Entry BCD

[ispasov]

Very recently I bought my first BCD - SP Hydros Pro. As a beginner I am constantly working on improving my trim. Up until my purchase I have only dived with rental jacket style BCDs. In my opinion wings and back-inflate BCs help a lot with the position in the water. I'm sure someone with a lot of experience can go just fine in a jacket, but with a back inflate it is much easier. I am very happy with my Hydros so far and I can totally recommend it. It is light and packs really nicely for travelling. It also has trim pockets at the back. I moved some weight there and that also helped a lot. I'm not sure how well it will fit if you dive with a dry suit though. Maybe someone who has such experience can give you more information.

 

[mcohen1021]

After 10 years of diving, they can come back and appreciate all of the useful advice they could have had.

The universe hears even if the OP doesn't.

By that then I offer a different opinion then.

I am a 36 yr DM (inactive the last 25) and I am on a Cressi Travelite BC, And I prefer a jacket style over a back inflate (and a BP/W). Yes i used a back inflate for about 10 yrs and hated every minute of it.

So for entry level I dont think it matters what they choose as long as its comfortable and easy to use for a beginner.

 

[went_postal]

Nope, you are overthinking it. A BP&W is the most simple rig, you don't get confused and should know exactly what you want to do: dive.

You are a noob, hence probably diving a single tank. There you go, you need a backplate and a wings suitable for single tank. That's all, a simple single tank rig.

Meh.

Currently I don't regret the Hydros Pro. I like that it's all back inflate and I have integrated weight pockets (or the option to go to the "clean" harness it also came with.

My point about the options is that when given the choice... people often way overdo it more or less because they don't know any better.

This is all relatively subjective... as it is with any sport. I know guys in Brazilian JiuJitsu who will swear to you that you can't roll unless you have a $400 Shoyoroll Gi. All my gis are currently Toro and typically bought on sale at or under $100. The $400 gi doesn't make your bjj any better. =)

I tried a few different styles (including the BP/W) and went the way I did.

Will I NEVER own a BP/W? Meh... depends on how "deep" I get into things. Just like anything else... most people that get into stuff like this won't have just 1 of anything in particular.

And one day... I may own a shoyoroll Gi... just not today. =)

 

[inquis]

It is light and packs really nicely for travelling

I wouldn't call 9 lbs light. Unless you switch to the travel belt, at which point it's pretty much a monoprene backplate with small D-rings that can't be positioned where I want them. An AL BP/W will be light, customizable, and can be less than half the cost. Don't get me wrong: I'm glad you like yours, but it just wasn't right for me when I tried it.