Looking for some Leisure Pro Suggestions

[Scubaru_Steve]

So to set the picture:
- 20 years old
- 6' ,165 lbs, 32" waist
- New to scuba
- Tight budget, in college
- Most of my gear is used

To date I have been on about 7 dives, I already own mask, fins, snorkel, free tanks (being hydro/vis inspected right now), and a regulator/computer system. The last piece I need to really bring the basics together is the BCD. I have been trying to find used but BCD's aren't "One size fits all".

So what I am looking for:
- Priced between $225-$400
- Very "General Use" I still need to find what type of scuba I am into
- Fit someone 6', 165lbs, 32" waist; I think that is usually MEDIUM

I have found 2 that have good reviews and seem to be in my range of needs and price

Tusa Platina Evolution BCD, Black (BCJ-3860)

Mares Prestige BC

Also what are the major differences between a BCD Vest, BCD Back Inflation and Backplate/wing?

 

[Lenaxia]

One thing you may want to consider is Zeagle. Their Ranger/Brigade (ScubaToys only) has a custom fit option where you can swap out the waist band and mix and match different sizes with the shoulder straps.

Atleast with the diveshops that I regular, the Range is the most popular amoung instructors.

Their sizing is a bit weird as I'm 6'4" 220 and 36" waist, and I fit into a large with a 7mil on.

goto your LDS and try it out.

 

[Scuba Ken]

You can easily find a brand new backplate/wing setup in that price range and its infinately adjustable.

 

[Scubaru_Steve]

One thing you may want to consider is Zeagle. Their Ranger/Brigade (ScubaToys only) has a custom fit option where you can swap out the waist band and mix and match different sizes with the shoulder straps.

Their sizing is a bit weird as I'm 6'4" 220 and 36" waist, and I fit into a large with a 7mil on.

goto your LDS and try it out.

I think my LDS actually was trying to find me one the other day when I asked about BCD's (The Ranger that is). He said it is a solid BCD, I'm going to go take a look and see what the price range is for it. Thanks!

You can easily find a brand new backplate/wing setup in that price range and its infinately adjustable.

The one dive in Myrtle Beach I was on the dive master had a backplate/wing and I wasn't entirely sure what the major difference was and if it is more a "Technical" BCD

 

[Scuba Ken]

Diving either is really no different - the mechanics are the same. I've dove both with no problem I find the plate to be more flexible though and generally cheaper for a nice setup.

Here is one example but there are many others.
HOG Gear Singles Package - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL

The next setup I'm thinking about is a dive rite plate and basic harness $150 with cam bands and a hog wing $200. So roughly $350 new. If you decide to dive doubles in the future or do more advanced diving you can just switch out the wing for less than buying a new bcd.

Something to consider.

 

[Leisure Proski]

Hi Scubaru Steve,

First, welcome to diving, I have been doing it for over 49 years and have enjoyed every bit of it I hpoe you will to. Have you visited the Leisur Pr website? They have both new and used BCD's in that price range and multiple brands. both models you are looking for are on the webpage. If used is what you want the TUSA has a Air 2 type inflator which removes the need for an octopus regulator. It's a M/L SKU: US12081 and the Mares Prestige new SKU: MRSPR and MRSPRM.

Inflator's are the key to BCD's and the Tusa is more common for repair parts, and then many brands such as ScubaPro, Sherwood, Aqualung, Seaquest, Oceanic are all common around the dive world so check them out also. Hope you can find what you want at Leisure Pro. BCD Jackets give inflation of the air cell around your body and unser your arms. They tend to keep you up-right on the surface when you are relaxed. Back Inflators or Wings give you no floatation in the front. They tend to make you go face down on the surface when you are relaxed. Both types (Jacket or Back Inflators including wings) are widely used in diving. Back Inflators will keep you up higher in the water when inflated. You need to learn how to use them if you have only been using a jacket. Once you have tried them you can dive them in openwater with ease and comfort, but if you have not used one yet, then try in pool first.

Happy and safe diving from Leisure Pro

Leisure Proski

 

[DrunkenParrot]

You can easily find a brand new backplate/wing setup in that price range and its infinately adjustable.

+1 dont waste your money on a jacket style. Go right to the BP/w, i wish i did that, it would have saved me alot of money.

 

[a22shady]

IMO go with a Bp/W and no matter what you decide to do or go in scuba you will be able to. There are a few companies that make them and within price range (Diverite/HOG/OMS/Hollis) and there is Halcyon which I like it is more expensive but for me liked it the best. I would visit a few LDS and try on a bunch. Best thing about the Bp/W is they are custom fitted to you by adjusting the harness.

http://www.halcyon.net/bc/single

 

[vladimir]

So what I am looking for:
- Priced between $225-$400
- Very "General Use" I still need to find what type of scuba I am into
- Fit someone 6', 165lbs, 32" waist; I think that is usually MEDIUM

Take a look at this ScubaPro Classic Sport at $325. I think it is cheap because ScubaPro has discontinued the model. LeisurePro offered it at $275 a while back, so there's probably some room to negotiate. Probably $50 of room.

 

[Scubaru_Steve]

Hi Scubaru Steve,

First, welcome to diving, I have been doing it for over 49 years and have enjoyed every bit of it I hpoe you will to. Have you visited the Leisur Pr website? They have both new and used BCD's in that price range and multiple brands. both models you are looking for are on the webpage. If used is what you want the TUSA has a Air 2 type inflator which removes the need for an octopus regulator. It's a M/L SKU: US12081 and the Mares Prestige new SKU: MRSPR and MRSPRM.

Inflator's are the key to BCD's and the Tusa is more common for repair parts, and then many brands such as ScubaPro, Sherwood, Aqualung, Seaquest, Oceanic are all common around the dive world so check them out also. Hope you can find what you want at Leisure Pro. BCD Jackets give inflation of the air cell around your body and unser your arms. They tend to keep you up-right on the surface when you are relaxed. Back Inflators or Wings give you no floatation in the front. They tend to make you go face down on the surface when you are relaxed. Both types (Jacket or Back Inflators including wings) are widely used in diving. Back Inflators will keep you up higher in the water when inflated. You need to learn how to use them if you have only been using a jacket. Once you have tried them you can dive them in openwater with ease and comfort, but if you have not used one yet, then try in pool first.

Happy and safe diving from Leisure Pro

Leisure Proski

Yeah I actually have been looking through the site and trying to study gear now for well over a year, even before I was certified.

I only have used BCD jackets as that is what most rental places I use offer. I always like the feeling of being fully inflated all around, but am not familiar with backplate/wing yet. My LDS did have me try on a used "technical" backplace/wing, the fit was perfect but I wasn't sure about using a device I wasn't sure with. Does a backplate/wing help with control underwater?

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