Looking for First BC

[_Remko_]

Two suggestions:

1. Aeris 5 Oceans

Here you can read a Review

2. Mares Pegasus

Here you will find a test (Mares Pegasus compared to a Halcyon Eclipse)

But keep in mind: The decision depends on your needs and on what you want to do with the BC.

IMO reviews like these make amusing reading material but I have a hard time taking them serious enough to base kit decisions on them.

 

[ScubaSaipan]

I used an Excursion on about 5 dives and liked it. However, I now have 66 dives on my Zeagle Express Tech and love it. There has been plenty written about the Express Tech here on SB. It is very affordable and a great setup for warm water diving.

 

[andrethediver]

Two suggestions:

1. Aeris 5 Oceans

Here you can read a Review

How is 5 oceans different from Oceanic Excursion other than absence of cummerbund? Does it have a rigid back plate?

2. Mares Pegasus

Here you will find a test (Mares Pegasus compared to a Halcyon Eclipse)

Isn't Pegasus just a cheaper version of the Icon BC? Not sure what the differences are but based on the search results of this and other diving forums MRS+ IW system is way too risky for comfort...

 

[_Remko_]

How is 5 oceans different from Oceanic Excursion other than absence of cummerbund? Does it have a rigid back plate?



Isn't Pegasus just a cheaper version of the Icon BC? Not sure what the differences are but based on the search results of this and other diving forums MRS+ IW system is way too risky for comfort...

I think you are refering to the Air Trim system, if I remember correctly the older ones were pneumatic which could stick to "inflate" and buoy you to the surface. It also solves a problem which doesnt really exist.

 

[ams511]

If you are set on a low profile back inflate BC I think you should seriously consider a BP/W. I dive a 30lbs Halcyon Eclipse and its as low profile as it gets. The fit is in my opinion a lot nicer and I think the way the tank is held is a lot more solid.

If the price is too steep, look at DTD, Frog, DIR zone. Don't let the DIR/Technical side hold you back, I got mine immediately after I passed OW and its great for recreational diving.

If you are unsure, try both options in the water before spending your hard earned cash. A good BC should last for years.

Remko the OP is from the US. I don't think we can get DTD, Frog, or DIR Zone here. I heard of DIR Zone but the other two I have no idea. The OP can get a BP/Wing combo from Cave Adventurers for about $375.

 

[_Remko_]

Remko the OP is from the US. I don't think we can get DTD, Frog, or DIR Zone here. I heard of DIR Zone but the other two I have no idea. The OP can get a BP/Wing combo from Cave Adventurers for about $375.

DTD and DIR Zone are both identical, also DTD wings are being marketet under UTD equipment which has a base down in California. Then there is also dive-rite, DSS etc.. Plenty of BP/W manufacturers out there but I decided to list the most common alternatives that came to mind (lazy as I am ;-).

Ordering online is ofcourse also an option, no need to worry about what size to buy.

 

[BarrelRoll]

I have an Aeris Atmos LX and while I love it, I would much rather have a BP/W.

If you're dead set on a jacket style BCD, Scubatoys.com has them on sale:

Aeris Atmos LX BCD reviews and discounts, Aeris

It's a combination inflate, but you'll find that in the water it responds very much like a pure back inflate.

 

[The Mighty Thor]

I am selling a Zeagle Brigade (ranger with 35 lb escape wing). It is a very solid BC with less than 30 dives on it. I'm selling B/c I switched to BP/W. Let me know if interested.

 

[Shark Bait!]

+1 on the Zeagle Express Tech. Got one for my son and i cant help put give it praise. A very light and streamlined back inflate BC that comes really close to the BP/W standards.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...h-first-last-bc-most-will-ever-need-want.html

 

[swordfish66]

How is 5 oceans different from Oceanic Excursion other than absence of cummerbund? Does it have a rigid back plate?

Hmm, as far as I can see, the Excursion seems to be some kind of a heavier "luxury" version of the 5 Oceans. What I like about the 5 Oceans is that it is a lightweight BC (good for travel) but a rugged one, too.

Maybe you would like to watch this video:cool2:

One thing I miss on the 5 Oceans is a crotch strap.

Isn't Pegasus just a cheaper version of the Icon BC? Not sure what the differences are but based on the search results of this and other diving forums MRS+ IW system is way too risky for comfort...

No, Icon and Pegasus are quite different. The Icon is a pure travel BC without a rigid backplate and a much smaller bladder. Regarding the MRS+ weightsystem I have to admit that I never heard anything negative about it.

The reason why I suggested both BCs is that they are kind of minimalistic but still rugged. If one doesn't like a BP/W both BCs seem to offer similar characteristics without any bloat.

But that's just my opinion