Back Inflation VS Vest

[std63]

I am a new diver and have narrowed my search for BC's to either a Seaquest or Scubapro. Both companies make back inflation and vest type BC's. I am looking for the pros and cons of both.

FYI.... I have looked at the Scubapro Classic and Nighthawk as well as the Seaquest Balance and Pro QD+

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Rick Murchison]

If you are a typical beginner, you'll be using aluminum 80's for most of your diving, and you'll be wanting to spend some time on the surface chatting. With these two things in mind, I recommend a jacket BC, as it provides easier face-out-of-the-water floatation at the surface.
A back-inflation BC has advantages for carrying heavily negatively buoyant steel tanks, is more easily trimmed to a level body position when neutrally buoyant, and generally doesn't squeeze you when fully inflated like most jackets do. But they tend to push you face down on the surface, which can be uncomfortable, especially for beginners.
Personally, I use a harness and back inflate wings or a real lightweight tropical "half & half" for "my" dives, but when instructing open water I wear a Pro-QD jacket for its excellent surface floatation characteristics.
Rick

 

[GP]

I'm basically a beginner diver myself. I was only certified a couple months ago but I would like to add that I bought my own equipment recently and I purchased a Zeagle Ranger which is a back inflation BC. I had never used a back inflation BC before I bought it but many people on the board here highly recommended it and that is what swayed me to buy it. I would just say that I am very glad I purchased a back inflation BC. It is way more comfortable and less cumbersome than the jacket BC's I've used. I've noticed that I have an easier time controlling my buoyancy and I can maintain a more horizontal position underwater. I've also had no problems with face planting on the surface whatsoever. In fact I was on a dive a couple weeks ago in choppy water and I found it very easy and relaxing to lean back and float on my back and kick back to shore.

 

[Lost Yooper]

I would recommend the the back plate, harness and wing combo, however.

Take care.

Mike

 

[TexasMike]

Scott...

There have been some excellent discussions on both the BC's that you are looking at and on BP/Wings versus Vest inflation in general.

If you look back through the threads in this forum (Buoyancy Compensators) you will be able to find what we've discussed in the past. I encourage you to check it out.

My 18.4 centavos worth on this discussion is "It Depends".

Much of your BC and other gear choices can be determined by the type of diving you see yourself getting into down the road. If it's just vacation diving in Coz and the Caribbean, then a somewhat simple set of gear will work just fine. If it's going to be some technical stuff like shipwrecks, deep, cavern/cave, etc, then a whole different class of gear is called for.

So, let us in on what you see yourself doing in your 3rd to 5th year of diving and we can better help you.

 

[tombiowami]

I am a beginner also and find the bp/wings easier to use. My overall take on the matter is that jacket bcs do better on the surface and in the store, and back inflates do better under the water. My main concern just looking at the things is how uncomfortable the bp looks, but once underwater, it disappears completely(once congfigured correctly) and allows me to concentrate on why I am down there in the first place.\


As others have said, there are numerous discussions on this subject, look over those. These are my opinions on the question, the fact is, that whatever you like the best, is probably the best for you.

Tommy

 

[Warhammer]

My advice would be for you to make up your own mind. Do that by trying as many, and as many different types, of BCs as you can get your hands on, any way you can. Alot of times you can rent just about anything you think you might be interested in, espeacially after you establish a good relationship with a shop. If you can't do that, then borrow someone else's. Granted you'd spend a lifetime trying them all, so just try as many as you can and make your choice based on that. The good thing is that there aren't many places you can go wrong. As long as you buy gear that fits you, makes you comfortable, does it's job, suits it's purpose, and comes from a reputable company, it'll work just fine.

FYI, I currently use a Zeagle Ranger and I'm quiet fond of it. But if I were buying another BC tommorow, it would be a Dive Rite Transpac II.

 

[j27rock]

I recommend back inflation.Check out the Zeagle Ranger its a great BC.