jacket style vs. back inflation

[Bflem55]

hey guys just have a question I am wanting to purchase my first BC. In my open water class I trained with the Seaquest Pro QD jacket style. I was wondering if the back inflation BC's are harder to use or easier to use??

 

[Daveo957]

I personlly really like the back inflation bcs and they are not harder to use at all, you really need to try it out for yourself to see if you like it. see if you can try one on with the shop, they may allow you to do so and you can tell or yourself

 

[divemaster_jim]

There are a few differences, which you'll find out about, nothing huge, I perfer a back inflate to a jacket style, Can you rent one to try it? if so I would suggest a Seaquest Black Diamond.

 

[alan_lee]

Ooh.. it's a much debated topic on the board Personally, I prefer a back-inflate simply cos I don't like the BC squeeze stemming when I inflate a jacket-style. Then again, it's really a personal thing, and as suggested, do go try it on and see how it feels. Oh, with rear-inflate, don't inflate fully cos it MIGHT throw you face down in the water. Lean back when you're on the surface and inflated, and it'll feel like you're relaxing in armchair

Just a newbie's 2 cents' worth. Cheerios!

 

[Bflem55]

it just seemed like I had trouble getting neatrual

 

[Divedoggie]

It depends what feels best to you.
Back inflate BCDs tend to keep you in a desireable (horizontal) position while underwater, and they allow for nice freedom of movement.

If plan on spending more time in a verticle position, the jacket style BCD is better.

A great back inflate is the Zeagle Brigade: http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=ZeagleBrigade

A hybrid which combines both back inflate and some wrap around inflate, and which quite a few of my Dive Instructor and Dive Master buddies use is this:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=AerisXTBCD

There are many jacket style BCDs to choose from, just pick one that inflates away from your body so that it doesn't squeeze the breath out of you!

 

[Bflem55]

yeah I didnt notice a problem with the squeeze just not being able to get boyount bottom side but I have only did 4 dives in fresh water when I went to mexico and did 2 dives with a vest style i could get boyont

 

[dbombtek]

Try both and see what you like the best. Do a search for this topic and you will see a hundred opinions make your own.

 

[DivingCRNA]

it just seemed like I had trouble getting neatrual

That is a new diver problem, not a BC problem...

 

[DivingCRNA]

If plan on spending more time in a verticle position, the jacket style BCD is better.

A.K.A.-bubble blowing roto-tiller

Just a token mention- BP/W