Back inflation or Jacket style what do you Prefer?

[pinoiryder]

Hello Newbiew here and i am trying to decide which BC to get, do not know if this has been ask on the site, but which one do you prefer? Back inflation BC of Jacket Style BC. What are the pros and cons of each BC? All input is appreciated, this will help me decide what is my first BCD going to be..

Thank you,
Pinoi

 

[mood]

Well i was in your situation not so long ago, and the best advice and im sure many will support me on this is to go out and rent more bcd's until you fall in love with one. Dont go purchasing the first one you fall in love with though!

Im not an expert but from my research i think these are the pros/cons of each:
Jacket:
Pros: Upright in surface, most commonly used, you can easily tell its inflated
Cons: squeezes you in, too much space used and cramping

Back Inflation:
Pros: Able to move more freely, nothing in front to limit your movement. Better horizontal position in water
Cons: Might push you downwards (face-first) on surface.

BP/W
Pros: Able to move freely, nothing to limit movement, better horizontal position, more streamline, easily configured and adjusted
Cons: Someone else pitch in

I havent tried a back inflation, but by the description of BP/W setups, i simply fell in love with it and have placed my order. But if your not as risky as i am, i say go out and try the different types.

Good Luck and Dive Safe!

Moh

 

[KarolinaKid]

To me the only reason to go with the jacket is for stability on the surface. If you have an LDS that will let you try before you buy in their pool, that is what I would suggest.

I used a jacket style during certification, but had purchased my own back inflate by the time I got to open water. I like the freedom of movement and position in the water much better with the back inflate. I am now in the process of transitioning to a BP/W. I would suggest checking out a BP/W setup before committing to anything.

I volunteer at a local aquarium, and am required to use their jacket style BCDs while diving there and it makes me really appreciate a back inflate / BP/W setup everytime I have to don one of those things now.

Definitely buy what you are most comfortable in.

 

[John_B]

Neither. I prefer a BP/W over either type of BCD you are probably looking at.

 

[DiverLS]

Like KarionalKid said the back inflate affords greater movement. I have one and have not noticed any problem with maintaining surface stability. I have a Seaquest BC that back inflates until full then has small bladders in the side that inflate. I like that as I'm a photographer and it gives me much more flexiblity underwater.

And welcome to Scuba Board.

 

[shoturtle]

I perfer a jacket, I am top heavy on the surface. And do not like being lean forward while waiting for pick up. I really have no problem stay horizontal underwater, and really do not put to much air into the bc normally. The benefit of the jacket is that it has more pocket space, for my fold up knife and an other stuff I feel like put in them. I feel a bit secure with the small squeeze form my jacket

The back inflate helps with being horizontal. But there is another option. Mares has the Dragon bladdler that gives the benefit of a back inflate with the stablity of a jacket. Or you can go with the new hybrid, that gives you the benefit of both a back inflate and a jacket. Aeris, and sherwood have them.

So you have more option then just back inflate and jacket.

 

[RAWalker]

Although I've tried a couple of jacket style BC prior, the first I bought was a hybrid back inflator (a Sherwood Tortuga) I was very satisfied with it. When my wife started her OW instruction she tried a Jacket the instructor had and then my Tortuga. She preferred the Tortuga and when she went shopping for her own gear decided she like the Tortuga enough to keep it. This allowed me to investigate other options and I ended up with a Backplate and Wing.

 

[Colliam7]

i am trying to decide which BC to get, do not know if this has been ask on the site, but which one do you prefer? Back inflation BC of Jacket Style BC. What are the pros and cons of each BC?

Lots (and lots and lots) of threads on SB on this topic so definitely do a search for additional information. Most people start with a jacket, and a large number stay with it. Jacket BCDs work, they are safe, comfortable, etc., no doubt about it. The majority of people who try a backplate/wing (which is a type of back-inflate BCD) transition to that configuration and don't return to a jacket. BP/W are simple, streamlined, comfortable in the water, and rather flexible (single tank or double tank, different wings, etc). (Non BP) back-inflate BCDs are an interesting middle ground. As one response noted, some divers feel they are being pushed face forward in the water (at the surface) in a back-inflate BCD. Part of that is the bladder position with that BCD and part of it is the fact that many back-inflate BCDs are weight-integrated, and the weights are on the front side of the BCD, the bladder is in back, and the BCD 'seeks' a natural equilibrium, leaving the diver in a somewhat face down position. Personally, I prefer back-inflation to a jacket. I own all three. I dive a jacket for pool work and OW classes, and am very comfortable with it. I dive a backplate for single tank recreationbal diving and for doubles / technical. My back-inflate BCD (ranger) now sits forlorn and alone in a closet.

 

[soamelt]

When I was doing my OW my LDS had jacket style BCD’s that we used. I found them to be pretty uncomfortable. I have a large frame, (6'3 200lb), but am relatively thin (small waist) so a large was too big, but all the mediums (which I ended using) were a little too small. They would squeeze my sides until the point it was really uncomfortable for me. Granted, I always had more air than I would normally need as was just learning buoyancy control (and still am) and I was 8+lb's over weighted and had to compensate for that with a lot air in my BCD.

I have since purchased a back inflate (Zeagle Bridage which you are able to customize a bit - medium size waste with large should straps - first perfect fitting BCD I ever put on) which I was worried about being pushed forward on the surface. It didn't end pushing me forward at all, or not enough to matter any ways. Besides, I'd rather by comfortable for my time underwater and potentially uncomfortable for the few minutes I spend at the surface then the other way around.

 

[Dive Rite]

What are the pros and cons of each BC?
Pinoi

Hi Pinoi,

Can I suggest you read the Solution Finder question 'Is a jacket BC or harness BC right for me?' Hopefully it will give you some ideas on what to look for in a BC and what might suit your needs best.
Check out the Solution Finder here:
SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Solution Finder

If you have any further questions don't hesitate to ask.
Best,
Ag