qcmaverick:
I'm looking to buy a new BC, and I need some help. I currently dive a Sherwood Avid and I've had good luck with it but it's kinda snug. I dive wet and dry in ohio, and I'm on our counties Dive team. Most of the team uses Dive rite transpacs, but i would rather not spend $ 700. I like what I hear about the Bp wings. Any suggestions ???? I'm open for any advice, jacket style or back inflate / BP w thanks Qcmaverick
In comments across SB threads, a subtle trend in the evolution of BC choices as divers 'advance' seems to emerge, from jacket style, then to back inflate, and ultimately to BP/W. You may therefore find more responses will suggest you consider moving toward BP/W at this point, for a variety of reasons - utility, simplicity, flexibility (maybe even affordability). I am one of those, although I appreciate the cost concerns. There may be slightly less expensive ways to go BP/W. For example, a Transplate may be a bit ($30-50) less than the Transpac. Even less expensive would be a Dive Rite SS BP with a standard or deluxe harness. Another option is to simply go with a SS plate, buy some webbing, D rings and SS buckle from your LDS and rig your own harness. Easy to do, and provides a certain sense of accomplishment and confidence. If you are diving dry having a negative BP may be an advantage over a BC. I dive a continuous web Dive Rite SS BP as well as an OMS SS with a harness with shoulder quick releases, and personally prefer the OMS for my drysuit but the single piece web harness works great as well. I started with a Zeagle Ranger (which is a wonderful BC) but found the BP/W more efficient, requiring far less lead.
For a wing, there are lots of choices. Dive Rite has a good selection, the Halcyon wings are quality products and very functional (some might also say a bit pricey) - I have several models of each and like both brands. There are quite a few SB folks who like Oxycheqs as well, and they merit serious consideration. Your should probably end up with a 40 - 55 lb wing, smaller if all you will need is single tank capability, higher end if you think doubles might be in your future or if, as a dive team member, you find yourself diving freshwater with lots of extra (negative) gear.
Don't know what your LDS is like. I usually recommend that folks use their LDS for purchases like this, because of the advice and support they get before and after a sale, and the ability to try out several approaches before buying. If you have a good one, you may pay a few more $$ up front than you would online, but the value of the local / personal support exceeds the price difference. If not, there is also always the eBay option, and you can usually pick up a SS BP, and a Dive Rite, Halcyon or Oxycheq wing, at a substantial savings over list. You may have to wait for what you want to show up, but the approach works quite well. Good luck.
