Buying first BC - Preferably Travel BC

[Yuri_RP]

Well, actually this is my first BC as clearly stated on the Thread so obviously I have no experience.. And that is why I am asking lots of things and collecting suggestions from lots of people so that I can learn the knowledge..
I did read the DGX note and I also chat about it with the DGX sales representatives and he said that I won't need STA.. But some diver here said that the tanks will wobble without STA and I better be using one..
As an inexperienced person, I'm listening to both side here.. So I thought might as well get the STA and just try it on, mayble I will like using it, maybe I will prefer not to use it, but at least I have it..
As for the Jacket, Back Inflate or BP/W.. I already decided that I will use the BP/W so I will try to assemble one and hopefully I'll do fine with all these helpful guidances and suggestions from more experienced divers..
Anyway, I thank you for all your help, my BP/W setup is currently on the way now..

 

[ams511]

Are you sure you have the knowledge and experience to be putting together this BP/W or are you better off getting an off the shelf BCD.

I am not trying to push the OP into purchasing a BP/W. This particular rig fits his price range and they offer free shipping. Putting together a BP/W is not difficult. As to the STA, different people have different opinions. Most wings have a built in STA, for some reason the Dive Rite doesn't, this could cause the tank to wobble. I recommended purchasing the STA with the wing because he does not live close to a dive shop and dive gear is more expensive there than in the US. It would be better for him to have it and not need it (and waste the $25.00) than need it and not have it.

I would not recommend someone purchasing a conventional BC mail order, because there is no way of guaranteeing a proper fit. Having to return it back to the US and ordering a new one would be too expensive.

If you read the entire thread you will see that the pockets you recommended at too expensive for the OP ($96 for DR version). He already said he is OK wearing a weight belt. I recommended the QR version of the XS pockets but I assume they are not available in Indonesia. He should be ok for tropical diving, I wouldn't imagine him needing heavy weights.

 

[Centrals]

I dive the DR set up and do not use the STA at all. Two rubber pads(DGX No. DR-BC2108) are attached to the cam strap and the tank does not wobble whatsoever.

 

[Tbar]

I am not trying to push the OP into purchasing a BP/W.

This board tends to be quite biased on a few things, BCD vs BP/W is one of them. There is little refection that there is a continuum where some BCDs are close to BP/W and some BP/W are close to BCDs. We start to say it will have continual webbing, a steel plate, but some BP/W have shoulder clips and soft 'plates'.

If you read the entire thread you will see that the pockets you recommended at too expensive for the OP ($96 for DR version). He already said he is OK wearing a weight belt.

I have read the entire thread and posted other comments I did no recommend the OMS pockets but put then up as I was concerned with the OPers proposed pockets, and as that was his last post regarding weights, and that was a worrying option. Again the comment was an off the shelf product will mitigate this risk, a risk that comes from limited experience and knowledge.

That's exactly what I'm planning to buy locally..
XS Scuba Single Weight Pocket (WB101BK) - AlatSelam.com
Well, the one available locally is not a quick release though..

... I will try to assemble one and hopefully I'll do fine with all these helpful guidances and suggestions from more experienced divers..

Having an expectation that a forum will address the lack of practical experience is an issue, forum comments can only go so far. I hope there is an instructor or experienced diver that can provide on-the-ground practical guidance.