Good BC to start out with?

[Av06]

Hi, I have been diving for a few years and am hopeing to do even more of it in college. I am considering buying a BC because of this (I have always rented in the past). I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a good BC to start with. I will need something that I can use with a drysuit and also in the tropics. I like the look and Air Trim feature of the Mares Morphos and Dragon, what do people think of these? I am looking for intergrated weights.

Thanks a lot
Kevin

 

[tedwhiteva]

Look at a backplate/wing setup too. Not just for technical diving - the same reasons its preferred for tech are vasluable in everyday diving to. I went to it as a second BC, wich I had started with the setup.

 

[Av06]

I have been reading the thread on the backplate/w setup and trying to learn more about it, basically you buy all the parts and put them together? And so you can build a custom BC that fits you exactly? While it does seem like a good idea, I'm not sure if I want to have to bother with that where I am in diving, not sure though, I will research it some more.

Thanks

 

[wunat]

I have been reading the thread on the backplate/w setup and trying to learn more about it, basically you buy all the parts and put them together? And so you can build a custom BC that fits you exactly? While it does seem like a good idea, I'm not sure if I want to have to bother with that where I am in diving, not sure though, I will research it some more.

Can't say that BP+Wing setup is the way to go for everyone but I have to say that it is certainly something you should look into. Lots of good information on this board so take your time.

 

[Av06]

I have been researching the DSS single tank rig and had a few questions. Where can you buy pockets and other accessories like that? I checked the DSS website and cannot find anything. Will the ones for the Dive Rite TransPlate work on the DSS?

Thanks

 

[robway034]

Welcome back to the sport!

Do yourself a favor and talk to a local dive shop about possibly trying some gear out in the pool! The one thing that I have learned about diving gear, BCD's especially, is that there is a ton of personal preference that goes into what equipment you will like or dislike. I have purchased a number of BCD's over the years and have found that my old seaquest vest from about 10 years ago is still the best one FOR ME! NOT YOU or the NEXT GUY.
For example; the most comfortable BCD I have ever worn in my entire life is the MARES LE morphos. Without a doubt, this thing is like wearing an exspensive leather coat on a brisk day (did I just say that?). Anyway, I am in the process of selling it because I dont like the way it floats me on the surface (because its a back inflator). Agian, MY preference and nothing else! Read the board and you will find the highest praise for the MARES LE from almost everyone who owns one! That still doesnt make it any better for my personal taste! Here in Northern VA almost all the Local Dive Shops (LDS) will let you try out what the sell in the pool before you make up your mind.
I took my own advice and went to almost every LDS in the local area and eacha and everyone of the guys let me try out some BCD's. The only exception was when they only had one particular model in stock or something understandable like that. I settled on another MARES (vector AT) because the Airtrim is absolutely trick otherwise the Scubapro was my second choice.
Hope I was of some help.

Rob

 

[AaronR103]

I like the BP/W personally, but whatever you get don't get a BC "to start out with." If you're gonna spend the money on a piece of equipment, get something you want to stick with, otherwise you just end up throwing money away. I spent $170 on a "starter BC" myself (Dacor RAV) when what I knew I wanted was a Halcyon BP/W. I should have just put the money into what I wanted instead of wasting it on something to get me by in the mean time.

A

On that note, I have an almost-new Dacor RAV BC for sale... eyebrow

 

[spacemanspiff1974]

You can always buy pockets for a BP/W setup. Anything that will slide onto 2" webbing will work. Check leisurepro or scubatoys for pockets. While not sold at either store, I know halcyon makes integrated weight pockets that can be used with a harness.

You might also want to check out Zeagle.com and look at their BCs. I believe that they have harnesses with various pocket configurations. You can also contact scubatoys.com as they are a zeagle dealer.

A lot of people on this board will chant bp/w whenever anyone asks about a bc. There are other configurations out there that may meet your needs, but since you want something that works for drysuit and for tropical, it wouldn't be a bad choice. Still, I would definately call scubatoys to see what they have to say about the zeagle products and what you plan on doing.

Oh, and if you dont want to spend the $ on DSS bp/w (which is still a great setup), you can get a backplate and harness from hammerheadscuba.com, and a 30 lb standard oxycheq wing from scubatoys.com for around 325 with shipping. Just thought I would add that since you are about to be a poor college student.

 

[Av06]

Thanks for all the help. Now I am wondering how the other BP/W setups compare to the DSS? The TransPlate looks really nice and comfortable, but a bit more expensive, are there any other popular ones I should be looking at?

 

[RiverRat]

If you're thinking Drysuit definitely consider BP/W. You need a lot of extra weight and it's nice to offset it with a plate and maybe a steel tank.