JACKET vs. BACK INFLATE BCDs- which and why?

[JPENDERGRAST]

Ok, so I know the difference in the two styles, and the difference in operation. Unfortunately, I'm not real sure why some choose one, and some choose the other. Is it mere comfort, or are there factors I'm missing? Both styles seem to range from dirt to gold in terms of price- and I've yet to find anyone note that one style works better or worse in certain diving conditions. I'm looking at purchasing the Mares Dragon BCD w/ airtrim. A buddy lent me his and it was extremely comfortable (albeit sized just a little big), and has all the bells and whistles of the best Zeagle. Please enlighten me with your input! Also, has anyone in here experienced any negative findings with the Dragon BCD which I should know about?

Respectfully,

JP

 

[RAWalker]

Back inflators typically give you a more stable horizontal trim underwater and less restricted movement. This translated to better underwater swimming chacteristics. The reported drawback (which is actually misuse caused) is a tendency to lean forward at the surface. This is cause by users overinflating at the surface. There is no lean when inflated to a level where just the head is out of the water. However wrap around jacket BCD can be over inflated at the surface which gives users a false sense of security that many likeand want.
Another drawback to the wrap around design is when properly sized and secured to the diver it will tend to squeeze the diver when fully inflated.

 

[mudhole]

Ok, so I know the difference in the two styles, and the difference in operation. Unfortunately, I'm not real sure why some choose one, and some choose the other. Is it mere comfort, or are there factors I'm missing? Respectfully, JP

Fit is comfort. . . Any of the variations of an air bubble, are still air bubbles. If any one of the choices fits properly, it will be comfortable. There are as many opinions on the board as there are divers. When you try any one of the brands, styles in the water it may be comfortable if it fits YOU. They all work, they all are pretty safe. . . If you buy one because it fits someone else, you'll join the people that hate a whole class of BC. I've dove with every style. . . and had the opportunity to dive the best fit in each. They're all good if they fit.

Now there are advantages of one style over another. . . If you're going to dive multiple tanks for deep or cave diving, nothing equals a back plate with a wing. If you are going to travel to dive resorts and only use single tanks, it's hard to beat the comfort of a jacket with pockets. That's the most common because most divers only dive when traveling to the resorts.

Rent, what is popular in your area, and try out different brands, and talk to your local dive buddies about what your future diving might be. Fit is very important to your underwater comfort.

 

[Walter]

There are features I look for in a BC, the style is not one of them. Back inflate, vest or BP/wing, (OK, I have to admit I don't like sleeves on my BC, so jackets are out for me) all can be great or all can be crap depending on how they are designed. Is it streamlined? Does it trap air? If the answer to the first is yes and the second is no, you've got a good change at a good BC.

 

[rstofer]

When I started diving in '88, jacket style BCs were about the only thing available (commercially). So, that's what I used. I liked it then and I still like it. I never really thought too much about the squeeze and, in fact, I don't think it happens much due to the design of the inner harness/webbing. The cummerbund was the most restrictive component and it was adjustable. This old SeaQuest ADVi is still a good jacket style BC.

But, I drank the Kool-Aid and converted to a BP/W. I like it a lot and I highly recommend people consider Deep Sea Supply if they are looking for a rig.

As to the rear inflate? When I walk up and down the beach, which I did yesterday, our herd of 4 had the only BP/Ws around. Everyone else had BCs - mostly rear-inflate. Right or wrong, that's what people are diving. From the beach, anyway. People diving wrecks and caves are almost universally using BP/Ws.

The only problem I have with the concept of BCs at this point is that they are so bulky. There's just a bunch of floaty fabric that really isn't necessary. That, and the BP/W can have a heavy backplate to distribute your weight on your back. BP/W's almost always have dual cambands. I won't even consider a new BC unless it has these. My grandson is still growing so I bought him an Edge Stealth rear-inflate BC but even it has dual bands. In a year or so, I will buy him a BP/W.

Rent and dive as many alternatives as you can. If you like the jacket style, dive it! Who cares what anyone things? It's about diving and comfort.

The jacket style BC will float you a long way out of the water without trying to flip you face down. I LIKE being a long way out of the water. That's why I haven't tossed my old BC.

Richard

 

[JPENDERGRAST]

Thanks everyone!

 

[fnfalman]

Beginners like the jacket style BC because it floats them high out of the water. I was like that too but once I became comfortable in the water; both on the surface and underwater, it didn't matter as much. Nowadays I dive with a backplate/wing setup and it barely floats my head out of water and I'm fine with that.

Since that the BC is suppose to help you keep buoyancy and swim UNDERWATER, you need to put emphasis on how it performs UNDERWATER than at the surface. You're diving on the surface.

 

[Pitchblack]

My choice is Backinflated
Becouse: Fit fit fit. Getting rid of the airpockets on the side of your torsoe is the greatest benefit and more space for gadgets on the front.

I dive a Zeagle Ranger.

 

[mintaka]

After my final PADI open water cert dive, I asked my instructor for some advice on buying equipment. He said that the only advice he wanted to give was DO NOT buy a back inflate BC, ONLY buy a jacket type. He said that he had seen too many beginners having trouble with back inflates. He said that they were harder to dump air from.
After reading this thread I am questioning his advice. I understand why the back inflates might give beginners problems at the surface, but they seem to be easily fixable. Could some instructors comment on this ?

 

[coffeesine]

If it fits and you like the trim use it . If you want to experiment with different styles go for it, remember the object of diving is to have fun and not to work at it.
It's not the depth or length of the dive but the whole ride.