back inflation v. jacket style

[BrianV]

I've dove with both back inflate and jacket and my last BC purchase was jacket, but a lot of modern jackets put almost all of the air in the back anyhow. The reason I went with this jacket was I liked the way it fit, I liked the configuration of pockets and d-rings, and I liked the particular way the integrated weight system worked.

That said, I feel just as stream-lined under water since majority of the air is in the back of the BC. Next time I shop for a BC, I will still consider overall comfort/fit, pockets, and weight things first; that is unless I go into a technical diving situation in which there's really only one choice.

Most people on this board are going to advise you go with back inflate over jacket, and I can understand and respect that, but alternatively, there are nice jackets that will fit nicely and feel very streamlined under water.

At the end of the day, whatever makes you happier and more comfortable is going to be the wisest investment.

 

[laserdoc]

Once you go back......you will never go back

 

[scubafire]

Okay well then say I will be traveling a lot and want to conserve space. I doubt that I will ever get into tech diving. What then? Any specific bc's?

 

[CompuDude]

Okay well then say I will be traveling a lot and want to conserve space. I doubt that I will ever get into tech diving. What then? Any specific bc's?

Whether or not you go into tech diving, a bp/w is a great, extremely comfortable rig that travels better than any BC I've ever seen.

You don't HAVE to do tech diving just because you use a bp/w. You just CAN. All the same benefits (less weight that's better centered, trim, streamlined, etc.) apply to standard recreational diving as well, you just will never use doubles. And nothing packs as flat as a bp/w.

 

[laserdoc]

Okay well then say I will be traveling a lot and want to conserve space. I doubt that I will ever get into tech diving. What then? Any specific bc's?

Just bought a Zeagle Escape. It folds down to nothing (almost). I travel all the time so that was a concern. Zeagle I think is not going to make anymore of them next year or it might be this year. So you can get them at a pretty good price. Check with www.Scuba Toys.com . You won't be sorry. Heading to Fla this morning to get it wet in Saltwater