Help me pick a new BC!

[charlesml3]

Hi gang,

After many years and many, many dives my old Mares jacket-style BC has finally gone bad on me. I've patched holes in it and now it looks like there are more patches than original material left in it.

SO, I'm in the market for a new BC. Here's some info that I hope will be helpful:

-I'm 5'11 and about 150 pounds. Slender dude, no doubt.
-I make about 60 dives a year.
-Almost all of my diving is in the Carribbean.
-Chances of me diving in a full 5mil suit are slim. Dry suit: zero.
-I'm either way on weight-integrated. My old BC was not and I don't mind my belt.
-I'll dive Aluminum or Steel 80s. I keep a chart in my log book that details how much weight I need depending on tank material, wetsuit, etc.
-I've never done double tanks. Probably not outside the realm of possibility but not all that likely.
-My air consumption is very good and my bouancy control is good unless my BC has decided to spring another leak on a particular dive...
-I don't buy at the bottom or very top of the price range. Usually high-middle or so.
-I've never tried a BP/W but it seems to be the way the market is going.
-I have three LDS in the area and NONE of them carry any inventory to speak of.

I can't think of anything else to add. Looking for something that travels well. Please send me your recommendations! I'd love to hear why you like or don't like a particular model.

Thanks in advance...

-Charles

 

[H2Andy]

i would suggest a bp/wings

(not because that's the way the market is going )

bp/wings are just so modular and infinetly adjustable to your own needs and proportions that they are hard to beat

they are also streamlined, travel easily, are not bulky, and really help with trim and bouyancy ...

so ...

there ya have it

specifically, i'd suggest a steel backplate (to get the most weight off your belt) and a single-tank wing (such as the Halcyon Pioneer).

get a crotch-strap. you really need one for stability.

 

[johnny_bravo]

I dive a Sherwood Avid and I dive it in cold or warm waters. Great features are the weight integration system, a double tank strap, and great wrap around fit for a jacket BC. Some online sites still sell the 2004 model for less than $300.

When replacing it I will probably buy a Zeagle Stiletto or another Zeagle BC.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[charlesml3]

Hey Andy,

Agreed. Would you recommend a particular make/model given the info I listed above?

Thanks!

-Charles

 

[H2Andy]

well, i've only used two single-tank wings, the Dive Rite Venture and the Halcyon Pioneer; i much prefer the Pioneer

there are tons of others, though ... so .... my advice is limited

i have a Dive Rite plate (aluminum) and a Halcyon plate (steel) and they both feel very similar, except of course for weight

the Halcyon stuff is on the pricey side, so if you can get advice from others as to alternatives, that'd be ideal

 

[charlesml3]

Hey Andy,

Yea, I noticed that Halcyon was very highly respected but also very expensive. Probably too much for what I really need.

I do appreciate your candor.

Thanks!

-Charles

 

[Walter]

Scubapro Classic Sport is the best BC on the market. No fabric covering (reduces drag), no padding (reduces drag and eliminates some lead), right shoulder dump (gives you the option of dumping air with either hand), dump valves are at the highest point when you are vertical or horizontal (doesn't trap air), lasts a long time. It'll also handle twins.

 

[Carribeandiver]

specifically, i'd suggest a steel backplate (to get the most weight off your belt) and a single-tank wing (such as the Halcyon Pioneer). Andy, Halcyon does not make the Pioneer anymore. The Esclipse has apparently taken its place.

And Andy, the first 10 Amendments to the United States Constitution are the Bill of Rights, not Articles of Incorporation or whatever you said.

 

[Walter]

Yeah and there aren't 250 of the either. I suspect he might know that. I hope so anyway.

 

[H2Andy]

i've never used the Eclipse, so i can't comment on it. you can get the Pioneer at a discount from dealers who still have it ... well, you could last year

yeah ... the answers are wrong ... they are actual answers given to the question, though