Back inflating BCDs for cold water diving

[ScubaMan2025]

Hello,

I guess the big thing is that I have been doing lots of research with BC's and was wondering what other peoples opinions regarding back infating BCD's were and why. I guess I also would like to know about the exact propor weight for cold water diving, i am about 190pounds and was wondering if, well, for example a Halcyon Eclipse, if just the 36lb wing set up is plenty fine or if i should go for a 48ish one. Thanks a lot for your input it is greatly appreciated.

-ScubaMan

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

I like back inflating BCDs more than others. It helps achieving neutral buoyancy in the horizontal position.

 

[MSilvia]

I guess the big thing is that I have been doing lots of research with BC's and was wondering what other peoples opinions regarding back infating BCD's were and why.

I love back inflate wings for all my diving, not just cold water. I can't see ever buying jacket style again. I like that my bouyancy wing is located around my tank, above my backplate and lungs, so I feel more stable than when wearing a jacket. I can dive just fine in the latter, but I use less effort keeping a good, horizontal trim with a back inflate wing. That aside, I dive a very simple hogarthian backplate and wing setup, and I love the simplicity, versatility, and comfort of that system.

I guess I also would like to know about the exact propor weight for cold water diving, i am about 190pounds and was wondering if, well, for example a Halcyon Eclipse, if just the 36lb wing set up is plenty fine or if i should go for a 48ish one. Thanks a lot for your input it is greatly appreciated.

It has relatively little to do with your weight, and lots to do with your bouyancy. A 190 pound diver in a 3mm wetsuit, a 7mm 2-piece wetsuit, and a drysuit are all going to have very different weight requirements. Nevertheless, if you're properly weighted, you should be near neutral at the surface with no air in the wing, so you only need enough gas to either float yourself at the surface or compensate for bouyancy lost to compression of your exposure protection at depth. In either case, 36lbs should be plenty.

 

[Chad Carney]

Hello,

opinions regarding back infating BCD's were and why.
i am about 190pounds and was wondering if 36lb wing set up is plenty fine or if i should go for a 48ish one. -ScubaMan

Back inflate BCs rock! More freedom and versatility than wrap around styles.

35 lbs is enough lift for cold water, if you are just single tank recreational diving. Consider your future dive plans, but keep in mind that more lift has more drag too.

I'm about 190 lbs and very negatively buoyant, but your buoyancy may vary. Do a ballast check with your complete system.

Good Diving!

Chad

 

[RonFrank]

Hello,

I guess the big thing is that I have been doing lots of research with BC's and was wondering what other peoples opinions regarding back infating BCD's were and why. I guess I also would like to know about the exact propor weight for cold water diving, i am about 190pounds and was wondering if, well, for example a Halcyon Eclipse, if just the 36lb wing set up is plenty fine or if i should go for a 48ish one. Thanks a lot for your input it is greatly appreciated.

-ScubaMan

I tried a jacket style BC, and a Back Inflate. I went with the back inflate. It was easier to trim, and felt better.

a 36lbs wing is plenty for diving a single tank. If you plan on doing doubles you may want to consider 45lbs or larger. If you are considering diving dry, and an intergrated weight system make sure that the weight pockets can hold the weight necessary to offset the buoyant exposure suit.

I dive with a Zeagle Ranger, but am about to switch to a Stilletto as I have discovered that I don't need 45lbs of lift, larger bladders tend to produce more drag, they are heavier and bulkier to pack, and they can trap air more easily vs. the smaller bladders.

IMO if you do plan on doubles you may want to consider a smaller BC for single tank diving, and a more specialized rig for doubles. Most people I know diving doubles use a BP/W system.

Good Luck,

 

[ScubaMan2025]

Wow, thanks alot for all the input Definately going to look more into back infating BC's. I will browse halycon, omsdive, and diveriteexpress. thanks again guys!

-ScubaMan-

 

[MSilvia]

Don't limit yourself. Also check out Oxycheq, Deep Sea Supply, Hammerhead, Zeagle, and any other manufacturers you come across.

 

[kidspot]

if it helps, here's a list of backplates and wings you can look into... http://www.kidspot.org/personal/scuba/bpwing.html

 

[jeckyll]

Don't limit yourself. Also check out Oxycheq, Deep Sea Supply, Hammerhead, Zeagle, and any other manufacturers you come across.

+1

I dive a 37# pioneer. Quite a few of my buddies dive the DSS and they seem very happy as well. Look at what is available locally would be my suggestion.

 

[ScubaMan2025]

Wow, thank you for the link KidSpot!