Debating on BC?

[Bflem55]

hey guys got a little dilema here im pretty new to diving and I did my open water dives with a seaquest Pro QD. Im ready to buy a new BC now and I was leaning towards the pro QD, but I was wondering what other BC's I should look at I mean I like all the features of the Pro Qd. Dose Mares or any of the other brands make about the same kind of BC?? Please help me out if you can thanks a lot

 

[Eduardo]

Here are a couple of links that may be useful:

Individual review:
http://www.calvintang.com/blog/2005/12/seaquest-pro-qd-bcd-review

2003 Scuba Diving review of No Nonsense BCs:
http://www.scubadiving.com/article3006

Search the BC forum for "seaquest" and you'll find a plethora of info.

 

[tedwhiteva]

Not sure where you'll be diving - local mainly or travel? If local, look real hard at a backplate/wing BP/W setup. The downside on that if traveling is weight - pretty easy to hit the 50# bag limit.

 

[bentex]

I would try a back inflate bc or a backplate wing before making my final decision. However, whatever makes you the most comfortable is probably best.


Good Luck!

 

[Bflem55]

what is a backplate wing exactly?? also is there that much diference in the back inflate besides the on surface tilt and so called squeeze of the jacket style??

 

[spectrum]

I'm fond of my Sherwood Avid at nearly 200 dives:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=1142032&postcount=2
The Avid has very little squeeze thanks to the 3D air cell.

The most important thing is that it fits you well. It's not just size but a model thing as well. If at all possible get underwater with what you are interested in. If you can't get it to open water then shop where you can take it in their pool.

If you have to buy without a dive wear a heavy sweatshirt when trying it on.

Remember that if you are properly weighted the bulk of your BC air will be on your back, even with a jacket style BC since the air cell extends around and air of course seeks the high point.

Pete

 

[Skeeter1097]

Try on all the BCD you can be for you bye. The answer is the one you like the best and fell the best under water is the right one.

 

[bentex]

what is a backplate wing exactly?? also is there that much diference in the back inflate besides the on surface tilt and so called squeeze of the jacket style??

Do a web search for pics of a bp/w. It is a stainless steel or aluminum back plate with a wing and harness attached. It is also a back inflate bc. I have never used a bp/w. I only recommended it bcause it is a back inflate. My dive buddy uses a bp/w and loves it. I also see many SB users that are using it or planning to. I dive a Zeagle Brigade which I love. I tried some jacket style bc's but they felt very restrictive and cluttered under the arms.

The difference between the back inflate vs jacket style is really just preference in my opinion. There are many, many, conflicting opinions about the differences of these bc's. All of them will work just fine to maintain your buoyancy. Search previous threads for more info and comparison.

It is almost like asking someone which car to buy and with what options. You really need to try them out and choose the options that fit your diving.

 

[AzAtty]

A picture of Halcyon's backplate and wing offerings, and most other manufacturers look about the same with some variations. I have both the Halcyon and a Mares back inflate. I prefer the BP/W, but that's my preference.