Jacket v Back inflation info for newbie please!

[Meggsie]

Hi all,

Have just recently passed my OWC and am looking at a BC for myself. I've dived in a friends Seaquest Libra and was quite fine with it, but have been looking at the Mares Kaila and Sequest Diva or Libra to possibly purchase. The horizontal position of a back inflation doesn't bother me as I'm a strong swimmer and can easily flip myself onto my back on the surface... I was just wanting peoples opinions on a back v jacket inflation BC. I only plan to dive rec. and at home I'm in a 7mm wetsuit and the water is anywhere from 9 degrees C to 17 degrees C.

Thanks, Megs

 

[jbd]

Megs,
It really doesn't make any difference which style. Each has its own little idiosyncracies which are easily gotten used to. The key is to buy what fits you well and you are comfortable with.

Most of the idiosyncracies are pretty much eliminated if you are properly weighted and comfortable in the water.

 

[djanni]

Megs,
It really doesn't make any difference which style. Each has its own little idiosyncracies which are easily gotten used to. The key is to buy what fits you well and you are comfortable with.

Most of the idiosyncracies are pretty much eliminated if you are properly weighted and comfortable in the water.

Best advise on the internet right there Megs.

 

[scubamickey]

I prefer the BI over the jacket. I find it more comfortable not having a jacket wrapped around me. There's no flipping required, I'm not sure what you meant. There are no special or additional skills needed to dive with a BI. But I know some women need the safety blanket of a wraparound jacket, especially if they are not comfortable with their swimming abilities. Some just like the wraparound feeling. Neither should be an issue for you based on what you said.

I'd say go with a BI. I use the Scubapro Ladyhawk and I like it. Although the cumberbund where the weight pockets are is even too much for me. As are the silly quick release buckles on the shoulder. But performance wise it is stable at depth and it dumps air about as fast as you can inflate.

See if you can try different kinds out in a pool.

 

[Bobbin-along]

Beg and borrow from absolutely everyone and everywhere you can before buying. BC opinions are as plentiful as noses on people's face, meaning everyone has one. Myself I'm into back inflate (own a LadyHawk, trained in a Zeagle Tech) as I like the relative freedom and less clutter across my front. For every BI/BP fan there are vest type fans. What's important is what fits you best. If it fits you, you will enjoy diving, the more you enjoy the experience the more you will dive. The more you dive the better you become.

ScubaMickey: Interesting take on the Ladyhawk shoulder buckles. I actually use them often to get my BC off in the water without thrashing around like a moron. Especially useful when diving by myself from a floating dock.

 

[scubamickey]

I never use mine. I walk my rig to and from wherever I need to and then just slip out of the harness. I've never dove off a floating dock so I'm not sure what that would involve.
I dive a long hose and the buckles just get in the way for me. I love my BC, it's just not real compatible with my setup.

 

[sasscuba]

Back inflate.

 

[TheRedHead]

I'll be the poster child for a backplate plus wing. You'll get some of the weight off your hips and over your lungs and the best part is that it's custom rigged to fit you perfectly. I'm definitely a fan of back inflated BCs if not BP/W. Jackets tend to squeeze and/or be cluttered in the front.

 

[wunat]

Best would be trying them out for yourself. As some said, everyone has an opinion of their own. I myself prefer backplate+wing.

 

[BSea]

I think you should try both BC's (rent if you have to). Then I'd take a light or spare mask & try putting it in pockets or clipping it to available D-rings (all this underwater of course). Pay attention to the fit, and how easy it is to use. I think what you'll find is that it's easier to secure & access your toys with a back inflate simply because you can see what you are doing easier. But you might like the way a jacket feels, particularly on the surface. With some divers this secure feeling is what they want. I have only made a few dives in a jacket, and really didn't care for it. But that's me.

I don't know if you are considering a BP/W as 1 of the back inflate options, but this is really a try it before you buy thing (as with any BC). Personally I love mine, but I've know very experienced divers that didn't care for them, and went back to their regular BC. Now this number isn't large, and from what I've seen, most that tried a BP/W fell in love with it.

You've probably seen a recurring theme here. Try them, then decide what YOU like best.