help choosing a BCD

[newdvr]

Hello all,

I am new to scuba diving. I have had my license for about 10 month, and so far I've had 9 open water dives.

I am trying to choose a BCD, that will work well for me. The cost factor is now extremely important, but quality and versatility is. So far I have used rented jacket style BCDs, but I have heard that the tactical is more comfortable. I think the major criteria for my search would be:

quality
weight and transportability
comfort
ability to use in warm and temperate water (60 degrees and up)
ability to attach tools
integrated weight system

not sure how much lift would I need, also not sure about integrated secondary air source.

Please give me your comments and recommendations.

P.S. last time I was diving with 5mm wet suite I had to use 28 lb of weight

 

[lowviz]

Begin by asking your LDS if they have anything in their rental program that suits your needs. Most are happy to sell you a used BCD in the interest of customer retention.

-ask them if they know the last line of "Casablanca"...

 

[newdvr]

Maybe you can explain pro's and con's of jacket style vs wing?

 

[Peter Guy]

Why do you want the attributes you list? You should know WHY you want such things because that may help define WHAT you want to get.

One thing I question is "integrated weights" -- especially since you write you had 28 pounds with a 5mm suit. Rather than have all that weight on your BC, you might want to think about having it in a harness or on your waist (I use a harness).

I am a big fan of the Backplate/Wing system but also dive with a Back Inflate BC (SeaQuest Balance that has integrated weights). I believe the BP/W system is one of the most "transportable" systems out there and you can have them with integrated weights if you so desire.

Anyway, you need to prioritize your "wants" and then look at the various types of BCs and how they fit those wants.

 

[lowviz]

Maybe you can explain pro's and con's of jacket style vs wing?

There are two types of jacket. I have familiarity with ScubaPro so I'll use them to explain. Their "Classic" has a flotation cell that pretty much wraps around you. You float like a cork on the surface, works fine underwater. Their "Knighthawk" is primarily 'back inflate' meaning it works best if you are horizontal while diving. Back inflate is not as comfortable on the surface. However, back inflate is more 'cool' as horizontal while diving is the 'correct' orientation.

Backplate and wings allow a great range of adjustment and are best for larger gas loads. It is a modular system that presents a lot of choices, thus it is more 'complicated'.

I hope this gets you started...