BC recommendation for under $300 and for coldwater diving.

[johnnyboy2476]

I plan to do coldwater diving in Long Island, NY. My budget is around $300. There's so many BC out there and it's overwhelming for a newbie. Any recommendations? I'm looking into Tusa platina evolutions, Cressi aquapro5, and Mares entry-level BCs.

 

[Furner]

Give a backplate/wing setup a try. I am a new diver, and I have promised myself that I will do a BP/W for my first BC to own. You can get a whole setup package from www.diveriteexpress.com for a little over $300 go to http://www.diveriteexpress.com/bcs/spbackharnwing.shtml and you can build up whatever you want with free CONUS shipping.

 

[ae3753]

You can get a whole setup package from www.diveriteexpress.com for a little over $300.

Only if you go with aluminum backplate, and don't add any cam straps (which are needed and $28/each if you buy Dive Rite brand).

 

[Furner]

Well for cold water (dry suit?) diving, you may need some extra weight, and with a BP/W, you are much more able to carry the extra weight without cumbersome weight on the waist. You could go with a SS plate with a weighted STA, and eliminate much of your needed weight, making you much better trimmed in the water.

 

[divegeek]

I'm also a BP/Wing guy, but if you REALLY want a BC, you can get a Zeagle escape at LeisurePro for a little over $300.


If you really want to save a $$$ check this out http://www.triple-l.biz/bcds.htm

http://store.triple-l.biz/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HARN-ORION&Category_Code=BCD

Under $150 for the whole deal