BC suggestion

[dingsand]

Hello Everyone,

I am in the market for my first BC. Basically I am looking for a jacket style BC with very basic features. Here they are:

1. Not Weight integrated (I prefer to use weight belt since I was trained using it)
2. Chest strape
3. SS rings instead of plastic
4. with carry handle
5. adjustable shoulders

At first I was looking at ScubaPro Classic Sports, but it is just too expensive and I think I prefer the shoulders to be adjustable. Thank you every much for your inputs.

I wear a Medium size and dive in Southern Cali water. Please do not suggest BPwW.

Ed

Off topic: what is the benefit for weight integrated BC over weight belt? Besides streamlining? or weight distribution?

 

[CODMAN]

Weight integrated is more comfortable, in my oppinion. And if properly attached, less prone to come undone/ disadjusted (once again, in my oppinion...).

I think many brands will have BCs with the basic requirements you are looking for and lots of people here are going to be telling you get this one... No, get this one!!, etc... I think you need to do some shopping yourself. Check out some internet shops like scubatoys, or others. They have tons of choices to look at. And if you can, try some on as they all fit a little differently. Choose one that 1- meets your requirements, 2- Meets your price range, and 3- can easily be serviced in your area!!!!!!

Just my 0.02$

 

[johnny_bravo]

With the weight required in the waters of California I would re-think weight integration...you will be more comfortable with it. Check out the Sherwood Avid it's a great recreational jacket BC.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Please do not suggest BPwW.

That is like saying I double dog dare you!!! Give Joe a call at Scuba Gear and Scuba Diving Equipment - Discount dive gear and tell them what you are looking for. They have a pretty big selection of jackets and great pricing as well. Tell them you are a Scuba Board member and you get 10% off the posted web site price.

I converted to a bp/w about a year ago, so I can't really give you the heads up on which jacket would be best for you. But I have dealt with the ST guys many times and they have always taken good care of me in all regards, price, service and selection.

Good Luck on your gear search!

 

[coney]

Ditto On The Sherwood Avid. Bought Mine Nline For $ 249 And Love It

 

[scubatoys]

The problem with your requirements, is a non-weight integrated is normally an inexpensive BC like this one: Aeris Caribe BCD, BCDS: Men, Aeris, Aeris Caribe BCD

That gives you some of your features... and under 125 bucks... but it won't be Stainless Steel D-rings. So you may have to go with a weight integrated BC, and just take out the weight pockets if the Stainless Steel D-rings is a must have item.

 

[volks_r_us]

I would have say Rip Tide for trying one. Scubatoys also carry them and have Smoking Deals on all rip tide products

 

[diver 85]

Zeagle Scout..............

 

[Nismo]

I too think weight integrated make diving more comfortable. You don't have to worry about the compression of the wetsuit. I also feel like I have less weight when walking around weighted.

I prefer some of the higher end Zeagles if you have an awkward body size. The BC comes in 2 pieces so you can get the waistband one size and the shoulder harness piece another. It's not a jacket style but a nice, comfortable product. I think the Stiletto is the lowest model with this feature and it is by no means a low end product. Zeagle also has the Scout which is a good inexpensive BC. THey released a new Escape as well. DOnt know much about it. Got my wife an Escape that was technically used. It's very nice. I like the Zeagle products and also was trained using the BC's.

 

[Jrock1062]

Zeagle very well made BC