JACKET vs. BACK INFLATE BCDs- which and why?

[ae3753]

The diver needs to float with any attached ballast and misc stuff in pockets without the BC.

The amount of "float" is personal preference.

If you anticipate taking gear off underwater (for emergencies or another reason), then your ballast is dictated by the ability to be neutral underwater sans equipment (ala freediving). Such weighting usually doesn't provide much float on the surface - slightly above eye level with a full breath.

Of course, if the diver has ballasts in such a configuration, then it needs to be ditchable.

 

[Spg01]

In my OW class I started with the jacket and then asked if I could try a back inflate to see the difference. I happened to like the back inflate better, so I wore it for the rest of my class. After I was certified I found a good deal on a used ranger (on ScubaBoard) and I have not looked back since. I only have about 35 dives in the 8 months I have been certified, but I have been happy with my choice so far. I did not dislike the jacket, I just liked the back inflate better.

 

[mpgunner]

I have a Zeagle Ranger and have had a great time diving with it. A good friend had a nice back plate system that sounds really nice. Maybe someday I'll give that a try.