First "Real" BC Advice
- Thread starter Scott T
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Matt S.
Contributor
I am also a new diver. I got a good deal on a used Zeagle Ranger, which I like a lot. If I was buying new stuff at retail prices, knowing what I know now, I'd probably get a backplate/wing setup. But my Ranger is nice and I don't plan to junk it for a new system, there are plenty of other things to buy without replacing a perfectly fine BCD.
brdr882
Registered
I dive with a Zeagle Ranger and like Divedoggie I have a medium waist with large shoulders (tall and skinny is hard to find a good fit in others). I love this BC and wouldn't trade it for much else. I don't think it has knife grommets on it but to be honest i haven't looked for them since I keep my knife on my right shoulder although at the moment it's among the missing. Another cool (and cheaper) BC is made by SeaSoft: the SeaLion and SeaHorse. They are super adjustable (XS-XL) and minimalistic. No idea if it can hold doubles or not but I doubt it since it seems more directed towards the rec diver as a long lasting BC and doubles is leaning towards tech. I haven't dove with one or talked to anyone who has so I'm curious to find out how they are if anyone out there has. The inflater on it look a little awkward. SO to answer your question... I'd put my money on a Zeagle.
and I second 300bar_diver, if you walk into the store I work for with $900 burning a hole in your pocket I'd love to help you put it out
and I second 300bar_diver, if you walk into the store I work for with $900 burning a hole in your pocket I'd love to help you put it out
hoopstar2323
Registered
i have put about 5 dives into my knew knighthawk and i love it. like you i got certified in a jacket style BC and thought that was the way to go, but after some great advice from my LDS, some pool time and even a weekend to try one out i realized the advantages a back inflation give. im sure i will eventually move onto a BP/W but with little time as i go to college thats a way down the road and im happy with my choice. i tried the knighthawk in the pool right after a tried a black diamond and could hardly notice a difference. i know that scuba pro has an amazing warranty and that was reasurring in going with them. i got my knighthawk with an AIR2 inflator/second stage for 635. good luck hope this helps.
If you're seriously interested in diving doubles in the future, definitely look at the BP/W setups. You can get a very nice complete singles rig for about $450, or less sometimes with sales. You would have to add the cost of an Air2 or other airsource, and the cost of a pocket to put on the harness if you wanted one, but that's still well within your budget.
There are a couple of non-plate setups that can be used for doubles, but I think the widespread consensus is that they are suboptimal for the purpose.
If you don't think you'll be diving doubles, you have a ton of options. I'd just say look for a BC that has trim pockets, to make it easier to move some weight up onto your back to allow you to maintain a horizontal posture.
There are a couple of non-plate setups that can be used for doubles, but I think the widespread consensus is that they are suboptimal for the purpose.
If you don't think you'll be diving doubles, you have a ton of options. I'd just say look for a BC that has trim pockets, to make it easier to move some weight up onto your back to allow you to maintain a horizontal posture.
lyonsce
Contributor
If I were you, I would try to rent/borrow some of the BC you are looking at and actually dive them to see how you like them in the water. Include a BP/W setup if you can as it may be the best option if you are thinking of doubles in the future. I didn't do that and ended up buying 2 BC before going to a BP/W. It might take a little more time, but it may save you a lot of money and in the end you will get what you really want/need.....
Hi Scott,
A big welcome to the board and thanks for your very detailed post on your diving exp and what you want and not want to do.... I only wished other OP were as detailed or as focus as you, 2 thumbs up!!
Since, you might or might not ever do tech, a transpac might be a good option for you.
Scott, you could also post your question directly to pp like Tobin (Deepseasupply), Patrick (Oxycheq) or Scott Zeagle (Zeagle what else), they are all here.
SangP
A big welcome to the board and thanks for your very detailed post on your diving exp and what you want and not want to do.... I only wished other OP were as detailed or as focus as you, 2 thumbs up!!
Since, you might or might not ever do tech, a transpac might be a good option for you.
Scott, you could also post your question directly to pp like Tobin (Deepseasupply), Patrick (Oxycheq) or Scott Zeagle (Zeagle what else), they are all here.
SangP
Bill Fisher
Contributor
Scott,
I currently own a Black Diamond.
Nice BC, no complaints, except the bulkiness.
I really like it, but I must say, if I could do it over again I would try a B/P W first
and then see which you like better before dropping the cash.
Bill
I currently own a Black Diamond.
Nice BC, no complaints, except the bulkiness.
I really like it, but I must say, if I could do it over again I would try a B/P W first
and then see which you like better before dropping the cash.
Bill
Oh the never ending quest for what to buy.
If you can try before you do buy...and 900$..will do you no good if you get the wrong rig. To only sell it and get the right one.
If your going to go to doubles. I would Strongly say to you. WAIT. Dive the crap out of what you are using . Get your skills up and near perfect.
HOWEVER. I would look into a back plate and wing. Reason is simple. Streamline, and MAJOR adjustability. In the long run. it will be cheaper than upgrading to another BC. You want to look for adjustability, streamline, and durability. Weights can be added to a Back plate. VIA pockets, trim or V weight. Plus the use of a weight belt. A nice 6lbs plate will help shead some weight here and there.
Now if your going to dive a single tank. a Single tank adapter and a smaller wing will do you justice with a back plate. And when the time comes to set up doubles. All you have to do is change the WING and get one that is made for doubles. Small is key in streamlining.
You mentioned you want to do shipwreck diving. This is where BULKY BC jackets stay behind. You want to be as streamlined as possible for this type of diving. I will not get into the why but if you ask around, the many whom do shipwreck diving and cave diving will explain it to you.
The octo inflator is a no-no in my book. Some love it...but there are a few that do not. I am one of them. The inflator is for inflating...not for breathing off in an OOA situation. that is where a bungied OCT is your friend. serves its purpose and does the job nicley..and is more streamlined with and in a LONG hose configuration. Which is where you will be when the time comes for DOUBLES. Even at a recreational level...it is a must for a doubles configuration to be TECHNICALLY RIGed-up right. Meaning..Long hose, Bunged necklace octo.
Now have at it.
I would seriously look into a Backplate and two sets of wings. One for Single tank with an STA( for now ) and one for doubles later. Dive the crap out of your rig.
Safe dives
Stephen
If you can try before you do buy...and 900$..will do you no good if you get the wrong rig. To only sell it and get the right one.
If your going to go to doubles. I would Strongly say to you. WAIT. Dive the crap out of what you are using . Get your skills up and near perfect.
HOWEVER. I would look into a back plate and wing. Reason is simple. Streamline, and MAJOR adjustability. In the long run. it will be cheaper than upgrading to another BC. You want to look for adjustability, streamline, and durability. Weights can be added to a Back plate. VIA pockets, trim or V weight. Plus the use of a weight belt. A nice 6lbs plate will help shead some weight here and there.
Now if your going to dive a single tank. a Single tank adapter and a smaller wing will do you justice with a back plate. And when the time comes to set up doubles. All you have to do is change the WING and get one that is made for doubles. Small is key in streamlining.
You mentioned you want to do shipwreck diving. This is where BULKY BC jackets stay behind. You want to be as streamlined as possible for this type of diving. I will not get into the why but if you ask around, the many whom do shipwreck diving and cave diving will explain it to you.
The octo inflator is a no-no in my book. Some love it...but there are a few that do not. I am one of them. The inflator is for inflating...not for breathing off in an OOA situation. that is where a bungied OCT is your friend. serves its purpose and does the job nicley..and is more streamlined with and in a LONG hose configuration. Which is where you will be when the time comes for DOUBLES. Even at a recreational level...it is a must for a doubles configuration to be TECHNICALLY RIGed-up right. Meaning..Long hose, Bunged necklace octo.
Now have at it.
I would seriously look into a Backplate and two sets of wings. One for Single tank with an STA( for now ) and one for doubles later. Dive the crap out of your rig.
Safe dives
Stephen
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