Looking for my first BCD......

[ALLBEEF]

Hello all! I am brand new to the OW diving world and want to purchase my first BC - I don't want to spend a ton of money - so I will most likely be buying a used equipment - what brand and style BC should I buy? I will primarily spearfishing off the GA & FL coast with only one tank. Please check out my other post - I have other equipment questions!

Thanks!

 

[ptyx]

BP&W systems with a simple webbing harness work great - but aren't cheap.

If you go with more 'traditional' BCs, I'd recommend back inflation rather than jacket style - and the simpler the better. Small bladders are good.

What I'd consider non negotiable when buying a BC:

1. It must fit perfectly.
2. Weight system must be safe against accidental release.
3. It must accommodate all the gear you'd want to bring down with you - but no more. Try to imagine how you'd stow two lights, a SMB, a reel, a slate, a foldable snorkel, a mirror, a whistle and a cutting tool - plus hunting gear and second stages. Some BCs have so many adjustments and straps you can't tie anything to them because floating straps get in the way. Pockets are good if you don't have any on your suit - and if they're actually usable.

Related to BC: look at the 'bolt snap and line' method of stowing gear before buying all kind of retractors and lanyards.

 

[ALLBEEF]

BP&W systems with a simple webbing harness work great - but aren't cheap.

If you go with more 'traditional' BCs, I'd recommend back inflation rather than jacket style - and the simpler the better. Small bladders are good.

What I'd consider non negotiable when buying a BC:

1. It must fit perfectly.
2. Weight system must be safe against accidental release.
3. It must accommodate all the gear you'd want to bring down with you - but no more. Try to imagine how you'd stow two lights, a SMB, a reel, a slate, a foldable snorkel, a mirror, a whistle and a cutting tool - plus hunting gear and second stages. Some BCs have so many adjustments and straps you can't tie anything to them because floating straps get in the way. Pockets are good if you don't have any on your suit - and if they're actually usable.

Related to BC: look at the 'bolt snap and line' method of stowing gear before buying all kind of retractors and lanyards.

Thanks! - which name brand and style do you recommend?

 

[diver 85]

Here's what I would get---a Zeagle Scout for 200 bucks---new.....BI with a 24# bladder but I dive it routinely with a 120 hp steel tank---works great for warm water diving.....

Zeagle Scout BC

 

[Joe21]

Personally I dive a bp/w and love it, but prior to that I dove a zeagle. I think any bc from zeagle would be a good choice, but make sure you at least get a back inflate they provide much better trim and stabilty, and dont let anyone tell you they push you forward when you're on the suface because they dont.

 

[ALLBEEF]

Thanks!! Any other suggestions?

 

[dori fish]

try an oms iq pack with a 32# bladder and an sta, this way if you change your diving style you can change your wing to suit your needs.

 

[NJ to FLA]

I have the Sea Quest Libra and it's a back inflate. I do not feel as if I am being pushed forward when on the surface, but my dad, who has the men's version (Sea Quest Balance) said he felt this on the first few dives he did with his new BC. My mom, on the other hand, has Aqua Lung Pearl and likes the jacket style. I think it is personal preference but if you like back inflate I would go with Sea Quest. We are primarily spearfishing in Florida as well and have not had any problems yet (except I am not strong enough to load the gun myself..ugh!) Good luck and happy diving!

 

[NJ to FLA]

Oh i forgot.. they all have integrated weights so you don't need a weight belt. And there is a place on the jacket for a knife attachment. There are enough pockets for anything you would like to bring down with you also.

 

[Merlin830]

I recently purchased a brand new Zeagle Stilleto at my local dive shop for $299. It is an excellent bc. you should be able to find a used one for even less. It is a little heavier duty then the Scout but still packs well.

Try on the different ones and see which is more comfortable. Make sure you try them on with the same size tank you will be using it with and put weight in the pouches. Most feel fine with no tank or weight, big difference when you put the weight on it.