How to pick my right BC?

[baltdiveguy]

I'm not asking which BC is best - I've done a TON of reading, and I've seen a number of things people recommend.

My question is, as a newer diver, how can I figure out what is going to work best for me? If I'm going to go on a dive, I'm subject to the run of the mill rental gear; so how can I decide if I'd like a BP&W, or a back inflate, vs the jacket I'd always end up renting?

There's really no places locally to dive (only in the summer, and at best it'd be a murky quarry), so I'm taking trips to dive if I want to go; so I'm also likely dealing with unfamiliar LDS, not the ones I've become friendly with around my home area.

Any advice on how I can test/try other BCD's, or any help on figuring out what I'd like?

Thanks!

PS - not asking for opinions on which BCD, just how can I sample some more so I can figure out what I like.

 

[Phil_C]

My advice would be to rent and record for the moment. There is no rush to buy a BC.

Each time I dived I would keep a log of what BC I was wearing/hiring and note the size, fit and comfort etc. As you rent and try various types of BC you will get a feel for what you like and what is comfortable. See what the dive centres you use have got and try different styles and types when possible. Also try different weight systems, integrated, traditional threaded weights and pouch belts. Dive shops may even have a backplate and wing you can try on a rental.

Once you have got a few more dives under your weight belt you will get a good idea for what suits you, and then be able to refine your choices. Thats when I would look for a good deal, whether from the internet or your LDS, but at least by then you will know what you are looking for and not just be seduced by price, hype or salesman's patter.

Best - Phil

 

[67macoshark]

I would look to join an area dive club. I have not researched your area, but I expect there are some close to you. It will not only get you diving more, but some divers accumulate a lot of different gear over time, and might let you try out what they have. It would help you make an informed purchase when the time comes.

 

[dmaziuk]

My question is, as a newer diver, how can I figure out what is going to work best for me?

I'd say it's the math. If, say, you were diving every weekend and paying $10 in rental fees, 40 weeks = $400. It'd make sense to go to a shop and buy a BCD that looks OK, fits well, and costs <= $400 -- after a year of diving it'll pay for itself and you'll know exactly what you don't like about it. With vacation-type diving do what Phil said: rent and just keep diving. Try to rent back-inflates or bp&w, you might get lucky and run into a shop that rents them.

 

[geoff w]

Given the time of year, call around to dive shops and see if they are unloading some of their training / rental gear, and if it's cheap enough and something you might be interested, pick one up and try it your next time diving. If it doesn't make you happy, wait until it warms up and sell it for probably a profit or at worst being out no more than the cost of a BC rental. Or drink the Kool-Aide, pick up a backplate, and never worry about having made the wrong choice. If you do the bp/w route, take a road trip for the day to visit the Beneath the Sea show at the beginning of April in NJ and look at your options before buying, so you can try on, see quality differences, etc. Even if you don't buy anything, you'll have a much better idea of what to look at on your next dive trip and be better informed to check out what other divers are using

 

[Centrals]

You really have to try it underwater few times and draw your own conclusion.
The hottest debate on bc is BP/W vs jacket. I am diving with the former but I would have no problem diving with a jacket if required.
I have only seen one operator in SE Asia in which BP/W is the standard rental equipment!! No idea what it is like in US but would be extremely surprised if jacket is not the dominant one.

Good luck.

 

[DevonDiver]

Here's an article I wrote that might provide you with some more insights...

Scuba Equipment : Selecting a Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)