back inflation vs vest???

[rakkis]

The BCD you get should reflect what kind of diving you do, serviceability in your area, a solid weight release system and most importantly comfort.

The main benefits of back inflated BCDs are:

1) Fit - It doesn't squeeze when inflated, nor does it get loose at depth as you deflate. If it is a proper fit, the harness holds you comfortably the whole time.

2) Trim - A back bladder will help to stay more horizontal in the water with less effort... Because guess what.. air floats! On the surface you offset this by using some trim weight behind the BCD.

 

[BSea]

The BCD you get should reflect what kind of diving you do, serviceability in your area, a solid weight release system and most importantly comfort.

The main benefits of back inflated BCDs are:

1) Fit - It doesn't squeeze when inflated, nor does it get loose at depth as you deflate. If it is a proper fit, the harness holds you comfortably the whole time.

2) Trim - A back bladder will help to stay more horizontal in the water with less effort... Because guess what.. air floats! On the surface you offset this by using some trim weight behind the BCD.

I couldn't agree more. Many people don't see trim as an issue, but when you get in current in the ocean, you'll understand why being streamlined with proper trim makes a big difference.

I've only used a jacket a few times, and never the 1 you are considering. But I did own a balance, and liked it very much. I still think it's an excellent bc. However, I later went with a zeagle brigade, then to a bp/w, which is what I now dive.

 

[FlimFlam]

I own a Balance, but was trained in a jacket BC. I'm a bigger guy (6'4" 240) and found that the back inflate was much more comfortable for me. The Balance feels like you're wearing nothing at all after diving with a jacket BC. Solid fit, lots of lift, and comfortable.

I think you also have to take in to account what kind of diving you'll be doing. If you have any desire to do some semi-serious UW photography, the jacket style will probably be better for you, for the trim reasons listed in the posts before...

 

[BurBunny]

I think you also have to take in to account what kind of diving you'll be doing. If you have any desire to do some semi-serious UW photography, the jacket style will probably be better for you, for the trim reasons listed in the posts before...

Hmm, really? Could you expand on that? Are you thinking of photogs who are upside down taking pictures or what other consideration would make a back inflate less desirable?

 

[skynscuba]

I have a Balance.

For long surface swims, I find the jacket type better. It is fairly common to do the surface swims on your back, which is difficult with the Balance back inflation. For a long surface swim with the Balance, I usually just go face down with my snorkle. Even just bobbing in place on the surface, it takes some effort to remain vertical with back inflation.

My only underwater complaint is that pocket -- it is not much, kinda flaps around, and there is only one of them. Very nice for comfort, trim, balance under water, both in a wetsuit and in a drysuit.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

I used to dive a Pro QD+ and liked it a lot. (And if you wear a Medium I can hook you up cheap!) I now dive a backplate and wing and like it a whole lot more! I highly suggest one.

 

[ronrosa]

Hmm, really? Could you expand on that? Are you thinking of photogs who are upside down taking pictures or what other consideration would make a back inflate less desirable?

Many photographers and videographers prefer the vertical position over the horizontal position when hovering. I shoot video and when hovering, it's a lot easier to stay still when vertical.

As others have stated, back inflate bc's encourage the horizontal position. Some back inflate bc's do this more than others. I used to dive a Seaquest Balance. It's a good bc, but it did tend to push me forward.

 

[jmps]

I use a Balance and really like back inflate. My experience is that I can swim on my back very easily. It is like being on a raft. The key is not to over inflate the wing. This raft effect is SO easy. Underwater I like the lack of material around me and the open feeling. You should really rent a BI before you make this decision. My belief is that it will then be very easy for you to make a choice. That is all it took for me.

Have fun....

 

[SBP Studios]

TRained with a Pro QD, now I am diving a Zeagle Brigade....both have their benefits IMO.

Personally I think the Balance and the Brigade are pretty close but id give the edge to the Zeagle for build quality which I find to be excellent. Cant beat the price either using your Scubaboard discount on Scubatoys.

Im a pretty pisspoor diver so far but am hving fun so take my advice for what it is.

 

[BurBunny]

Many photographers and videographers prefer the vertical position over the horizontal position when hovering. I shoot video and when hovering, it's a lot easier to stay still when vertical.

Interesting. I will say it's easy to stay still when vertical, but I guess since I shoot more tiny stuff than WA I don't often get the chance to hover vertically... unless flying down the side of a wall on a drift dive.