Choosing a BC is something that comes up more often than not in the new and basic forums. It really makes me wonder how much, or more appropriately how little, time are instructors spending on the topic of choosing one. In my OW classes the first lecture covers the history of diving and the equipment. I used to spend equal time on the subjects. About an hour on each. What I have discovered though is that not everyone is a history buff like me so I now spend maybe a half hour or even a little less on history and more on gear. A good portion is on BC selection. Jacket, back inflate, BPW, and now sidemount, are all discussed. In detail.
I don't believe in the whatever you choose will be fine for now school of thought. Nor do I feel a certain type is right for every diver. I want to know your interests, where you see yourself doing most of your diving, planning on travel, mostly local dives not involving planes, etc. These are IMO critical pieces of info for the diver choosing their first BC. Had this been done with me I would have saved a nice chunk of change on that first purchase. With my students and customers I would rather have them buy once and way down the road change if their diving style changes. I don't want to be selling them a new BC every couple years or every year.
Speaking from my own experience and based on the bulk of my BC sales the most versatile and adaptable BC option for a new diver is some type of modular back plate and wing system. Often less expensive than a jacket or back inflate, yet with the features the individual needs because they decide what they are. Padding is an option but rarely needed, which reduces the amount of lead you need to use. Wings are interchangeable and so you use only what you need. You can add pockets, weight systems, change from a steel to aluminum or kydex for travel, and if something does get worn or damaged you only replace that part. Not the entire BC.
For some people a jacket may be the best choice for them. As long as they only plan to do recreational diving, don't mind the extra bulk when traveling (there are travel BC's, and they work, but they may not if the owner also wants to dive locally and the rig does not have enough lift), and don't mind having to replace the entire unit if their interests change and require features the BC does not have.
I have an entire article on using BPW type BC's for recreational, new, and student divers. I freely give it to anyone who asks. All I need is an email address that you can PM to me or send via the email address in my signature line.
