Back or Front?

[AlaskaJS]

Im looking into buying my first BCD, and I am a little hung up on some of the details. First, what is better, front inflation or back? I mean, I can figure out that front inflation has its perks at the surface, I.e, easier to hang out up there keeping your face out of the water. And I understand that the back inflater is supposed to be more streamlined for better movement underwater, but which is better? Is there a BCD that does both? What are some front inflating BCDs that are fairly streamlined?

Im looking for a good, rugged BCD that will last me a while, carry all my extra gear, and can be used in both warm and cold waters. any advice would be helpful.

Thanks
Jason

 

[james croft]

If you don't get a backplate and a wing you will die!
Just kidding. This is a topic that has been beaten to death a zillion times on this forum. You might want to do a search for this topic and you will find a ton of opinions on this.

 

[NadMat]

What he said..

A lot of it is personal preference, and depends on what type of diving you do. Try several if possible, either thru rentals (sometimes hard to find bp/w to rent) or thru buddies in local dive club. I have tried all types and still prefer the a jacket style with front inflation for most of my diving (standard rec. profiles) but can see the advantages of the bp/w for more technical diving. I may end up with one of those too eventually, but will continue to dive my pro qd for rec. diving.

 

[DiveMaven]

there's a BC out there that is back inflate while you're diving, then you can add some inflation to the front/sides for the surface. Can't think who the manufacturer is....anyone? There are also BCs like the SeaQuest Diva that claims to be mostly back inflate, wtih some on the sides. Personally, it felt like a normal vest to me, but that's not what is advertised. You just might have to do some homework.

 

[Jeff Toorish]

There is really no 'front inflation' BC. In years past there was a horse collar type device that might have been called front inflation, but they are now relegated to vintage diving experiences.

What you seem to be asking is if you should get a back inflate or a true jacket style.

As has been noted, plenty of threads about this but here are a few points:

A BCD is not a life preserver, it does not serve the same function. So don't think of it that way. It's job is to keep you neutrally buoyant at depth.

For most divers, because of the position they are diving, a back inflate works better.

Contrary to popular opinion, a back inflate properly weighted with weight in the rear pockets (non-ditchable) is at least as stable on the surface as a jacket. Neither will hold your head out of the water if you are unconscious. However, in my experience, a back inflate is easier to lean back on, which is a more comfortable position on the surface for many people.

Now, having said all that...

Get a backplate and wing, they are better.



Jeff

 

[scubatoys]

The bcd you are thinking of Maven is the Oceanic outrigger it has the High Lift Transfer (HLT) system transfers buoyant lift from the rear bladder to a 15-pound front bladder for effortless face-up surface flotation.

When it comes to Back Vs Jacket? The claim is the jacket type Bcd is better at the surface and wont push you on your face... And the Back inflation type is more streamlined when diving... and I could go on and on with the arguments… This is how I see it! You spend 3 to 4 minutes at the service and 45 to 55 minutes underwater! So I would go with the latter and if you weight the back floatation BCD’s right they will keep you upright at the service anyway!

I personally like back inflation BCD's, like the Zeagle Brigade and not because of all the hype of which is better or which is streamlined but simply because it the most comfortable Bcd I have ever dove! Now on the other hand my wife dives the Mares dragon BCD which is a jacket! She claims that she feels more secure with the jacket type! But then again she can’t be very bright she is married to me!

But get what you are comfortable in.

If I can answer any questions give me a call.

Thanks

 

[reefugee]

I have tried jacket BCD (rental), back inflate BCD (own) , and BPW (currently using).

After using a back inflated BCD, I didn't like the jack BCD that I tried. Granted - it was only for two dives, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. The jacket BCD felt like someone was squeezing me when it was inflated on the surface. With the back inflated BCD, it was easier to control my trim in the water. When I first used the back inflated BCD, it was hard to stay upright at the surface. However, now I don't even have to think about it to stay verticle at the surface.

Now I dive a BPW. Honestly - I can't decide if I like the back inflate BCD or my BPW better.

Minh

 

[nivla80]

I use the Seaquest Balance. Back inflate. As long as my weights are all the way to the back, and in my trim pockets, i have no problem at all keeping face up at the surface. And you might just wanna inflate the BC enought to keep ur head out of the water. Over inflating might very well be the cause of the dreaded faceplants.

But then again, it's better if you tried one, and decide for yourself. No point hearing advice, and end up making a wrong decision. Good luck!

 

[dmdoss]

I think you will find most divers prefer a back or wing.

 

[Bruce3]

i think you only have your face pushed into water at the surface when your fully inflate your wing which is usually overkill.