BCD Purchase - question and recommendations?

[rack201]

Hi All,

Am about to buy my first BCD, and am looking for any recommendations. I live in Thailand, but will travel to England soon, so will pick it up there most likely.

I am looking for any recommendation on what to go for. I want integrated weights, and the conventional inflator system. I like the look of the Seac Sub Pro 2000, based on nothing but a try on.

One question though - If in the future I would like to get into Tech diving, should I make that a consideration now - ie. are there any crossover models? Or recreational models that use a wing that could also be used in tech? This isn't a major concern..

Look forward to any advice.

Cheers - Chris

 

[PerroneFord]

You probably should purchase something you can get serviced back home. If you don't mind buying 2 systems, then try to buy something to fit your needs now, and then buy a technical setup later. Recreational BC's typically don't cross over well at all. Technical setup (Backplates with wings) don't have integrated weights in the sense that you are talking about.

Best of luck.

 

[SangP]

Chris,

I would second what PerroneFord said however, it may be more applicable to a regular bc than a bp/w. The components of a bp/w are pretty tough and easily repaired or replaced so you may not need to worry too much about local support for such a setup.

As for which to get, it really boils down to which features is most important to you. Do you want a nice to look at bc for you leisure dives and then get a tech setup later or do you rather get a modular setup that allows you to progress as you advance in your diving?

Another advantage to a bp/w is it is perfectly usable as a leisure bc & by just changing the wing you could make it a doubles/tech setup. Going this route might save you a buck or two or maybe not LOL!

Do a search and you'll be able to find more info bout the experiences of those who have made or not made the switch to a bp/w and why.

SangP

 

[DutchDown]

To add to what the other posters have said, a bp/w is more versatile and can be adapted to whatever type of diving you do in the future, And there are ditchable weight pouches avalailable from several manufacturers. I bought a Seaquest Balance as my first bc, then later bought a Diverite bp/w for doubles. Were I to do it again, I would have gone for the bp/w with a single tank adapter, weight pouches and a singles wing, then added a doubles wing later.

Phil

 

[wunat]

One question though - If in the future I would like to get into Tech diving, should I make that a consideration now - ie. are there any crossover models? Or recreational models that use a wing that could also be used in tech? This isn't a major concern..

In this case, I think you should seriously look into a Backplate and Wing system. The only thing you really have to change when you get into tech diving is the wing for more lift and size for the doubles.

BP+Wing system is not common in Thailand (I live here as well), they are getting lots of attention these days. I have been diving the system for a while. I still have a conventional jacket style BCD (for teaching only), I always prefer to dive in a BP+Wing.

If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to PM me.

 

[Travelnsj]

Chris....I have dove the world from Indonesia to the Red Sea and a lot of places in between over the last 7 years.....100% of all Dive Guides, dive masters, instructors, course directors etc...I have dove with....(recreational diving only)..wear one style BC....The Jacket style....and probably 90% of those were Scubapro!....

 

[ams511]

I hate to break this to you but, all the people you mention get key man discounts and are more or less forced to wear the same gear the dive shop sells.

 

[Travelnsj]

I do realize many of the Dive guides, dive masters instructors etc do get the discounts you mentioned...on many products they use.....I hate to break this to you...many of the dive ops I have used around the world...(maybe 45 to 55) do not have dive shops....most have some type of limited rental gear which is usually Aqua Lung or Scuba Pro....regardless....the majority will only wear the Jacket style made by Scuba Pro.....

 

[Damselfish]

It's not just the dive guides, rental gear, etc. - most of the customers with their own gear in those places with their own gear are also wearing traditional jacket BCs or perhaps back inflates. You read about BP/W a lot on Scubaboard but don't see them much most places in real life. Learn about all the options then decide for yourself, just don't take what is flaunted on Scubaboard as statistically meaningful.

 

[ecudiver]

well rack201 i was in your shoes just a couple of weeks ago. i am furthering my dive education through my college and have dove with the traditional style jacket from scuba pro that the college offers. then i tried a back inflation bc and loved how it worked but was torn between the idea of that and a bp/w knowing i wanted to get into tech diving later on. so a couple of days ago i decided to buy the bp/w and did for only about 150 dollars more than the back inflation bc i was looking at. i figured for the extra money now it would pay off in the long run. hope my experience helps you any questions just pm me