BCD's, need advice

[USMCGrunt]

Hi folks, first post here. I was first certified in Italy back in 1989 when I was in the Marines and did a bit of diving back then. After getting out and coming back home to North Dakota, I got out of it except for the occasional lake dive. Well, my wife is in the Air Force and we are going to Eglin AFB in Florida next month. She's just now getting certified and going South, I'll be getting back into diving as well.
What I want to know is with a lot of advances that came about since my early days, when it comes to BCDs, what's the advantages/disadvantages with either the vest style or back style vests? The dive shop here has both in the Sherwood line and I'm thinking of getting one but I'm not sure which would be the better one to get, the Avid or Outback. Also, what can you tell me about Tusa equipment? Thanks.

 

[jbd]

Hi folks, first post here. I was first certified in Italy back in 1989 when I was in the Marines and did a bit of diving back then. After getting out and coming back home to North Dakota, I got out of it except for the occasional lake dive. Well, my wife is in the Air Force and we are going to Eglin AFB in Florida next month. She's just now getting certified and going South, I'll be getting back into diving as well.
What I want to know is with a lot of advances that came about since my early days, when it comes to BCDs, what's the advantages/disadvantages with either the vest style or back style vests? The dive shop here has both in the Sherwood line and I'm thinking of getting one but I'm not sure which would be the better one to get, the Avid or Outback. Also, what can you tell me about Tusa equipment? Thanks.

Look in the Equipment section of scubboard. You will find lots of info there.

 

[crpntr133]

Most of what you are asking about are personal choices. Rent it, dive it, buy it.
The back inflate is used because it doesn't squeeeze the diver. Some jackets are now designed so that is minimal. Also it allows you to be horizontal easier.
Someone will come along and say that they will dunk you face first when you inflate, that not true if you are properly trimmed out. I have one and can fully inflate. Back inflaters aren't for everyone.

I can't comment on the brand..sorry.

 

[pasley]

Rent one of each and dive it, then buy.

Back inflate can get a bit weird if fully inflated on the surface unless you have a strap between the legs. Reason is if the back inflate is fully inflated it tries to lift out of the water, and may (if not a real tight fit or if you dont' have a strap between the legs) ride up a bit and then would have a tendancy to push you over face first into the water. This is avoided by not fully inflating as all you really need to do is get your mouth above the water, not your belly button.

The jacket style, which I wear are designed to reduce the squeese. But no matter what they say, they will put a bit of squeese on you if fully inflated.

Please note I do not dive a back inflate, but that is what I have read in various reviews.

 

[jlwest63]

Hi folks, first post here. I was first certified in Italy back in 1989 when I was in the Marines and did a bit of diving back then. After getting out and coming back home to North Dakota, I got out of it except for the occasional lake dive. Well, my wife is in the Air Force and we are going to Eglin AFB in Florida next month. She's just now getting certified and going South, I'll be getting back into diving as well.
What I want to know is with a lot of advances that came about since my early days, when it comes to BCDs, what's the advantages/disadvantages with either the vest style or back style vests? The dive shop here has both in the Sherwood line and I'm thinking of getting one but I'm not sure which would be the better one to get, the Avid or Outback. Also, what can you tell me about Tusa equipment? Thanks.

I just dove the Avid this weekend. Put 6 dives on it and loved it. I can not comment on the back style. Good luck.

 

[RICHinNC]

Semper Phi dude.

Check out www.northeastscubasupply.com their $449 DiveRite package is a killer deal. And, go to.... www.diverite.com to see if there is a tecrec dealer near you that will match. Pm me if you have any questions,

good luck
rich

 

[Jetwrench]

Marine, it's your call! Everyone is different. Opinions are widespread. I prefer weight-integrated, you may not. I prefer back inflate, you may not. There is no "bad" gear out there, just some better than others(again, my opinion). Try as many as you can. I elliminated several choices in the shop just by putting them on. Dive as many as you can. Make your own choice and take others advice(including mine) with a grain of salt. What works for you is what works for you. And if someone asks you why you dive with "that" stuff, just smile and walk away because they just don't get it! I love these threads so I can see who has "that" mentality.

Jet

PS: Sorry if this is no help, but I know a marine will have no problem making a choice.

 

[Brian Gilpin]

I would suggest you wait til you get to Florida and try them out there where you will be diving. This will also help ingratiate you with the local shop.

Put a backplate and wing on your tryout list

 

[tbuckalew]

Hi folks, first post here. I was first certified in Italy back in 1989 when I was in the Marines and did a bit of diving back then. After getting out and coming back home to North Dakota, I got out of it except for the occasional lake dive. Well, my wife is in the Air Force and we are going to Eglin AFB in Florida next month. She's just now getting certified and going South, I'll be getting back into diving as well.
What I want to know is with a lot of advances that came about since my early days, when it comes to BCDs, what's the advantages/disadvantages with either the vest style or back style vests? The dive shop here has both in the Sherwood line and I'm thinking of getting one but I'm not sure which would be the better one to get, the Avid or Outback. Also, what can you tell me about Tusa equipment? Thanks.

Seems we were in the same neck of the woods at the same time! I was certified (NAUI) while in Munich in 1989. I covered the exchanges in southern Germany and Italy then. Got my cert from a Major in the 66th MI who taught through the DYA.

As for your gear...some great advice from the friendly folks of the board...rent it, try it...find what fits your style.

 

[crpntr133]

Rent one of each and dive it, then buy.

Back inflate can get a bit weird if fully inflated on the surface unless you have a strap between the legs. Reason is if the back inflate is fully inflated it tries to lift out of the water, and may (if not a real tight fit or if you dont' have a strap between the legs) ride up a bit and then would have a tendancy to push you over face first into the water. This is avoided by not fully inflating as all you really need to do is get your mouth above the water, not your belly button.


Please note I do not dive a back inflate, but that is what I have read in various reviews.

I don't believe that review. I do dive a back inflate and have never had that problem. It might be a problem IF you are wearing a weight belt instead of weight integrated. But we all know that every BC will be that way if you are wearing a weight belt. This is the number one thing that I hear when out with a class.
This also might be a problem if you have a 65lb lift bladder and don't need it, just guessing.