back inflation vs vest???

[ppatrick]

I love my Balance! Very easy to maintain bouancy. I would choose back-inflation over jacket style BC.

 

[CC1020]

I have a Balance myself, and like it very much. I've used several different rental jackets, mainly Scubapro, and I find that the "squeezed" feeling makes it difficult to get comfortable. Maintaining the horizontal position is much easier with BI, and I have had no problem with surface swims on my back. I'd highly recommend it.

 

[Narced44]

So I know this is rehashing but..I am a new diver and spend alot of time on these boards and I can really tell that yall like the back inflation a whole lot better for the most part. My grandad who was scuba diving before they were issuing certifications, for years and years wore back inflations because that is all they had. but since he has taught my whole family how to dive he says that jackets are easier to use on the surface and to aid a diver that would need your help up top. He says that the back inflators..put you on your face a little bit. I have read what it says on scuba toys and larry says that you face in the water is where the fish is and that it isn't a problem for that reason on the surface. I have also heard that you can put some trim weights in the back and it kind of takes care of it. So should I just get an escape and have the compesation weight in the back..or will it really be in convienent in the event of having to do something on the surface...also is being verticle whether it is hovering or observing the wall..out of the question with the back inflator? I know this is long.haha. just an accumilation of all my research

 

[Halthron]

He says that the back inflators..put you on your face a little bit. I have read what it says on scuba toys and larry says that you face in the water is where the fish is and that it isn't a problem for that reason on the surface. I have also heard that you can put some trim weights in the back and it kind of takes care of it.

You could add trim weights but the problem only exhibits itself when the BC is really full. And even then, just lean into it a bit. It essentially acts like a mini raft.

 

[Narced44]

I think i am going to go with a ranger with an air 2..what do you guys think? I am pretty pumped about comming to a decision

 

[scubamickey]

JFRAS30, this analogy won't mean anything to you because you're a guy, but ask your wife she'll understand:

To me the difference is like going from a Victorian-style polyester corset to a satin Victoria's Secret demi-bra.

I prefer the back inflate because it doesn't constrict my chest or ribs. I learned in a Sherwood jacket and it was fine but everytime I inflated, I could feel my ribs and my breasts being compressed. Not a pleasant feeling. The BI style doesn't do this. I have tried on the new jackets that inflate and supposedly don't squeeze but I will tell you that they still do, albeit less than the older styles.
I also found it a lot easier to swim horizontally with a BI than I did with the jacket.

 

[JFras30]

Scubamickey I might not relate but I love your analogy and I get the point. I've ordered the Balance and waiting for it to come in. I appreciate everyones help and advice.

 

[ronrosa]

....
To me the difference is like going from a Victorian-style polyester corset to a satin Victoria's Secret demi-bra.......

OK, now youv'e done it. Now I have Heidi Klum and Adriana Lima on the brain.

What did you say about scuba ?

 

[scubamickey]

OK, now youv'e done it. Now I have Heidi Klum and Adriana Lima on the brain.

What did you say about scuba ?

Well, that's not exactly a bad thought I suppose.

Are you asking *me* what I said about scuba? Don't understand the question.

 

[HMaren]

I use a Balance, but used the ProQD during my OW classes... as mentioned previously, the main difference is comfort. The jacket seems to get in the way on the ProQD and it's extremely bulky while the Balance is totally out of the way, there's no cumberbund, just a nice strap that you can adjust to your liking. Basically you're wearing a harness with a bladder behind you.

Took my first dive trip with my Balance - it packs easily, dons and doffs easily, both on the boat, and at the bottom (I practiced at the end of a dive in which I had plenty of air left). The back padding is very comfortable, as are the swiveling shoulders. I wish it had another pocket. The one issue is, at least with the AirSource inflator hose (don't know if this contributes to the problem or not), is that venting air is not as quick and easy as I've found it to be with a jacket style. I found that to truly vent air for descent (or to control my ascent as the air put in at depth expanded), I had to roll practically on to my back with the deflate button depressed, and even then there's about a 2-3 second delay from the time the air makes its way through the bladder and hose - in the meantime, the BC will take on plenty of water. The right hand chest dump is quicker to vent, but can't vent as fast (i.e., as much air per second).

All in all, it's a really nice, comfortable BC which performs very well. I'm totally willing to deal with the above issue in exchange for back-inflate.