High end BCD

[LeFlaneur]

I have a Zeagle Brigade -- the ScubaToys hybrid special. I love it.

I have never dived a BP/W setup but I like the simplicity of it. It will cost you a bit more than a Zeagle BC of comparable capacity.

I'm tempted to recommend a cheaper and more travel friendly BC like the Zeagle Escape. It packs better than a Brigade and will do perfectly in beginnier to intermedieate condidtions for the first few years if you can handle the humiliation ofnot having metal D-rings. ;-)

In a couple years you'll have a better idea of what you really want / need and you won't have shelled out a fortune at the start.

Just my two cents.

 

[Atticus]

I really like my Halcyon BP/W setup. Oxycheq and FredT make great products too. Stick with something simple and don't get extra pads, clips, d-rings, etc.

 

[Mambo Dave]

As stated, it seems a lot of newer divers are under the misunderstanding that BP & W's must equal "tech". I fear some older BP/W-disparaging OW instructors just hate to see change, even if it is for the better, as it dates them and their style (and/or knowledge).

A BP/W, even with padded straps for the shoulders, or the "deluxe" harness system (liek the one made by Dive Rite), is the most streamlined, and adjustable, buoyancy rig. Streamlined as in - it's going to either make you faster, or help you use less air, while kicking along. Is this a 'bad' thing in the rec diving world?

There are back inflation systems that do feel a lot more luxurious, padded, or supportive when tried on in the dive shop, but that ain't gonna be the position you're in under water (nor will you be supporting the weight of the equipment to the same degree). When horizontal - which is what I would guess is the position most divers are in 80% of the time under water - all the nice padding that made a rig feel better standing up in the dive shop pretty much goes away. Instead, with some BC's, all you're left with is bulkiness, and a weak single tank strap ready to let that tank slide out on less than a moment's notice. (I say this only because of what I've been seeing over the last few months - I realize I dove with a BC and a single tank strap years ago for my OW class, but in real life I can't imagine a worse design based on the recreational crowds I've been around.)

I'm no expert, but I'm not one to try to tell ya something's great just to boost my self-esteem for having owned it, either. A Hogarthian-rigged BP/W is a good, and very simple, deal. Put what you want on the belt and straps - you don't have to outfit it 'tech' style. However, as you fiddle with other peoples' rigging ideas in the coming months, you'll probably see some 'tech' gear placements that make sense - with a BP/W you'll have the rig to make it happen.

Best,

MD

 

[BSea]

Here's another vote for the BP/W. I'm not a tech diver, but I love my BP/W. It's the easiest, most comfortable rig I've ever used. I also have a zeagle brigade (which is also a great BC), but it won't see much diving now that I have my BP/W.

 

[TSandM]

Would somebody please come on here and vote for something from Scubapro or somebody else? I'm starting to feel as though the assimilation is complete . . .

 

[radinator]

Resistance is....well....

You know what I'm trying to say here.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

www.deepseasupply.com
Single tank rig. Perfection. You cannot ask for a better BC/D/P/W

Or, get a Zeagle. They're great BCs. I am with the majority here. Get a BP/W. If for some reason you don't want to, get a Zeagle Brigade or Stiletto or Escape.

You don't have to throw a lot of money at a BC. There is really only so "high end" a BC can get.

You will be assimilated...

 

[Diver Dennis]

I've done almost 400 dives in the last year, from the deep wrecks in Chuuk to the walls in Palau and into the Philippines and Mexico, all with my BC. I was diving in the Philippines a couple weeks ago with two professional photographers, both on this board, both with more dives last year than me. One had a BP/W and the other has a BC. The fellow with the BC has about 6K dives all on a BC while the BP/W diver has about 4,500 dives, all on a BP/W.
What should you buy? Whatever feels good to you. try both and don't worry about what anyone else says, YOU are the one who will be wearing it.

 

[TSandM]

If you are interested in a BP/W, I second the recommendation for the DSS rig. You cannot do better for value for money, and Tobin is wonderful about giving advice and customer support.

 

[Diver Dennis]

AAAAACKKKK! More assimilation?