Buying a BC: questions.

[Malpaso]

I'm looking at purchasing my last major piece of gear, a BC, and have some questions. I've had the opportunity to use/rent a decent variety of makes and models during my OW class, rental dives and AOW class. Based on both personal preference and owner reviews, I've narrowed the makes down to Aqualung and Cressi. This is were things get confusing for me.

I know there are technology costs, e.g., the Aqualung i3 system and integrated weighting, all the way down to the number and composition of accessories like metal v. plastic D rings. That said, is a $600 BC (Aqualung Axiom) 3x better than a $200 (Cressi Start) one, at least for my level of use?

At this point, I don't see myself doing caves or tech diving. I will do cold water (New England), wrecks and reefs. At home I'm wearing 7mm 2 piece with 36lbs of weight.

I don't mind paying for quality, safety or for something that will make diving better/more comfortable. On the other hand, I don't want something I don't need or will never use.

 

[mala]

dont spend too much.
if you dont dive too much it wont matter.
if you end up diving a lot chances are you will upgrade to a wing.

2p

 

[ekremer]

In before Backplate and wing.

Seriously, I would not put any normal jacket bc as 3x better than any other.
So the real question to you is the "cool i3" system worth $300? I would say no. but I also ended up with a back inflate as my first bc.

 

[James R]

Wow 36lbs...you better make sure whatever you buy can float your rig plus that 36lbs at the surface.

 

[Damselfish]

Some of it is paying for a brand. Some of it is stuff like material durability and features. (There is often something to be said for simplicity over features.)

Which one fits you better? If I am looking for a BC, I look for fit #1, and style/features #2. So I would tend to narrow down a BC to a choice of models first rather than brands first. Basically any major scuba brand sells perfectly good stuff in general, and you can find good and bad reviews for absolutely any make and model. So while there may be reasons to choose one brand over another that is pretty far down the list to me. (There's not much to be serviced on most BCs, most likely thing would be an inflator problem which can generally be fixed or replaced anywhere, as long as it's not some unusual inflation system or something. Service is more of a concern with regs.)

It's good you have tried a variety of BCs. That should give you an idea of what features and style you are interested in. But unless you've fallen in love with a specific model you tried or a feature only one brand has, it doesn't tell you what brand you should buy. You could easily hate a different model from a brand you decided you liked, and vice versa.

Just maybe, if you really liked either of the BCs you've narrowed it down to you wouldn't be confused. Maybe reopen your choice of brands and you'll find more options between those 2.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

James R touched on something to consider. If your are diving integrated weights in NE with thick wetsuits (or a D/S) some of the low end BCD's are just not setup to handle that amount of weight (36lbs). You might exceed the buoyancy of the bladder or worse the weight limits of the pockets. All is not lost, if you put some of your weight on a belt or harness, then this issue is alleviated and your more balanced.

My personal opinion is the simpler the BCD, the better. They are "soft goods" and get banged around a lot, the extra features tend to break. That's one of the reasons so many people sing the BP/Wing mantra, there is just not much to break on them.

 

[Bigd2722]

Regardless of your level of experience, I would choose the Cressi (of the two). But I would really go BP/W (also regardless of level of experience)

 

[mjatkins]

a quick search has determined the the Cressi Start Pro has the following lift capabilities.

• SIZES/LIFT: XSmall/29.2 lbs, Small/31.5 lbs, Medium/33.7 lbs, Large/38.2 lbs, XLarge/45 lbs

 

[diveprof]

A size large Cressi has just over 38 pounds of lift.

For New England wreck diving I would also echo recommendations for Back Plate and wing. You can get this set-up cheaper than the Aqualung. Here are a couple ideas:
Back Plate and Wings packagesa
Modular BC Systems and Accessories - Dive Gear Express
https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=products

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I second the two factors noted above for deciding on a purchase. - fit and lift. Buy the one that fits you well and provides sufficient lift for your purposes. If more than 1 jacket meets your requirements, then go for the best price. BTW, a I am a big fan of integrated weight systems.
DivemasterDennis