Bcd?

[HPT3]

About gear? I have purchased the basics of course, mask fins and snorkle. I just bought a Mears Abyss regulator. From what I understand and have read it is one of the better regs out there for cold water diving like we have here in NJ. I'm looking into a Scuba Pro MK2/R190 with a pony. The only piece of gear I have any real questions about is a BC. The back floatation type seems to be least cumbersom. I don't feel so restricted. On the other hand, I like the fact that I can feel the BC filling with air on my ascent when wearing a jacket style. It alerts me to release air from the BC. Any suggestions.

 

[Warren_L]

It's all personal preference. Back inflate, jacket style. What it boils down to is how comfortable you are with your equipment. Not everyone is going to like or prefer the same things. It sounds like you are off to a good start. The Mares Abyss is a good regulator - I was considering that for my first reg purchase among others.

There are merits to both types of BCs, but you should try a few in a pool if possible to see what you like before you buy.

 

[dsgobie]

I like the fact that I can feel the BC filling with air on my ascent when wearing a jacket style. It alerts me to release air from the BC.

With experience this won't be an issue.

The back floatation type seems to be least cumbersom.

My favorite pick. I've had a couple of different models, and I have had the chance to try a bunch more. My two favorite would be my DiveRite Transpak II, and my back plate.

I like those setups because it lacks all the clutter on my chest, and I can put on or take off any pockets that I want. You can also customize either of them just about any which way you want.

And being in NJ, you may be tempted into learning how to wreck dive sometime in the future. If that's the case, then the BP is the only way to go.

Use the search function on the board. Most of your questions have been brought up a couple hundred times already. You should be able to find all of your information in the archives.

 

[ScubaRon]

Below are some BCD's which provide both back-inflation and wrap-around inflation. Supposedly they give you the best UW and on the surface:
- Mares Morphos and Morphos Twin
- Mares DragonFly
- SeaQuest Fusion
- Cressi Sub 111
ScubaRon

 

[dmdoug]

I agree with wlo93 in that it is personal preference. Read all the pros and cons for both.

My preference having owned the Genesis Phantom first I really enjoyed the use of it for the first little while until I had my first issue.

I was diving at a depth of 62 feet on the day in question when all of the sudden I felt myself starting to acend to the surface. Being that it was 65 feet I was not ascending to quickly but non the less I tried to let any air out of the BCD of which there was none.

Along side my buddy for the dive I was able to fin over to the bow line and control my assent to the surface. I stayed at the 15 ft mark for 5 minutes rather than 3 and my bottom time was well within the decompression limits.

So here is the reason why I ascended......One of my weight pockets was held in the BCD using velcro. With close to 60 or so dives on the BCD the velcro pocket had worn out and dropped out onto the lakebed leaving me about 8 lbs lighter......

Moral of this little story is that within 3 months I had looked into the use of a weight system that does not use velcro. After lots of looking around and reading I spent the money on the Zeagle 911 BCD.

One hundred & fifty dives (approx) later and I have never regretted the buying of the Zeagle system. I had also found that with the Genesis I was not as horizontal as I am with the back inflation system.

The weight system in zeagle, depending on the model comes with all snaps and buckles along with the "rip cord" style weight release. I opted to have no cumberbun as it had velcro. In this year (2003/04) the velcro is less and less.

With optional crotch straps and modular components this BCD can accomidate a double tank if you wish it too. Options for both the 45 or 65 lb bladder are also available....

I have had no regrets and my plan is to replace it with the same BCD. If you would like to look at the Zeagle Systems that are available please look at their website

http://www.zeagle.com

If you have any questions about it please contact me.

Safe Diving,

 

[Hallmac]

Your comment on feeling the bc fill up on ascent worries me a bit. With any bc you should not feel like the bc is bringing you up at all. If it is then you are either ascending way to fast or very sensitive to pressure change.

Secondly with a jacket bc if you have to put so much air in it that you feel the bladder expanding around your torso chances are you are wearing to much weight. Except at surface when done intentionally of course.
On deep dives it is common to feel a "little" more air in the bladder but still should not give you that "cozy hug" kind of feel.

I understand it is comforting at this stage to feel the air and the lift but understand that being truly neutral you should not feel either. When you get to this point your comfort will increase, your effort will decrease, and your air consumption will drop.

With the back inflate or wings style bc's you also lower drag and increase the chances of achieving proper trim quicker and easier.

Hallmac

 

[CuriousMe]

ScubaRon once bubbled...
Below are some BCD's which provide both back-inflation and wrap-around inflation. Supposedly they give you the best UW and on the surface:
- Mares Morphos and Morphos Twin
- Mares DragonFly
- SeaQuest Fusion
- Cressi Sub 111
ScubaRon

HPT3, I don't know if you're male or female....but the Diva LX is also a Hybrid BC. I've got to say....I really like this design, and I do feel like I have the best of both worlds.

Peace,
Cathie

 

[SubMariner]

Aeris also makes a hybrid BC called the Aeris XT.

I've had one for about 3 years & enjoy diving it very much.

The only "con" is its tendency to push you a bit forward at the surface. However, NOT as much as with the full back-inflates.

Just my $0.02's worth,

 

[ssdiver2003]

if you have a chance, rent both types and try them out in the pool.

 

[MercutioATC]

All have Cressi-Sub's "Flight Control System" instead of the traditional inflator hose (similar to Mares' "Airtrim" system, but a manual, not pneumatic control).

I love mine.