Inexpensive but decent BC?

[EuphoriaII]

Looking at buying a 2 full sets of gear (Reg/BC/2nd Air/Mask/fins/Snorkel) for my son and I who are just getting into Scuba. LDS (specializing in SP) has been helpful but the total bill for all the stuff is just a little over my budget. (LDS is refunding $150 of our lessons if purchase all equip from them so they are willing to work with us). The best place I see to shave off a little cost is in getting a little cheaper BC than the SP, if the LDS will work with me in that regard. I know they carry some Tusa equipment. I'm wanting something that is weight integrated, decent quality but inexpensive. Does Tusa fit this bill? Any others you recommend? We will be recreational divers only and mainly expect to use the equipment on vacations to warm places a few times a year.
TIA for responses.

 

[George Scherman]

Check out Triple L. They make What seem to be quality BCs for a fantastic price. People that have them like them.

 

[Jason B]

I have a seaquest balance (with integrated weights) with about 12 dives on it (all freshwater). Looking to get $225 for it. I moved to BP/W. Price a one, I think you'll find that you'd be better off paying the extra $150 at the LDS for the class and save on the gear. I also have a pair of mares quattros with about 4 dives on them i'd let go cheap.

Jason

 

[meisburger]

I also recomend Triple L for a BC on a budget. For occasional diving with a lot of travel keep it simple and light if you can. Doesn't have to be weight integrated, as you will not be taking your own weights and everywhere you go will supply a weight belt with the tanks. You might check out Rodale's Scuba Diver magazine website. They do gear reviews and did one of economy BCs.

Cheers, Tim

 

[kidspot]

As much as I enjoy (and would recommend) a bp/wing combo .... Triple-l is much cheaper.

I priced an entire gear setup for a friend the other day (triple-l bc, regs,gauges, etc. from leisurepro) for under $450 after shipping. you could throw in full wetsuits, jetfins and a mask for about $150 more.

I have a triple-l wetsuit and several bags, I've seen their BC's and they make a good quality product. Plus shipping is very inexpensive.

Have fun shopping around...


Aloha, Tim

 

[Snowbear]

I too have switched to using a BP/W.
Now I have an almost new Seaquest Black Diamond no-one seems to want :frown:

The trend I'm seeing in this thread is... make sure that what you buy is what you really want. It's a whole lot more expensive to buy cheaper stuff that you end up replacing than quality stuff that will last. That said, there was nothing cheap about that Black Diamond :11:

 

[divad]

Looking at buying a 2 full sets of gear (Reg/BC/2nd Air/Mask/fins/Snorkel) for my son and I who are just getting into Scuba. LDS (specializing in SP) has been helpful but the total bill for all the stuff is just a little over my budget. (LDS is refunding $150 of our lessons if purchase all equip from them so they are willing to work with us). The best place I see to shave off a little cost is in getting a little cheaper BC than the SP, if the LDS will work with me in that regard. I know they carry some Tusa equipment. I'm wanting something that is weight integrated, decent quality but inexpensive. Does Tusa fit this bill? Any others you recommend? We will be recreational divers only and mainly expect to use the equipment on vacations to warm places a few times a year.
TIA for responses.

Maybe you should dis-engage yourself from your first LDS. At least for a moment. Are you sure you know what you're doing? What about college? How will you live? Who'll pay the bills?

 

[steve2281]

I'm not exactly answering your question, but how old is your son? is he still growing? I would avoid major purchases that he will grow out of. My son was certified at age 12; I bought a $20 used BC that fit the bill for two seasons. Your LDS might have some rental gear to turn over. just an idea

 

[Marek K]

I'm not exactly answering your question, but how old is your son? is he still growing? I would avoid major purchases that he will grow out of. My son was certified at age 12; I bought a $20 used BC that fit the bill for two seasons. Your LDS might have some rental gear to turn over. just an idea

We're certifying our 12-year-old daughter this year. She's pretty petite, and we've had trouble finding a rental BC that fits. (She did a Discover Scuba session last year at the Red Sea.)

So we bought her a $60 Juvi from Triple-L. I don't want to gush, but the quality and features are pretty amazing, expecially for that price (starting with two tank straps!). Haven't gotten it wet though, yet. There's still some growth room in it, and it should last at least a couple of years.

But it wouldn't be big enough for a normal-sized kid any older than that.

--Marek

 

[Mark Goodchild]

Recently reviewed the IST Saturn BCD.

I thought this was pretty good considering the price.

I think in the US you can get it even cheaper than in the UK. See here:

http://www.zerovisibility.co.uk/ISTSaturnBCD.htm