BC Lift Handle: Yes or No?

[73diver]

I see some BC wings, jackets, etc. with a lift handle located near the location of the regulator, that someone is likely to grasp rather than lifting an assembled unit by using the regulator. Other very good BCD's have many nice features but no lift handle. I'm curious if there are arguments for inclusion or exclusion of a lift handle. I think I would prefer that no one be tempted to 'haul' my equipment by the regulator. Then again, there may be accidents that have involved entanglement with a handle. Thanks, 73diver

 

[CT Sean]

I lift my Bp/w by the shoulder straps. I see no need for a "handle".

 

[Storker]

I prefer a tank handle. Easier to lift the rig from than the BC's lift handle, and it also works when the tank isn't fastened to the BC.

Just my 0.02€

 

[AlexL]

my BC has the handle (SP knighthawk)... and i wouldn't pick up an assembled tank/bc solely via the handle; you can feel quite a bit of give in the plastic if you try. usually carry an assembled unit via the bottom of the tank with one hand, and grab the bc handle with the other; bc should straps facing away.

 

[dfx]

I suppose a handle could come in handy in some situation, assuming that it's actually strong enough to support the entire assembled gear (personally I don't trust the plastic hard backs too much), but it certainly doesn't let you do something that you otherwise couldn't do without a handle. I also use the shoulder straps, either on my back as it's meant to be, or by running my arm through both straps and lifting it up with that (good when switching tanks).

 

[TSandM]

I never found the BC handle very useful for moving the entire rig around. It was mostly useful for lifting the BC OFF the tank when changing tanks. You can use the shoulder straps and a couple of tugs on the cambands to do the same thing.

 

[freewillie]

If the BC is on the tank and the whole kit is on the ground then using a handle to move the kit is helpful. But it is of limited usefulness to pick up to put on (usually using shoulder straps). For boat diving where the tank is on the bench then you don't need to put on either.

My BC has a handle but it's more useful to put over the tank valve to help with keeping the level of the strap on the tank consistent.

I'd say it's nice to have but wouldn't use it in deciding to buy or not to buy a BC.

 

[herbdb]

My BC has a handle AND a strap to keep it at a predetermined place on the tank. I use the handle when hauling gear.

 

[Scott]

I have one BC that has a carry handle, the rest do not. I use the handle to hang to BC to dry when all my other hangers are in use.
If I'm going to carry an assembled kit it is either on my shoulders or carried by the shoulder straps. Of course I have been known to pick a kit up by the first stage and move it a short distance.

 

[Colo Hippie]

My current BC has a handle that is a molded part of the back plate, my wife's does not. I find it much easier to move/carry/etc my BC using the handle, both with and without tanks attached. The handle did not figure into buying or not buying our BCs but I do appreciate it. A handle also will not factor in to buying the next BC.