Back inflation BCD that wont break the bank

[Jstew]

Hey y’all I’m trying to decide between a Genesis Tropic BC and the Oceanic Chute. I really like a back inflation BCD that wont break the bank (between $300 and $400) any other models I should consider? I will probably use the BC for mostly warm water tropical dives but I would like it to be able to handle the cold water diving applications too. Zeagle BC’s seem to be the perennial SB favorite. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Jake

 

[Hoosier]

Jake, I don't see a Genesis BC that much. Oceanic Chute is well used among the local divers. I am sure that Larry at scubatoys has some info on your question because he is carrying two brands...

 

[CuriousRambler]

Looked at the Oceanic Islander? I used to live in Michigan, and it doesn't take an extremely skilled scientist to figure out you're not diving tropics there. If luggage space is a problem, the Islander's designed for it, and it's back inflate.

Posting here, you're probably going to have a lot of people saying to get a BP/W so be ready for that, I've never dove one so I won't give any input on them at all.

I wouldn't mind getting a Chute myself, if you end up getting one, let me know what you think of it!

 

[divo]

Check out the Zeagle Escape.. nice lightweight travel BC and great price at ScubaToys.com

 

[jmps]

BI is a good choice. I was lucky and got one as a rental and found I like them SO much better than a jacket.

I use a Seaquest Balance but it is a bit out of your price range (around $490 or so). I like it quite a bit and I consider it worth it. It is very open. I also used the Aeris Reef Rider. It is very similar and costs less. It is rated at less weight but the pockets are available to put more weight into them for colder diving. Either work great for tropical diving too.

Scubatoys carries the Reef Rider and gives it good reviews. You should be able to get a good price from them or a LDS. Enjoy!

 

[SmileMon]

I have the Zeagle Brigade, I'm very very very happy with it.

 

[FlipScubaDiver]

Have you looked at the Triple-L BC's? they are inexpenisve and are made of very good quality material.

 

[mack50md]

Picked up a Tropic last summer for $255 at the LDS. Purchased it for warm water travel but, I have max'd it out on weights for a cold water quarry dive or two. I thought it was a good investment. Appears to be durable. Most of the features of the higher end BCs. Quick release weight pouches a plus. Sternum strap is a help. Quick release shoulder strap buckles make it easy getting off. Weight pouches rated for 10 lbs. but, found it to be a tight squeeze for 10 lbs. of soft weifghts. It does travel well.

 

[garyfotodiver]

Divers Direct has a Mares back-inflation BC for $220. Here's the link, unless some moderator removes it: http://www.diversdirect.com/item/Mares Journey M.R.S. BCD_ID42657

Good luck!

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Divers Direct Rocks!