Best BCD for diving without a wetsuit?

[Zack1313]

I am a warm water diver who usually dives without a wetsuit. I generally control my bouyancy just with breath control, so I don't really use my BCD while I'm underwater. I'd still like to have one for floating on the surface, for integrated weights, and for all the nifty pockets. I've read that a back inflation BCD makes it easier to trim horizontal, but is this true at all if the BCD has no air in it (see above)? Also, I've read that back inflation BCD's create less drag moving through the water. Again, curious how much this might apply to a BCD with no air in it. Anyone else out there who likes to dive without a wetsuit? Any type of BCD you prefer? I've only ever used the rental jacket style BCD's, but wondering if I'm missing out on a leaner and lighter experience with a back inflating BCD or even just a backplate and wings. Any suggestions welcome, thanks!

 

[randpchi]

Oh boy here we go again

Zack. Back inflate and bp/w are not as bulky and more streamlined either way.
If you are not using much weight you can add weight pockets for some ditchable weight with the rest in trim pouches or cam bands using any style.

You will be told to get shorts with pockets if you need them.

That being said I rarely wear a wet suit and use a jacket bcd with nifty pockets and integrated weights. I get around just fine with good buoyancy, trim and air consumtion.

 

[Doctorfish]

I agree with randpchi. Not a lot of difference IMO. For warm water diving, I prefer a jacket to my backplate/ travel wing.
You might even consider a light weight travel style BC.

 

[2airishuman]

I have pretty much decided that I'm going to get a DSS Kydex backplate and Torus 17 wing for my next tropical trip, if I have the money.

For some shallow warm-water dives I don't use either a wetsuit or BC, just a tank backpack. You have to get your weight dialed in exactly to do this. I only do it within easy swimming distance of shore, since I then don't have any source of flotation that I could use in the event of an emergency.

 

[diversteve]

For warm water use only look at some of the minimal back-inflate travel models. Most have smaller wings so less drag, some restrain them with bungie cords and most are soft backplate designs so comfortable. Also lighter in your luggage. Some options:

Aqualung's Zuma
ScubaPro's Lighthawk
Zeagle's Covert - 3.9 lbs.
Zeagle's Express Tech

Other's like Hollis make one also - these are just 4 I know/have looked at.

 

[Nemrod]

How about no BC? Many folks dive without a BC. But, if you must have an air bag try something like a VDH Mini-plate or Oxy fabric Travel Plate with a small 18-24 pound lift wing.

N

 

[Zack1313]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! Much appreciated!

 

[BDSC]

I seldom dive with a wetsuit. Just shorts and a rash guard. I recently bought a ScubaPro Litehawk. I currently dive their Seahawk and really like it but the LiteHawk is maybe half the weight and is really compact in the suitcase and I mostly travel for scuba. Enough padding to make it comfortable without being bulky.

 

[rhwestfall]

something like a VDH "vintage" plate and a tiny wing like a DSS "scooter" would just be sweet...

 

[TMHeimer]

In Panama I used a "body" suit (no warmth--for protection only and so tank/BCD had something other than my back to rub on). Used 10-12 lbs. weight integrated. My old basic Genesis Phantom jacket BC. Never had a problem of any sort.