entry level BCD
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ScubaSarus
Guest
Ive been diving fo 5 years. I got an entry level BC then bought a better one. To avoid buying you gear twice like I did, ide bypass entry level for all your gear and go all out and get good stuff. If you stop diving you can always resell good gear as opposed to entry level stuff for a good price.
My store pushed obsolete equipment on their new divers and I ended up buying anotther regulator and anothe BC
My store pushed obsolete equipment on their new divers and I ended up buying anotther regulator and anothe BC
ibnygator
Contributor
Try a backplate and wing before you buy a BC. I dove for many years with a jacket BC and never had a problem with it. But once I tried a backplate and wing, I'll never go back to a jacket BC because of the more streamlined profile of the b/p and wing, the way it naturally adjusts your trim position and the fact that using the SS backplate allowed me to do away with a lot of lead on my belt.
Just my opinion...
Just my opinion...
PugetDiver
Contributor
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Many people don't feel comfortable renting gear. I personally couldn't EVER get enough air out of the regulators that were provided during OW. I told myself that if I wanted to keep diving, I would have to get my own gear but it had to be reasonable. I wanted to stay within 1,200.00- 1,500.00 for a complete cold water gear including computer, I would rent tanks ( I ended up spending $1,100). In my opinion, if it gets you out diving it is a good thing!
With the above said, I purchased a Mares Jubilee back inflation wing with integrated weights. They discontinued it this year which means you can still get them for a great price $259.00 Scuba.com Scuba.com is an LDS out of Santa Margarita California (Factory Authorized Dealer).
Here is a review:
Mares Jubilee
The great thing about this situation is that if and when you decide on something else, you can use this BC as your travel BC as it is light and compact. Good Luck!
With the above said, I purchased a Mares Jubilee back inflation wing with integrated weights. They discontinued it this year which means you can still get them for a great price $259.00 Scuba.com Scuba.com is an LDS out of Santa Margarita California (Factory Authorized Dealer).
Here is a review:
Mares Jubilee
The great thing about this situation is that if and when you decide on something else, you can use this BC as your travel BC as it is light and compact. Good Luck!
UP4AIR
Contributor
I'd have to go with ScubaSarus on this one. I too, bought an entry level BC, and later bought a different one. I think a great many of us divers start out with basic gear thinking that "hey ,I'll give this diving a try and if I like I can get better gear later"
I think that works for some, and for those of us who dive once a year at a warm water location. I think one may be better served if he/she were to rent gear until they decided if the sport was for them or not .
There is also the possibility that if one were to buy basic gear to start and decided that they want to progress in the sport,they could buy more gear for their advanced level and now have two of everything.
Just my two cents.....
I think that works for some, and for those of us who dive once a year at a warm water location. I think one may be better served if he/she were to rent gear until they decided if the sport was for them or not .
There is also the possibility that if one were to buy basic gear to start and decided that they want to progress in the sport,they could buy more gear for their advanced level and now have two of everything.
Just my two cents.....
DiveGolfSki
Contributor
ibnygator:
I agree with ibnygator regarding the BP/Wing. However, it is more expensive but in the long run the BP/Wing will give you more flexibility than a BCD given the modularity (e.g., using doubles, replacing a wing, etc.).
If you can't afford the BP/Wing, the Dacor RAV is a good entry level BCD since you don't experience to much body squeeze. Besides, a BCD can function as a nice vest on land when it gets too cold .... :mischief:
I went with the Aeris Reefrider, like it. Fine with my drysuit and packable (Utila, here I come!)
R
redacted
Guest
Another option is to accept that your first BC may not last long as you learn what you would really like. So look for a used BC for under $50.00, and take your time to figure out what you want for the long run.
Kriterian
Guest
As a new diver, I say investigate the various options. I did alot of research and went with the backplate and wing combo after using a regular jacket BC in class.
I would NEVER go back to diving a BC now. It was much cheaper than a BC, it's custom fit to your body, it's completely clean on the front of you creating less drag, and it's very cheap to replace/fix. There are too many things going for it to not try it.
I did the research (like you're doing) because I have limited funds and didn't want to purchase the new version of my rental equipment (which I didn't like) only to have to purchase more stuff later. Now I'm happy and didn't waste too much money starting out.
I would NEVER go back to diving a BC now. It was much cheaper than a BC, it's custom fit to your body, it's completely clean on the front of you creating less drag, and it's very cheap to replace/fix. There are too many things going for it to not try it.
I did the research (like you're doing) because I have limited funds and didn't want to purchase the new version of my rental equipment (which I didn't like) only to have to purchase more stuff later. Now I'm happy and didn't waste too much money starting out.
ScubaSarus
Guest
You can get a seaquest spectrum 1 for 25 to 50 on ebay and youll need to have them checked out. But seaquest makes hardy gear. This would be to try out only.
If I had not already bought that entrylevel BC i may have splurged for a BP and Wing and to be truthful may still buy one soon because I bought another entry level BC (aqualung malibu) and would still like better quality. I still wish I would have bought a BP and wing
Go get yourself a nice setup and if you dont use it a lot or give up diving there will be a demand for it and you could sell it easily.
If I had not already bought that entrylevel BC i may have splurged for a BP and Wing and to be truthful may still buy one soon because I bought another entry level BC (aqualung malibu) and would still like better quality. I still wish I would have bought a BP and wing
Go get yourself a nice setup and if you dont use it a lot or give up diving there will be a demand for it and you could sell it easily.
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