Choosing between 4 BCDs

[nachodlv]

Hi all.

Jumping in for my first BCD. Considering 4 diferent options:

1.- Scubapro T-Force $220 Classic Jacket (9.5lbs)
2.- Tigullio Hover ADV $225 Hybrid Jacket
3.- Aeris Reef Rider $200 Back Inflating Jacket (6.5 lbs)
4.- Apeks WTX3 Set $235 WTX SSBP + WTX Webbed harness + WTX3 Wing

I'm 6.0 and 210lb. Will be diving in 14C to 25C waters with a yet-to-buy 7mm wetsuit and I'm not planning to go deeper than 30-40m in the medium term (AOWD). To date I've only used rented jackets so no experience with anything else. Travel-wise low weight would be a plus but it's nothing that will balance off the decission as most of the time dive sites will be within driving distance and on the longers trips I could always carry the BCD on board in a discreet back-pack.

Thank you for the help.

Nacho.

 

[RJP]

Allow me to be the first to say...

Go for a straight-up BP/W system!

You can do a lot more with a lot less...

Less:

More:

More:

More:

More:

 

[DiveMaven]

Although the OP didn't ask about BP/W systems as one of his choices, and it was suggested anyway....to the OP: Not EVERYONE on the planet or this board prefers the BP/W system. There are many of us who like our BCs and find them a better choice than a BP/W.

However, in direct response to the OP's actual question: Fit and comfort are the #1 consideration when choosing your BC. Once you've figured out the features you want (back inflation/ or not, integrated weights/or not, pockets/or not, number of D rings, etc), you need to try them on for fit and comfort. It is extremely important you find one that fits properly, meaning it won't ride up or roll on your body when you're in different positions in the water. Comfort speaks to how it feels on your body. Do the shoulder straps dig in, can you move freely, can you reach everything comfortably, etc.?

Please, whatever you decide to do, TRY before you buy...and this includes the BP/W system if you choose to believe the hype around here. Find the right piece of gear for YOU and the type of diving you'll be doing. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a vest BC, just as there's nothing wrong with a BP/W, it's a matter of finding what you like and want.

 

[Jasonmh]

Although the OP didn't ask about BP/W systems as one of his choices, and it was suggested anyway....

To be fair, the OP did ask about BP/W as one of the choices:

Apeks WTX3 Set $235 WTX SSBP + WTX Webbed harness + WTX3 Wing

To the OP: You are going to get a very wide range of answers. My choice (of the 4 you listed) would be the Apeks, but that doesn't mean you will like it. I would try what you can before you buy. I found the jackets style BCs to be the most uncomfortable, YMMV.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[diver 85]

Although the OP didn't ask about BP/W systems as one of his choices, and it was suggested anyway....to the OP: Not EVERYONE on the planet or this board prefers the BP/W system. There are many of us who like our BCs and find them a better choice than a BP/W.

However, in direct response to the OP's actual question: Fit and comfort are the #1 consideration when choosing your BC. Once you've figured out the features you want (back inflation/ or not, integrated weights/or not, pockets/or not, number of D rings, etc), you need to try them on for fit and comfort. It is extremely important you find one that fits properly, meaning it won't ride up or roll on your body when you're in different positions in the water. Comfort speaks to how it feels on your body. Do the shoulder straps dig in, can you move freely, can you reach everything comfortably, etc.?

Please, whatever you decide to do, TRY before you buy...and this includes the BP/W system if you choose to believe the hype around here. Find the right piece of gear for YOU and the type of diving you'll be doing. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a vest BC, just as there's nothing wrong with a BP/W, it's a matter of finding what you like and want.

have to agree on this one-------although my BP/W--a DR with Al BP- is very comfortable(grading out @ a 9 out of 10) my BC- a Scout Zeagle- grades out an 8 out of 10.......ie both are VERY close IMO...It REALLY depends on what you get used to..As I've said before, humans are very adaptive to different situations....

EDIT, both are fairly close in price----$250 vs $200+......

 

[flareless]

Allow me to be the first to say...

Go for a straight-up BP/W system!

You can do a lot more with a lot less...

Less:

There is no better choice!

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Allow me to be the first to say...

Go for a straight-up BP/W system!

You can do a lot more with a lot less...

Less:

Though you don't have to go straight for Halcyon, I couldn't have given better advice.

 

[ONESPEED]

Learn from those of us who have learned the expensive way, by replacing our jacket BC's with a BP/W. A good BP/W will grow with you as your diving advances. I wore various jacket styled BCD's for almost 30 years before switching to a BP/W, you couldn't pay me to go back to a jacket style BCD now.

 

[elan]

I now regret that I have purchased a BC instead of the BP/W. Though it's a back inflating BC which is basically constructed the same way as the BP/W but does not have any kind of plate on the back thus if I put anything but an average tank on the back I'm not comfortable. So far I'm fine but when I want to grow I will need to get BP/W and use this one strictly for traveling.

 

[danherbon]

can someone link me the halcyon package pictured above?