BC options

[SkipperJohn]

I've done a lot of reading on these boards and noticed how many of you migrated from a full jacket BC to a "wing". I started my BC shopping yesterday and looked at a bunch of BC's. I noticed some are not quite a wing but minimal. Is this a good compromise or is it not enough of each and the worse of all evils. I am talking about something like an Oceanic Islander. My LDS DI has one and uses it for travel. He suggested this isn't good for me because the weight system is very limited (& I do require up to 30 pounds with a heavy wetsuit on). I just figured I could always add a pount or 2 on a belt or even a pocket. It's unlikely I would have multiple BCs so I am looking for a good compromise. Travel is a major consideration as I hope to do most of my diving in the Caribbean.

 

[don Francisco]

Skipper-

There lot's of choices in BC's because, claims not withstanding, no BC is ideal for all diving situations.

Backplate and wing configurations are popular for tech and advanced divers because of their modularity. Changing from single to double tanks, for example means changing the wing accordingly, but not having to buy a separate BC. Different weight backplates help maintain trim with varied weighting needs as you change exposure suits. As you can see this modularity does have a price and if you opt for BP/W, expect to add components later on.

For those doing only tropical diving or staying with single tanks, standard BCs are an excellent option. The many models can accomodate any need and budget. Pick a BC by fit first and by features second, and if you're like me you'll look for the best value in terms of fit, features, quality and price as opposed to simply opting for the so-called best. Often this will be a second tier BC which might have been top-of-the-line last year.

Take your time, consider your current and planned future needs, and buy accordingly. Don't feel compelled to overbuy based on some vague notion that you might need certain features down the road, or to satisfies anyone elses notion of what's "right".

 

[Randy43068]

Hi Skipper,

I started diving with a jacket BC and moved to a back plate with wing after about 2 years. I have not found any dive situation where the BP/Wing isn't the right option. When first I started diving I really liked all the "stuff" BCs had on them but found I had to work pretty darn hard to move through the water when using that kind of BC. I tried a bunch of different ones, too. Since using a BP/wing with a single piece of webbing I can move about the water very well.

Everything you add to a BC or harness will have resistance which will imped your movement through the water. So the less stuff, buckles, weight pockets, levers, and long inflator hose you have hanging off of you the easier you'll move through the water.

Also, packing an aluminum backplate and wing with harness is very light and fits in my suitcase quite well. I just don't see any downside to using the BP wing.

Concerning the varitey of BCs and fins available... It's the dive industry way to market NEW stuff to the limited amount of dive consumers available. Dive equipment lasts quite a long time so the makers of dive equipment have to come out with something new and different all the time. The need to sell more fins is how the market for split fins came about. It's the same with BCs. Gadgets on them are what makes one different from another in most cases.

 

[TSandM]

The most important thing in a BC is fit. It has to be comfortable, and also be snug enough around you to keep the tank stable on your back. Beyond that, it has to permit you to dive in a horizontal position. If there are integrated weights, they have to be reasonably easy to install, but securely fastened until their removal is wanted. Any pockets have to be easily reached WHILE DIVING, or they aren't very useful.

For my money, anyone diving in cold water with a jacket or back-inflate BC need to buy one that has trim pockets fairly high up on their back, because putting the amount of weight we need to carry in cold water around the waist almost forces the diver to be in a foot-down position while underwater, unless swimming actively -- in other words, you can't hover in a horizontal position.

If you don't intend to dive at home, issues relating to the ballast required with heavy exposure protection won't interest you that much. In that case, a well-fitted back inflate BC may suit you just fine. (I personally can't imagine owning a jacket, because I just don't like that much stuff wrapped around me!)

On the other hand, there has to be SOME reason why you see so many people saying, "Man, I wish I had done this a long time ago!" when they buy their backplate and wing

 

[MaxBottomtime]

One other thing I noticed is that you are a new diver. In another 100 dives or so you will likely be able to dive with 15 pounds of lead or less. You won't need a weight integrated BC then. I began diving with a backpack/wing combo, then tried a few BCs, including a "tech" BC which fell apart under the strain of doubles. I switched to a backplate and wing about ten years ago and don't miss the pillow around me one bit.