Help! Buying new BC and can't decide...

[seejork]

BP-W?
i'm sorry but i'ma nooB...i am also planning to buy myself a BC and still haven't decide which brand to go with. i'm about 5'5" and 175# (i think) and would be using the equipment basically for liesure diving only.

 

[BigWhiteSquare]

Since a BP/W rig doesn't seem to be in the running, how 'bout a Zeagle Stiletto? It's very similar to the Ranger, but with an air bladder more appropriate for single tank diving.

 

[shugar]

BP-W?
i'm sorry but i'ma nooB...i am also planning to buy myself a BC and still haven't decide which brand to go with. i'm about 5'5" and 175# (i think) and would be using the equipment basically for liesure diving only.

BP/W- short for backplate-and-wing

a very modular system where you get a backplate (stainless, alum or plastic), and weave a harness through it... from there you can put in any size wing (bouyancy bladder) you need depending on the type of diving you do... you can do warm rec, then just screw on a bigger bladder when you do double tanks

you can have multiple d-rings, attach weight pockets, utility pockets, scooter ring, hang shiny stuff or canister lights...

they're amazingly sturdy and durable and will last you close to forever

you can mix-and-match plate and wing brands to suit your style or needs or wants or budget...

i just got mine a couple of weeks ago after about 8 months of dreaming hehehehehe

Jag

 

[BigWhiteSquare]

BP-W?
i'm sorry but i'ma nooB...i am also planning to buy myself a BC and still haven't decide which brand to go with. i'm about 5'5" and 175# (i think) and would be using the equipment basically for liesure diving only.

Seejork, these are examples of "BP-W"s. It's an abbreviation of BackPlate Wing.

http://www.deepseasupply.com/page12.html
http://www.northeastscubasupply.com/specials/bp_famous_specials.2.html
https://www.golemgear.com/pc-165-2-golem-35-lbs-ss-combo.aspx

It's a source of endless discussion here, but many of us have started using these rigs and really like them.

 

[DanBMW]

I highly recommend the Zeagle Stiletto if a BC is in your future. Like many, it really sounds like a BP/W would be better, but that is your decision. Personally I have a Scuba Pro BC (have had it for 6-7 years) and really can't complain about any of its features. As soon as it wears out, a BP/W is in my future!

My reason for the Zeagle Stiletto is that at The Florida Aquarium, where I dive several times a week, we recently switched from the Zeagle Ranger to the Zeagle Stiletto. For the diving you suggest, I feel the Stiletto would be better suited. We get incredible wear from the Zeagle BC and they really hold up well. They are similar to the BP/W design and work well in most environments.

In the 4 years I have used Zeagle BC's I have never seen one fail and we probably put as much wear on a BC in a year as most divers do a lifetime. They are rugged and can be very easily modified and customized in the field.

 

[ScubaThor]

I agree there is a need for more info for us to give you an honest answer to your question. There are some of us that would recommend a pure bp and wing but it may not fit your needs.

A little more info pls. Plan to go like 200 ftsw or more and hang 200 pounds of deco bottles off you???? Just a warm water rec diver??? What's the plan??

LOL...definitely won't be hanging deco ponies off my rig for 200' dives, nor will I be diving doubles in a cave any time soon. Just want something that's a little more rugged and versatile than your average neon-accented tropical reef BC. I find that my current one lacks the D-rings for attaching slates, retractors, etc. Dive temps range anywhere from 50 degrees to warm water, depth probably won't be much deeper than 130.
Thanks for all the opinions on here so far...sounds like Zeagle is going to be the choice.
T

 

[sasscuba]

LOL...definitely won't be hanging deco ponies off my rig for 200' dives, nor will I be diving doubles in a cave any time soon. Just want something that's a little more rugged and versatile than your average neon-accented tropical reef BC. I find that my current one lacks the D-rings for attaching slates, retractors, etc. Dive temps range anywhere from 50 degrees to warm water, depth probably won't be much deeper than 130.
Thanks for all the opinions on here so far...sounds like Zeagle is going to be the choice.
T

Brigade has 6 D-rings.

 

[DanBMW]

It is configured very much like a BP/W. The flotation portion is just like a wing and there are weight pouches on the back that can be easily raised up higher to help you trim out. We did this to several and it really makes a difference as opposed to having the weight closer to your waist.

 

[Loneranger]

I also suggest look at all the Zeagle line and make sure the Ranger really fits the bill.

 

[Fotoz4FX]

Based on your style of diving, I would recommend that you do what you have chosen. Although the expandability of your BC/W system is noteable, the Zeagle (I use the Ranger myself or the ancient USD Sonic II when doing recoveries) is a remarkable and versatile rig. I have personally (I have access to these super sewing machines that can sew pennies if you want to do so) sewn additional D/Rings into the front and around the bottoms of the suit for additional attachment points given that I do like diving wrecks (equipment intensive).