RonzoTheGreat
Contributor
how about fit and upgrade-ablity?
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I bought all of my equipment before the first pool session. I didn't want to waste my time with rental gear, plus I was going to Australia immediately after the OW class and I knew I would get good use of the gear anyway, so I figured what the hell? Anyway - I got a back inflate style - the Seaquest Black Diamond. It was recommended by my dive shop, and I didn't know any different, so I took their recommendation. It's a very good cold water setup, which is what I needed. Anyway - I have no regrets. I'm very happy with it. However, I did buy a more portable unit for travel - the Seaquest Passport. It's a jacket style I do believe. Frankly, I don't see a whole lot of difference between the two as far as in water performance goes.at the moment, i think i'm kinda leaning toward the back inflate style but who knows what i'll think once i've tried enough to know what I want.
Similar answer here. I began in 1976, BEFORE BC's as you would recognize them today were widely used. I first used a plastic backpack, no BC, just a "safety vest" that was for surface use (you can find similar vests used by snorkelers today). I later used an aluminum plate with bent, padded aluminum arms instead of shoulder straps and a waist strap (I think we called it a Hawaiian backpack, cannot remember). It had a stainless steel band on the back of the plate that tightened with a camlock to hold the tank.... I think they were only used in Hawaii, and disappeared in the early 80's?? Not sure, but have not seen them in recent years.... anyway....