Good Deal?

[scuber steve]

Hi Guys, I am new to Scuba Diving, I just finished my OW certification and i'm looking for some gear. I have been looking at the Mares Vector Origin. I The reason I have ceom to this Bc is that it is in my price range...(i'm 13 years old). I was wondering if it was worth the money, Tthe cheapest i've found was $179.99 At LeisurePro. If you know of one of better quality around in the same price range please let me know .

 

[scuber steve]

any suggestions?....Anyone?

 

[ScottyK]

Hey Andrew- Welcome to diving. I wish I got certified when I was that young!

The amount of BC models can get confusing. I've never dove the model you are referring to, but can give you some general advice.

Research and read through this site for any comparisons you can find between models in your price range.

If you have a local dive store, see if you can test a couple of different models in the pool.

For you specifically, I would also say to get a size that leaves you a little room to grow, so it's not too small on you in a year.

Basically, as long as you stay with the major brands you should be OK. Get your Mares, get some experience under your belt, and try new things as you go. If you see someone with a back inflate BC or BP/Wing setup that would fit you, ask if you can try it in a pool.

Hopefully, by the time your ready to buy your next BC, you'll really know what you want. Enjoy yourself whatever you get, and dive safe.....Scott

 

[jonnythan]

I'd suggest you rent your BC for the time being. Chances are you'll soon outgrow whatever you buy now... when you're done growing you can buy yourself a BC.

 

[scuber steve]

ScottyK once bubbled...


Basically, as long as you stay with the major brands you should be OK. Get your Mares, get some experience under your belt, and try new things as you go. If you see someone with a back inflate BC or BP/Wing setup that would fit you, ask if you can try it in a pool.

Is a Bp/Wing setup where it inflates in the pockets and such? And also, How can u find out if it is backinflate or not?

 

[ScottyK]

In a nutshell, Jacket style has the air bladder that wraps around you. In your price range, this is probably what your going to wind up with.

A back inflate has a bladder that is seperated from the side pockets, and a BP/wing is a plate with a detachable bladder and a simple harness made from 2" webbing. If you search the BC threads here, you'll find much more specific descriptions and pro/con opinions on each style.

If you really do your research, and don't mind waiting, and saving some more money, you will probably not want to buy the jacket style.

If you want to get a BC right away, and dive with your own equipment, there's nothing wrong with starting with an affordable model and trading up as your experience and bank account grow.

 

[scuber steve]

Are there any advantages of having a back inflation? Or it is just whichever style you feel more compfortable in?

 

[ScottyK]

It's mostly preference. I trim out (stay horizontal) better in a back inflate, but lots of people are perfectly content with a jacket.

Remember as you read a lot of the posts about BC's that they are being made by more advanced divers that need more performance out of their equipment.

Most, if not all, of them started out in a jacket BC.

 

[scuber steve]

Thanks Scotty for all of your help. My father has already purchased everything, but the BC, so If i end up getting this one, I'm gonna get it in a larger size so I can grow into it.

 

[scubasean]

ScottyK once bubbled...


If you have a local dive store, see if you can test a couple of different models in the pool.

I agree, but also buy it from the dive shop. It isn't nice to use the service part for free, and then give the cash to the online place.