Back Inflation or a Standard Jacket. Please Help!!!

[nagonoj]

Go for the backplate and wing! You won't have any problem on the surface. Your bouancy and trim will improve dramatically. When I switched to BP/W, I never looked back to Jacket BC again. Check out Halcyon.

 

[IslandFrog]

I use a Balance and a Zeagle Brigade (just got the Zeagle). Both are back inflate. Only issue that I have ever had at the surface was the "Tilt forward" feeling described above. Simple fix is to use the non-dumpable weight pockets on the back. I put in 1 lb weights for fresh water and 2 lb weights for salt water and have not had the "Tilt forward" at the surface issue since. I only used the jacket style BC's during my OW training classes, after trying a back inflate, I have never been interested in going back to the jacket style.

Good luck and Enjoy!

 

[ScubaKimmie]

A Black Diamond is a very good BCD.

If it were to ride up on you there are crotch straps made for the black diamond that work very well.

 

[Wijbrandus]

Between a jacket and a back-inflate, I'll take the BI every time. Jackets are the suck for me.

Put me on the list of recreational backplate divers though.

 

[diver_sam_851027]

I use a Balance and a Zeagle Brigade (just got the Zeagle). Both are back inflate. Only issue that I have ever had at the surface was the "Tilt forward" feeling described above. Simple fix is to use the non-dumpable weight pockets on the back. I put in 1 lb weights for fresh water and 2 lb weights for salt water and have not had the "Tilt forward" at the surface issue since. I only used the jacket style BC's during my OW training classes, after trying a back inflate, I have never been interested in going back to the jacket style.

Good luck and Enjoy!

I 100% agree with IslandFrog on this one. I have a Zeagle Concept II back inflate and I love it. I was introduced to back inflate by fluke when my regular rental sprung a leak and I had to use something else. As for the "tilting forward", again I agree with IslandFrog, I dive dry in freshwater and I put about a little less than 1/3 (6-8 pounds) in my rear pockets and it works great. If I start to tilt, I just vent a little bit of air and it helps as well.

After diving back inflate, I could never go back to a jacket style....it just feels so restrictive to me.

~Sam~

 

[Kstnbike]

Thank you for your responses. I think most of you have convinced me to go with the back inflate. The only problem I had with it when trying it on was it was a little tight around the waist (I am a skinny guy too) which was kind of a turn off. Might have just been the way I was wearing it though.

Thanks,
Kstnbike

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Whichever you decide, you'll want a good fit. Usually BCs have about five different sizes. A little different with BP/Ws which usually have a universal, adjustable fit.

 

[Codyjp]

another vote for bp/w or at least back inflate. my first bc was a bp/w and i am super happy with it. i found that when the AL80 gets low on air if i just let more air out of the bc on the surface and sit a bit deeper all problems are relieved. super comfy though! cumberbuns were created by the devil.

 

[RobbieTheHun]

I have tried both the seaquest Pro QD and the Ranger LTD. I found both of them to be very well made with the Ranger being of a better overall quality. The issue I had was simply carrying too much weight to compensate for their buoyancy. I also had problems with constantly adjusting the cummerbund. I switched to a Halcyon eclipse bp/w and I’ve never looked back. As far as having the correct surface attitude with the wing, as long as you set your trim correctly you shouldn’t have a problem; all it takes is a little practice. There are a lot of very experienced divers on this board who swear by their jacket BC’s and their input is extremely valuable but my advise would be, if you can, try before you buy.

 

[IslandFrog]

Thank you for your responses. I think most of you have convinced me to go with the back inflate. The only problem I had with it when trying it on was it was a little tight around the waist (I am a skinny guy too) which was kind of a turn off. Might have just been the way I was wearing it though.

Thanks,
Kstnbike

One advantage of the Zeagle BC's is that they have interchangeable top and bottom halfs. For example, you can get a med top and a large bottom on your BC. Helps to customize the fit a little bit better.

Regards!