entry level BCD

[bgi]

While a BP/W may be really nice, it's not very convenient to travel with. So if you want to get all your diving gear into a bag that the airline will let you stow in the overhead, consider something small like the zeagle escape. I like mine. If I start doing more diving that doesn't require air travel, then I may consider a BP/W.

Nothing like getting to the dive destination and having your gear arrive at some other airport.

 

[DiveGolfSki]

While a BP/W may be really nice, it's not very convenient to travel with. So if you want to get all your diving gear into a bag that the airline will let you stow in the overhead, consider something small like the zeagle escape. I like mine. If I start doing more diving that doesn't require air travel, then I may consider a BP/W.

Nothing like getting to the dive destination and having your gear arrive at some other airport.

What? Not convenient? I remove my wing fold it up thirds. The BP is steel but if I've got a aluminum (light) for travel and warm water but either one can fit in a roll aboard. Throw in my reg and mask and I'm good to go on board. Of course, I won't have any fins in my R/B (do you?) but BP/Wing can squish down more than a normal sized BCD.

 

[ClevelandDiver]

I bought a complete set of gear 1 month after being certified and have since upgraded nearly every piece of equipment. BP/wings are soon to follow. My LDS never even talked to me about the merits (or even existence) of the BP/wing set up. I wish they had so I could have made an informed decision on my gear. Give it serious consideration, especially if diving primarily in cold water. You will really appreciate it when you ditch your wetsuit for a drysuit and your AL80s for some HP steel tanks.

 

[bgi]

What? Not convenient? I remove my wing fold it up thirds. The BP is steel but if I've got a aluminum (light) for travel and warm water but either one can fit in a roll aboard. Throw in my reg and mask and I'm good to go on board. Of course, I won't have any fins in my R/B (do you?) but BP/Wing can squish down more than a normal sized BCD.

Ok. That's cool. While I don't consider removing a wing to be "convenient," or stuffing a plate with the rest of my gear into a roll-aboard "convenient" (Aluminum helps!), some people may. My carry-on bag easily hold all my dive gear, fins and lights included. A plate won't fit.

Some conventional bc's stuff down pretty small (zeagle, for example).

cheers.

 

[ParamedicDiver1]

My personal preference is jacket style, tried the back inflate and was not overly impressed. I currently dive with a Oceanic Ocean Pro FX BC, which you can find for around $300 over at Scubatoys.com. That includes a warranty...watch out for those dealers that don't have one. I would recommend that you go to your LDS and try on several models and see which one fit you. My LDS will even let you test drive the equipment before you buy. My LDS will also make a good effort to meet or at least come close the the price that many internet sites provide...which means you support your LDS and get a great deal too!

 

[lord1234]

for the price and quality a tripleL BCD can't be beat.

 

[DiveGolfSki]

... My carry-on bag easily hold all my dive gear, fins and lights included.

So you're the guy who keeps on hogging the overhead bin!!

 

[brdeano]

definately give triple l a look. I rented gear for my first few dives, 20 or so, and then I purchased a bp/wing and will never look back. But my dive buddy,brother, did not like the bp/w, he said he felt more comfortable in a jacket style. Just try as many as you can before you spend your hard earned dollars.

 

[bgi]

So you're the guy who keeps on hogging the overhead bin!!

Naw, that's the guy that brings 3 bags onboard.

My favorites are the jerks that throw two huge bags over the front row seats then walk to the back of the plane. I see that one every time I fly!

 

[ScubaMike05]

I'm totally lost as to what BP/Wings are. No disrespect intended, but can someone please explain this system in layman's terms?

I'm also in the market for an "entry-level" BC, so this notion of BP/Wings is foreign to me. Do you all have examples of what this set up looks like?

Thanks