Basic BC

[Mike126]

I'm looking to buy a basic BC that I can use for cold water dives with a wetsuit and some occasional warmer water dives. I'm on the fence with weight integrated and don't need/want a lot of frills. Just a sturdy jacket style bc with a couple of pockets and D rings. Also, I'd rather not spend a great deal and save the money for a wetsuit.

Any recommendations would be helpful.

Thanks, Mike

 

[divnamite]

I don't want to sound harsh. While exposure system is important, a BC will make or break your diving experience. Obviously, cold and bad exposure can make your dive miserable as well. Fortunately, there are many many good wetsuits you can get at relatively cheap price (ebay for one).
What is your budget on the suit and BC? Personally, I dive with a neosports 7 mil full suit + a 7mm Parkway, total came out to $300. My BC is an used ScubaPro Classic, I don't remember how much I paid for it. It came with Air2, prolly around 250ish? I'm upgrading my BC soon, which I intend to spend somewhere around 400 (used) - 500 (new).

 

[Mike126]

Sorry, did not mean to diminish the need for a good BC. But with the number of dives and type of diving (recreational) that I'm doing, a high end BC is not required. I am looking for a well fitting BC that is comfortable but not a lot of extras. I'd even consider to do without weight integrated. Ideally I'd like to keep the overall cost of the BC to under $400.

As far as wetsuits are concerned, I was looking at the Henderson Hyperstrech or Gold Core.

Mike

 

[divnamite]

Oceanic Chute 3 is a good BC, Scubatoys has it on sale for $299. A bit bulky for travel tho.

 

[ScubaThor]

I just bought a new BC and have my "old" jacket-style Genesis Phantom for sale. Only used it for about 20 dives...mostly in colder water (55 degrees or so). PM me if you're interested.

 

[Mike126]

From another angle... which companies are known for good quality and which are not so good for BCs? I don't want to start a religious war with this one.

 

[SangP]

Mike126,

Good news is most bcd are fine but of course some are better than others in terms of quality, fit, adjustability and extras of course.

A resonably cheap company for bcs is:
http://scubal.com/content/index.php?catid=101&view=start

Again, its depends on your budget but most bcds range from $180 to about $400++ or so depending on the make and model.

Since, you are going to be diving in 2 different conditions, and if your budget is about $400, a zeagle brigade is $399.95 from scubatoys and there's some discount as a SB member i think.
http://scubatoys.com/store/Scuba_Mens_BCDs.asp

An option that I would choose would be to get a bp/w from Hammerhead and the wing from either Golem or oxycheq (at scubatoys).
The Hammerhead bp price list: + the Golem #35 wing ( this wing used to be a whole lot cheaper at bout $235 including cambands) or an oxycheq 30 signature wing

Now all you need are a couple of cam bands and a soft crouch strap and you are done since the hammerhead comes with an STA.

You might be able to hit your $400 mark or so if you got the other bits off ebay or bargain your way at the shops.

Cheers,

SangP

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Mike, When I first started diving I tried a few cheaper BC's and they didn't fit right or the tank moved etc.... I ended up with a Zeagle ranger and have never regretted the purchase. I bought it used but in mint condition for $300.

 

[Mike126]

SangP - I heard that if I got a BP/W I'd die!

I'll check out the Zeagles. How much of a difference is there with back inflation vs. jacket?

 

[jrockosaurus]

SangP - I heard that if I got a BP/W I'd die!

I'll check out the Zeagles. How much of a difference is there with back inflation vs. jacket?

I bought a genesis bc for about $350 for my first bc and regretted it after about 10 dives and ever since. especially if most your diving will be in colder water, youll appreciate the versatility of the bp/wing combo. i was told the same thing - a back inflate will kill you - which is why i went with the jacket style bc. never listen to the people trying to sell you something, always look for an unbiased opinion. good job on hitting up the board before dropping the money. by the way, sangp is right, you can easily get a bp, wing and harness for under $400, maybe even close to $300 if you look hard enough. good luck