Beginner BC

[idratherbedivin]

I have just started scuba diving in the past month and I'm starting to look into some gear to purchase. I have done some research online but I am not completely clear on what I should be looking for in a BC. If anyone has any suggestions on what to look for or any good BCs for beginners,(that aren't too expensive, I'm only 16 so I have a limited budget) the advice would be much appreciated.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

You might look here:

ScubaBoard Classifieds

 

[Brandon]

Zeagle Brigade is pretty awesome for a moderately expensive new BC.

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=ZeagleBrigade

-Brandon.

 

[jeckyll]

For only $50 more than the zeagle you can get yourself into a nice DSS BP/W.

http://deepseasupply.com/page12.html

It depends which way you want to go with your diving.

 

[Floridawannabe]

Wieght intergrated and if you do not like to be squeezed from Jacket Style BC, then a back inflation BC. You are going to get a lot of advice from a lot of different people. Do you own research and make your opinion from everything you learn. I just purchased a Zeagle Escape from ScubaToys.com with a 10% discount for being a ScubaBoard Member.

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/Scuba_Mens_BCDs.asp?PAGE=2

 

[thesassyrabbit]

To be honest, I would suggest renting bc's from local shops - go to different shops if you have to - but try as many different ones as you can before you actually purchase. The other alternative, if you have access, is other divers in your area who might let you give theirs a spin around the lake to try it out. Fit and comfort (both physically, and design wise).

You'll need to consider whether you want a weight integrated bc, how many d-rings you want, whether you'll have an intengrated air source... among other things.

Best of luck!

 

[diverdenise]

I agree with Sassy, I had a female instructor so took her advice and bought the same one she had, luckily it was a good choice and I still love it, course I don't go trying any others to confuse me....lol. I went with safety, comfort, reliability vs budget on all my gear because I was a very fearful conservative diver. BC do last awhile so would want to get what is comfortable and works well, mine has a pocket on the cumberbun which I love and not many have that, also has two straps for the tank, one velcroe and one buckle which many don't and has saved me a couple time on losing the tank. It is a hard one to give advice on, so personal, but just don't rush and explore your options.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

I have just started scuba diving in the past month and I'm starting to look into some gear to purchase. I have done some research online but I am not completely clear on what I should be looking for in a BC. If anyone has any suggestions on what to look for or any good BCs for beginners,(that aren't too expensive, I'm only 16 so I have a limited budget) the advice would be much appreciated.

Dude, if your instructor didn't give you a brief laundry list of criteria to look for in a BC, they missed a huge marketing opportunity. Cutting it down considerably, however, the key is fit. Find one that fits you well. As SassyRabbit noted, one way to do this is to try two or three different BCs on IN A POOL. (You can't tell much about how they fit in the water by trying them on in the shop.) There are many that will work. Zeagle and Oceanic, to name just two manufacturers, make good entry level BCs. You're in Bethesda, and there are at least two dive clubs near you. One thing dive clubs are good for is offering you numerous equipment options to examine. Look into the dive clubs in your area, talk to some of the members. Chances are guys will have drawers full of gear you can try out. You may even find someone willing to sell you something at a very reasonable price.

Finally, even if your course is over, your instructor should be willing to answer questions and assist you to compare and contrast different gear choices. Give her or him a call, and see what they have to say.

Welcome to the board. Dive safe,

Doc

 

[DiveMaven]

I have to agree that fit is everything in a BC (and a wetsuit for that matter!). Go try as many BCs as you can possibly get your hands on, preferably in the water. Don't be tempted to buy the first one you try, nor one that is recommended by anyone until you've tried on others. Don't be in a hurry, take your time to make sure you're getting exactly what you want.

Although DiverDenise was fortunate to find she loves the BC she bought on an instructor's recommendation, I wasn't so lucky. I bought a BC based on reviews and recommendations that after 10 dives hated and wound up replacing. I didn't realize that I would hate a jacket style BC and the bulk and squeeze they have, and that I would prefer a minimalist back-inflate BC. A little dive experience can go a long way...

Also, don't limit yourself of what you try on and test. Look at yourself and think about what kind of diving you're going to be doing 5 years into the future and buy your gear accordingly. You're better off stretching your budget slightly now than knowing you made a mistake in a year or two and have to replace gear.

 

[spectrum]

I have (and started with) a Sherwood Avid and like it a lot. As mentionmed trying the BC in water is very important and be sure to be in your wetsuit, even it that makes it warm in the pool, If you can get an actual rental for a few openwater dives with your front runners that's great. Remember that your BC really needs to function as an extension of you so you need to feel comfortable with feature placement and it needs to conform to your proportions.

Here is a post I made about my Avid. I'm by no means saying to go buy your self an Avid, though it may be a good choice for you. The post may help you make a laundry list of features that you would like in your purchase.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=1142032&postcount=2

I'm at 78 dives now, in trunks,3,5,7 mm suits as well as dry and it's worked well across the board.

Pete