Bc On Budget?

[darrenw]

Looking for a decent bc nothing fancy just someething that gets the job done. thats not a hunk a junk.

thanks
d

 

[teamgs]

Hey Darren,
Welcome to SB! I think you may get more accurate recommendations if you tell us some more information. What type of diving are you planning to do? (rec, tech, tropical, drysuit, etc.) Are you looking for any type of BC in particular? (Jacket, back inflate, backplate/wing)

Regards,

Gary

 

[trigfunctions]

My girlfriend and I have been very happy with these:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=BCJ-3850

Plus, Scuba Toys gives a 10% ScubaBoard discount!

 

[Igodeep]

You can get into a good backplate and wing that is versatile and will outlast most recreational for a reasonable price. It may not be the right equipment for you. Tell us more about what type of diving you do and what your budget is. I'm sure you will get plenty of recommendations.

 

[crlavoie]

Without getting into the debates for or against, my simple answer to the question would be a backplate and wing. Phil Ellis is currently selling a VERY nice complete rig for $399. For another $50 you can get a DSS LCD Single rig with Hog harness (actually a better rig in my mind).

 

[fjsala]

you can get some nice deals on jacket styles on e-bay for under $200...or better yet you can get a good back-inflate one from an authorized on-line dealer for $300-$400. Try www.divers-supply.com and scubatoys!

 

[hudson]

Personally I would go with the DSS rig (www.deepseasupply.com) - you can get it for $399 with the kydex backplate which actually makes it easier to travel with (If you get a Backplate & Wing system, you need to put some thought into what size wing you'll need - we can give you a ballpark if you describe the conditions you'll be diving in, but the best method is to find the exact buoyancy of all the neoprene you will be wearing in the coldest conditions.)

For the absolute best deal on a BC that is not junk though, I don't think the scubaL Orion can be beaten:

http://www.scubal.com/content/index.php?parentid=197&catid=198&procatid=159

 

[darrenw]

I dive the rivers here in florida for fossils and occasional dive the gulf. while diving the rivers we use 30 lbs of lead or more with a 3 mil suit.


haven't decided if the back plate and wing or jacket looking into both.

thanks for all the input so far.

 

[ekremer]

you can check out scubatoys clearance they have those ugly looking see me anywhere back inflate BC's that from the images look top notch.

 

[fishmunger]

i would look on craigslist or at a play-it-again sports for a bc. you can probably get a nice jacket bc for $20-50 bucks, seriously. A lot of people upgrade to a plate or move on to some other style, so used one's go dirt cheap. I think its better to get something used, put it to work for 10 dives or so until you figure out what you want, then buy new, instead of buying new 2x...