BCD toss-up...again!

[mxracer19]

I was looking to get a BCD, and I have my selection narrowed down to three. The Zeagle scout is a lightweight option. The Oceanic Chute 3 feels quite nice on me, and the Dive-Rite Transpac II with Travel wings has some nice features. Id like to get something that will be able to grow will my skills, as eventually I would like to be doing some wreck diving. Backmounts are what im interested in. For the most part, Ill be diving in dutch springs in Pennsylvania from now until august, then the daytona beach area from august thru june. I dont plan to get my wreck certification for quite some time, so for the next year or so ill probobly just be doing some recreational dives on an alum single. any input on these three BCDs would be great, especially personal experiances with some of the features and what not.

thanks
-Matt

 

[kidspot]

If you're already considering the transpac, you may want to also look at the standard backplate and wing setup. There are quite a few of us on the board that really like ours for recreational diving, and it will grow with you into any type of diving you might pursue... Plus the standard harness and backplate is quite a bit cheaper than the transpac and completely adjustable/customizable beyond any other type of system. I found it to be extremely comfortable in the water too.

Aloha, Tim

 

[H2Andy]

i second Tim's idea

 

[Jawbone]

Agree. The backplate and harness will work for you from rec to tec.

 

[Kim]

I expect a lot of people will suggest the BP/Wing solution.

To give you input on your stated choices though:

I have the Transpac II /Travel wing setup. It's a great setup - very comfortable in and out of the water (something to consider if you have to carry your tank a long way on the surface), and very stable in the water. The only criticism that I have about it is that there is not a lot of room on the waist strap to add extras like pockets or their weight intergrated system (basically you have to choose one or the other - you can't have both!)
Other than that it is perfect for travelling - packs down well and weighs less than a BP/Wing setup

 

[ShakaZulu]

What the first three guys said..........

 

[Stryker]

Do you think a back inflated vest style is NOT a good idea for wreck diving? I know you want to be as streamlines as possible, but I dont think that mine (Seaquest Balance) is very bulky at all, but its not set up for duals....

 

[H2Andy]

Seth, ultimately, if it works for you, then it works

i certainly am not one of those who say "you MUST get a bp/wings"

but i do think they are awesome, and they've made my diving a lot easier
and me a happier diver

i just like to tell people about them. i wish someone had told me about them
a lot sooner.

 

[Kim]

I'm not really complaining!! It's just that this comes up so often and the answer is often 'BP/W' - without addressing the original question! As I have the Transpac I just thought it would be nice to also give him an answer to what he asked!

FWIW - when my Transpac finally disintegrates (if that's in my lifetime) I would also consider moving to a BP/W. If I ever decide to dive doubles then I would definitely buy a BP/W as well. Right now I'm happy with what I have so I don't see the need to change.

 

[jonnythan]

Keep in mind that if you're diving Dutch Springs and wearing a nice thick wetsuit, the Travel Wings or Scout may not have enough lift for you.