Back inflation BCD

[diver 85]

Start trying them on & diving them(unless you just pick one out over the internet like I did & order it---always remember: Columbus took a chance)--Kinda sorta like buying a hat------remember Chubby getting a new hat in the early Little Rascals???---same way....

 

[DevonDiver]

If time and money isn't an issue, then trying an endless range of equipment is a good technique. Eventually, you'll discover the optimum equipment set for you.

The benefit of seeking advice is that people who have already gone through that process can provide you with a 'road map' that makes the whole process quicker, simpler and cheaper.

Just make sure you take your advice from people who have actually been through that process...and aren't just fantasizing about it, or showing off.

 

[diver 85]

Hey DD, "The traits of a good DM Candidate.... shut mouth, open eyes, clear your ears."-----not bad advice for instructors....


EDIT: let's make that "SOME" instructors...........rotflmao......

 

[ScubaRambo]

And this thread has officially been hijacked.
Give it a rest people...we all have differing opinions, which is exactly what the OP asked for.
He didn't ask for us to bitch about who says what and who thinks what ("Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who..."), no, he asked us for opinions.
Give your opinion, then kindly shut the fudge up.
Please?

 

[DevonDiver]

Ok..back on topic...

with reference to my earlier comment...

proper floatation at the surface is the difference between life and death

This is supported by the DAN statistics that show a large number of diving victims actually succeeding to get to the surface, before subsequently re-sinking or just drowning at the surface.

Whilst the predominantly pertains to divers failing to achieve positive buoyancy (re-sinking), many incidents also show that the victim lost consiousness, or was otherwise incapacitated on the surface after ascent.

The ability for a BCD to hold your airway clear of the water, without effort, would save lives in a very real sense.

Likewise, there are many incidents reported where divers have become lost/separated from their dive boats for prolonged periods. Again, a BCD that allows comfortable, effortless surface floating, with airway clear of the water, would make the difference between life and death.

BCDs will never officially be classified as 'surface floatation aids' because they serve a dual purpose....and require user operation to attain positive surface buoyancy. That does not mean, that their ability to function as surface support doesn't form a critical life-or-death factor in a real emergency.

As every diver knows (if they paid attention on their OW class)... a critical factor in preventing 'incidents at the surface' is to attain positive buoyancy and relax.

If your BCD does not allow you to rest, fully supported, with airway clear of the water then it is failing to provide it's key function in an emergency.

IMHO, as many variants of the rear-inflate style BCDs do not inherently do this 'off-the-shelf' (they require user experimentation, specific weight placement and modified technique to stop 'face first dunking'), then they fail to make the grade as a style of BCD that should be recommended....especially to novice divers.

I've owned several rear-inflate BCDs (Dacor and Zeagle) and both were terrible for the 'dunking' effect. I was also involved in a rescue of a diver in distress at the surface, who could not get his airway clear of the water. His BCD was inflated. Before I could intervene effectively to help, the man took on water and ceased breathing. Luckily, we regained breathing once removed from the water and resucitation began.

 

[The Chairman]

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[grayfish]

I recently bought and dived an OMS IQPAK with a 65 pound single bladder. It has an aluminum backplate and quick dump slide in weight pockets. It's a great BC but does tend to lie you face down at the surface. I figured out not to overinflate at the surface, cinched the crotch strap, and added trim pockets to the upper tank strap to balance out the rig but I find it nearly impossible to float on my back with this set up. I am left to wonder if using the stainless steel back plate that is available and perhaps adding more weight aft of the tanks would help.

 

[RAWalker]

I recently bought and dived an OMS IQPAK with a 65 pound single bladder. It has an aluminum backplate and quick dump slide in weight pockets. It's a great BC but does tend to lie you face down at the surface. I figured out not to overinflate at the surface, cinched the crotch strap, and added trim pockets to the upper tank strap to balance out the rig but I find it nearly impossible to float on my back with this set up. I am left to wonder if using the stainless steel back plate that is available and perhaps adding more weight aft of the tanks would help.

Are you saying that you use a 65# bladder for a single tank diving?
If so even I who tends to like extra lift capacity would have to ask why a 65# wing? That seems like an extremely large bladder for singles and maybe it's size while inflated at the surface is contributing to your inability to float on your back.
The largest wing I've attempted for singles is an OMS 45# bungie wing. I have the OMS AL plate with a Deluxe Comfort harness and trim it with pockets on the lower tank strap when needed and I use a weight belt. If I lean back fully I'm floating comfortably on my back.