation BC's

Maybe that will get you started.

As far as your choice - around here the Zeagle are much more popular than the Seaquest. Component made, lifetime warranty, very comfortable and a great weight system.

 

[herman]

Do a search on the board, this topic along with the BP/wing vs jacket vs back inflate had been debated a bunch.

 

[Tobagoman]

I have a back inflate for fun (recreational) dives and a jacket style for working with classes where I am on the surface alot. All depends on what you want, each has benefits and downfalls.

 

[RICHinNC]

Seaquest is a great brand....I dived (and still have) a SQ PRO QD before i went to the dark side and got a bp and wing. One thing about the SQ you are looking at...it is pretty bulky for a flight bcd.

Try a true bp and wing and I think you would be happy going down that road. Or maybe not !!
rcih

 

[Jason B]

I love my sea-quest balance. What did you dislike about the back inflate?

 

[Verne]

I have a seacsub pro 2000 - new, yet to try it out. :06:

However, it is primarily a back BCD but has the side pockets like a jacket type BC. The advantage of it is that you can restrict the airflow into the side pockets and use it as just a back BC. When you surface, release the restrictors, and you can bob about quite happily without getting your face continually shoved into the drink.

I'll let you know how I get on with it - off to the Indian Ocean in October to give it a try-out.

 

[Jason B]

and you can bob about quite happily without getting your face continually shoved into the drink.

Back inflate BC will not shove you face down at surface if it is not over-inflated.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Back inflate BC will not shove you face down at surface if it is not over-inflated.

BB,

I agree. Proper weight is important, and IMHO so is a crotch strap. Without a crotch strap the rig will rise out of the water leaving the diver behind. This invariably leads to more inflation of the wing, and a face plant.

With a crotch strap slight inflation of the wing raises both the diver and the rig......



Regards,




Tobin

 

[Verne]

Back inflate BC will not shove you face down at surface if it is not over-inflated.

Fair comment - but to be honest, it's probably just as well to have a bit of buoyancy in front when you're on the surface, just for stability - whilst most of us'd like to dive in flat calm waters, how often is that the case?