First "Real" BC Advice

[Scott T]

Hey all,
I just found this board a while ago and I really like it. I just sat here for over an hour doing searches..Yes Vets, some of us Newbies know to do that first.. . Anyway, although I found more information than I ever thought I would I still haven't found a definite answer.
Here is the situation: I got certified last August, but due to some serious O.T. at work, I just got the chance recently to start diving for real. I have 12 dives in so far and love it. I used a basic jacket type BC for my cert. and bought a non-integrated jacked for cheap. I now want to buy a nicer BC. I have my eye on the Black Diamond, but would like some more input.
In my limited experience, this is what I see that I like about the Black Diamond:
Comfortable, very adjustable
Better pockets than the Balance
Double tank capability that I can grow into
New shoulder dump
Back inflate
Knife grommets
Inflator/Alternate air source

I have seen several references to the wing style BC, but I'm not sure that it would work for me. I am strictly a recreational diver. I have my advanced certification, but rarely go below 75ft. I would like to get into wreck dives, but only from an External view point. I don't see myself ever doing any real technical diving.

My price range is up to $900 but I would like that to include the alternate air source/inflator.

I've got the money burning a hole in my pocket, but I think I will wait a bit to see what sage advice the members of this board can give me.

OK, a quick edit. As usual, with tons of time on my hands, I found a couple more questions while searching the web. I'm trying to keep my choices narrow, but I have found two other BCDs that seem to keep popping up as favorites and one item to note is that a lot of them don't have a large pocket. Now, the only thing I've used my pockets for so far is a flash light and a Lobster gauge. What's the take on pockets for non-technical diving? Keep in mind that the majority of my diving is in Southern California so I wear some substantial gloves. This limits me a bit for the pockets and this may be a consideration that I need to pay much more attention to.


The two other BCDs I'm looking at are the Oceanic Excursion and the Scuba Pro Knighthawk.


Thanks in advance,

Scott

 

[The Kraken]

Scott,

WELCOME ! ! ! to the ScubaBoard. We're glad you're here.

You're going to get a world of different responses on this question.

Nothing in your experience level states that you can't dive a back inflate B/C.

You'll probably see that a great number of recommendations will be for back plate/wing setups and many others will recommend the Zeagle brands of B/C's, specifically the Zeagle "Ranger LTD".

Safe dives . . . . . . . . .
. . . and safer ascents !

The Kraken

 

[cool_hardware52]

Double tank capability that I can grow into

If a key criteria is the capacity to mount doubles in the future you should consider a Back Plate and Wing.

The modular nature of a BP&W will allow you to fit a wing for single tank diving today, and in the future you can use the same plate and harness with an appropriate wing for doubles.

Tobin

 

[chipwd]

Scott,

Welcome to SB!

I dive a Scubapro Knighthawk. It is a back inflate bc and I love it. Very comfortable and streamlined in the water. SP is a great brand and they make a quality bc. Some nice extras on it; attached whistle, buckled intergrated weight pockets, roll up side pocket, steel tank latch, etc... I looked at the black diamond too, but went with the knighthawk.

A lot of sb'ers will promote the bp/w. I haven't dove one yet, but friends do and it also looks very streamlined. I may venture down that path in the future...

I guess it's a matter of choice and preference.

I have a sp knighthawk for sale. It's a size Large that I bought for myself but I had to go to an XL. PM me if you're interested. It's going to go on ebay in a week or two, I'm wating for the weather to get a little nicer so people start thinking seriously about getting back in the water before I post it.

In the meantime, spend a lot of time on the board, it's a wonderful source of info!

 

[divad]

My price range is up to $900

I've got the money burning a hole in my pocket

Scott

Please don't walk into a dive store with 900 bucks in your burning pants.

 

[Scott T]

Please don't walk into a dive store with 900 bucks in your burning pants.

:11: Thankfully my pants aren't burning yet. But I certainly get your point. That's why I'm here and am thankful for the information given so far. Online may work best anyway which will save me from the "Impulse Shopper" in me.

 

[The Kraken]

That was some truly sound advice, Evad !!

the K

 

[divad]

It's bad enough just leaving without your pants.

 

[divinginn]

as a owner of a black diamond,i like this bc alot,tough,comfortable,trims very well,the wing is low profile for less drag,stainless d rings,well made,my only gripe with mine is lack of a sholder dump,it has a rear dump but i can never find it. i would be hesitant to strap doubles to it,just looks like it would be a compromise,you would probably be better served if your thinking of going doubles to get a backplate and wings never thought i would say that,but they were designed with that task in mind. regular bcs backinflate and jackets were designed for singles. good luck

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Welcome to Scubaboard...


I don't have any experience with the BC's that you asked about. I dive a Zeagle Ranger. Very adjustable and great quality. I am interested in Back Plate and wing setups I just havn't had the opportunity to try one yet.

Good luck hope you got your pants put out!