Buying my first BCD

[diver69]

I also have the Genesis Recon. It is a great BC! Have you decided why you don't want back inflate?

Actually, I've never tried a back inflate, so, it's more because of familiarity (sp) that i want a jacket style. That plus, I was told with back inflate, the back plate is steel and heavy?

And Druid, I'll look into the Apeks. I was thinking Sherwood because LP sells the entire package for $705

 

[ronrosa]

Actually, I've never tried a back inflate, so, it's more because of familiarity (sp) that i want a jacket style. That plus, I was told with back inflate, the back plate is steel and heavy?

A back inflate BCD is not the same thing as a steel backplate and wing. Examples of back inflate BCD's include Seaquest Balance, Zeagle BCD, Dive Rite Transpac.

Backplates and wing setups can be steel and heavy, but may also be aluminum and light. That being said, most people do not recommend a backplate wing setup as the first BCD for a recreational diver.

It would be worth your while to try out a back inflate BCD like the Balance or a Zeagle before buying a jacket style.

 

[reubencahn]

Actually, I've never tried a back inflate, so, it's more because of familiarity (sp) that i want a jacket style. That plus, I was told with back inflate, the back plate is steel and heavy?

You can get a steel or an aluminum bp. It depends on your weighting and trim requirements. My aluminum bp with an Oxycheq wing weighs the same or less than my Scubapro Classic bc on land. However, the Scubapro was positively buoyant. The bp/wing is negatively buoyant.

 

[chrisch]

If you are thinking of doing the Divemaster..

Save your money my friend. Get a cheap BCD - they are all more or less the same and the differences are there to get your dollars. Scubapro or Apeks regs are good and not too expensive.

When you start teaching or dealing with students they will want to know what kit is best and if you are working through a dive shop they should give you a big discount to use their kit as a marketing tactic.

Chris.

 

[O-ring]

I agree with the recommendation for a bp/wing.. You can get a steel or an aluminum plate depending on weighting and the system is very streamlined and grows with you.

 

[SparkySFD]

If youve never tried to dive with a back inflate bc you need to try it first. I can just about guarantee you will not go back. Give it a fair shake, you wont regret it.

As others have said, you can buy many different backplates. Plastic, Steel, Titanium and Aluminum. I assume you own weights? Most all BC's mentioned above have some type of weight integration. The heaviest backplate is the steel plate. Most weigh about 6 lbs. This doesnt make the assembled BC very heavy at all. It also allows you to take some weight off your weight belt or out of your integrated weights.

In the end you still have to lug weight to the divepoint. Now if your traveling (airlines) the aluminum plate is the way to go. Super light weight. Probably less than the Seaquest Balance I own.

I regret buying that Seaquest. Wish I had put that money towards my Bp/wing.

 

[cstreu1026]

Try to get out and try some different BC's. If you are lucky you can hook up with someone who will let you try out a backplate and wing. I won't guarantee that it will be perfect for you but there is a very good chance to you like it enough to want one. Personally I have a Deep Outdoors Matrix, Scuba Pro Mk25/S600/R380, and Uwatec Smart Pro wrist computer with a analog pressure gauge. If i had to do over again I would get a Halcyon Pioneer or similar setup, an Atomic Z1 and keep my Smart Pro computer. I will more than likely end up buying a standard backplate set up sometime this summer so I can get a little more streamlined.

 

[PacNWdiver]

If you are thinking of doing the Divemaster..

Save your money my friend. Get a cheap BCD - they are all more or less the same and the differences are there to get your dollars. Scubapro or Apeks regs are good and not too expensive.

When you start teaching or dealing with students they will want to know what kit is best and if you are working through a dive shop they should give you a big discount to use their kit as a marketing tactic.

Chris.

I agree with Chris. Basic and inexpensive is a good way to start. Avid and Magnum BCD's are well constructed and will see you through plenty of dives. You have a lot to think about without having to worry about all the features and performance points of various "technical" BC's. That will all come with time.

I would steer you away from a Brut regulator. Sherwood makes very reliable regs but the Brut is unballanced. It's performance will vary with depth and tank pressure. Step up to the Magnum or Oasis, not much more expensive but MUCH better performing regs. I really like mine.

 

[sharkb8mg]

I just upgraded to the Genesis Recon 75 and love it. I also have a Genesis Phantom which I like fine for a jacket style. I like the back inflate better because their is no squeeze.

 

[Scubakevdm]

Thanks toolbox and Niko,

The Genesis is back-inflate, I'm looking for jacket style. And ScubaPro is too expensive.

Man, now that's refreshing. I dive the Scubapro Classic plus with Air2 as well, and I know that they're expensive, but I've gotta tell you that they're worth it. There's a lifetime warranty on the seams as well. They just replaced a real old one for a friend of mine with a brand new one, he just sent it in and two weeks later the new one arrived.