is this common sense?

[matt_unique]

....
Be prepared to be bombarded with a barrage of "get a BP/Wing" responses.

the Kraken

For good reason - a BC purchase is "up there" on the list for those who comment on what they wished they did not buy. There is one simple truth - you can outgrow a BC if your interests change, you can never outgrow a BP. I'm trying to sell my Seaquest Balance BC and two Air Source integrated inflator/regs as a result.

It's pretty much impossible for you to know now what you may want for gear 10 years from now. Since BP/W's cost the same (less in many cases) as a BC why risk a purchase you later regret?

I would say explore all options and choose what makes the most sense. Dive gear lasts a long time if properly taken care of.

--Matt

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Depends what your definition of "cheap" is. There are definitely
great systems out there that won't cost an arm and a leg.

Rap

 

[Lost_At_Sea]

I think you should rent and try different BC's. Just because they are the most expensive doesn't mean that BC is for you. Find one that will fit you and fit what type of diving you are going to do.

 

[CWMurf]

For good reason - a BC purchase is "up there" on the list for those who comment on what they wished they did not buy. There is one simple truth - you can outgrow a BC if your interests change, you can never outgrow a BP. I'm trying to sell my Seaquest Balance BC and two Air Source integrated inflator/regs as a result.

It's pretty much impossible for you to know now what you may want for gear 10 years from now. Since BP/W's cost the same (less in many cases) as a BC why risk a purchase you later regret?

I would say explore all options and choose what makes the most sense. Dive gear lasts a long time if properly taken care of.

--Matt

I have to agree here. My bp/w is my fourth setup. I may try different components as my needs change, but this system is adaptable and would be nearly impossible to beat.

I too started with a bc I got on ebay. Used it for a few months until I knew a little better what I needed and/or liked. My first bc purchase after that was a unit that was probably pretty good but didn't take long to outgrow so I stepped up again. I thought I was happy with that one, even though I had to customize it a bit, until I tried the packplate. After a few bp dives I tried the previous rear inflate system and then shelved the thing. I will never go back.

Trying before you buy can save you alot of time and money. As I said before, hook up with other divers and with local shops. Hone your skills. Get educated on what the different units have to offer. Try as many different systems as you can. After you know what works for you, buy the best quality you can get. It will last you a LONG time if properly cared for.

One reason so many like the bp/w system is that it is so configurable. If you decide to carry more gear just change to a larger wing. If your bladder springs a leak, just change the bladder, or even just repair it. If your pockets aren't big enough, change them. You just can't do all this with a standard jacket style bc.

Best of luck to you!

:froggy:

 

[redacted]

Are you looking for a wife or just a cheap date so you can focus on more important things. Lots of BCDs will work OK while you try to save some $$ and figure out where you want to go for the long haul. Some smart shopping on ebay should get you a perfectly adequate 5 to 15 year old jacket style bc for about $50. And in a few years when you realize a BP/W is just what you want, you should get most of that $50back. Used gear has its risks but the savings potential is great.

 

[Packhorse]

I would rent for a few months and try a few diffrent types. Alot of people start by doing a OW course but stop soon after and never dive again even though thay have spent thousands on gear.