Buying a back inflate soon...

[CrackedConch]

I'm in the market for a back inflate BC. I found a good deal on an Oceanic Outrigger or Excursion. I also like the Scubapro Knighthawk. With the help of cerich, the Oceanic rep, I'd pretty much decided on the Outrigger.

Now, however, my LDS is pushing me in the direction of a Backplate, Harness and Wing--particularly the DiveRite Transpac.

Most of my diving is recreational and I don't foresee myself getting into technical diving in the next few years.

I don't mean to create a big debate of Traditional vs. BPW BC's, but I would like some advice from some of you more seasoned back-inflate divers...

Thanks in advance...

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.
This is the never ending debate on this board. There is really nothing wrong with any of them, it's mostly personal preference unless you go serious tech, then the BP is a better choice. There are 100s of pages of discussion on this board on the differences between the different BC types. My advice is to check out as many different types as you can and make your decision based on what you like. Decide what features you want/need and go from there. I personally want adjustable shoulder straps and some form of integrated weights. Other like the simple harness of the standard BP/wing.
I would suggest you look at the Zeagle line as well. Top quality BCs and the best customer service of any dive equipment maker.

 

[DiveMaven]

There's a great thread started by Peter where he talks about trying a BP/W and how he didn't feel much difference between it and his back inflate BC. I chose my back inflate BC because I wanted weight integration to get rid of the weight belt, and felt because it has a wing that other than not being able to go technical, I have the best of both worlds.

I agree with Herman's recommendation to check out the Zeagles. I am so impressed with the quality of my Zeagle and the customer service that ScottZeagle has offered on his board.

 

[CrackedConch]

Thanks a bunch. This is what I needed. I'll take a look at zeagle too. I've found such a deal on the Oceanic it is almost too hard to pass up. I really just wanted confirmation that I wasn't going wrong for the type of diving I'm doing.

I also tend to like the features of a traditional back-inflate such as pockets, ditchable weights, adjustable straps, etc.

Thanks again for your help. I'll also search the threads you mentioned.

 

[rookers]

For recreational, I love my Zeagle Ranger Ltd. I have never had such good cusomer service also. They are a little pricey, but the quality is top-notch, and it dives a dream; did I mention the customer service?

 

[RICHinNC]

Try to dive as many combinations as possible.....and YES I know how hard that can be to do.

Look at all the criteria that you need to have met. Is any bcd you are looking at easy to travel with?? Is that important?? I personally think most bp and wings are more compact than most back inflates but if you are willing to put up with more bulk because one of the back inflates meets other needs better....then go with it.

It isnt easy and it can take a while to pick what you purchase. Not fun at all. So good luck and I hope you find what makes YOU happy.

 

[BIGG_BUDD]

Zeagle Brigade.

 

[DivingCRNA]

OK here is the token post:

BP/W Do the search yourself....I am looking for my asbestos undies! :lol:

 

[Scuba Sean]

Cracked Conch,

I agree, try as many different BC's as you can. And ask, ask, ask questions and get opinions. Then get the BC that is best for YOU.

My experience, fwiw.
I own and use the transpac. I like the bc alot now. When i first dove it everything i did in the water seemed awkward. Most likely because i had only dove vest style BCs prior to that. After about 10 dives worth of moving weight around the rig was ballanced. I can practically unhook the waist and torso straps and dive as if the rig was secured fast. It just stays wherever i put myself. But this took a bit of work to get ballanced. Diving it with an AL-80 increased the work i had to do orientating myself from vertical to horizontal. With more weight on my back i found the rig dove much better.
The first time i dove the rig the weight was way to far forward. When i surfaced i filled the wings. (2 mistakes!) i ended up face down on the surface trying to spot the boat in 4 foot seas. Needless to say this was not fun - and diving should be fun. I found moving weight back on the waistbelt helped me stay more vertical in the water, and not filling the wings all the way up stopped the bottom of the bladder from lifting my but up and pushing my face down. However the weight being so far back made it hard to stay horizontal below the surface. With more weight high on my back the rig ballanced out. Eventually i found the sweet spot at which everything was just right.
One other BIG mistake i made during this process was diving the rig with a weight belt and loosening BC on the surface. When i dove a vest i could do this and not have any problems. the arm holes kept me high in the water. With the transpac i sank down a few extra inches where it's hard to breath without gills.
When i bought the BC a big concern i had was not ending up buying a bunch of them over the next couple of years as i progressed. I picked a system that was versatile and knew would suit my needs for a longer period of time. I can use doubles, or single tanks - add/remove pouches clips nad rings - dive with nothing attached in the beautiful tropics, or technically in the less colorful North Atlantic with tons of stuff clipped to me - and so on.
So i am happy with the rig... Customer service? Well... I have heard great things about Zeagle, and am less than impressed with Dive Rite.

Hope some of my expierences helps out, Sean

 

[wunat]

BP+Wing are pretty nice rig. You don't have to be getting into technical diving to actually dive in them. You should certainly look into them.

Can't say that it is the way to go for you but it is certainly for me.