Buying a BC: questions.

[elan]

I dive with an AL plate all the time, don't even own S/S plate. Works from 40F dry suit with double layers of garments to tropics. Although the S/S might allow me to transfer a few pounds of ballast from my harness/belt to the BP, its does not reduce the amount of weight so its not worthwhile IMO since close to 1/2 my diving is while traveling.

Because the sizing of BCD's is in discrete steps, you can find yourself with a BCD the fits you on one extreme of thermal protection and not the other. It just depends how "normal" you are relative to the size charts or on the edge between sizes like I am.

The BP/W on the other hand has an infinite number of sizes.

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Ever take a look at the Zeagle Tech Express, the plate is cloth. The thing is really light weight (3lbs or so) and ideal for travel with a single tank rig. It not as rock solid as a BP, but if you are like me and need to cram you gear and cloths into 50lbs its a nice option.

Thanks I will check that BC
I now take my wifes Bc with us so we can both use it and its fairly light. But its on the smallish size for me. And I really like AL zuma which I was considering as an option.

I guess the issue with sizes is more pronounced with wraparound type jackets. On all backinflates Ive had there was at least 8-10 inches of straps available for adjustments which gve me quite some options in exposure.