Looking for some Leisure Pro Suggestions

[Bonairetrip]

Inflator's are the key to BCD's...

I disagree: fit is first.

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.

I disagree in part. If you have properly adjusted your trim, a back inflate will not make you go face down. Also, I find a jacket keeps me up higher out of the water but I consider that niether here nor there.

More than anything else, the right backplate (some brands offer sizes) and a hog harness will fit anybody. Big shoulders, tiny waist. The reverse. Tiny waist and tiny shoulders. Huge waist and large shoulders. And it will hold your tank rock steady. If the straps are adjusted well (and you use the crotch strap), the whole unit will be rock solid.

 

[Scubaru_Steve]

So I hate to say it.... I am still torn on which way to go :depressed:

I have tried on a few vests and a few bp/w. I know it comes down the the exact make and model but I now at least understand the basics of each. I love the price and all the rings/pockets on the vest. I love the simplicity and ability to make a bp/w into anything I want. However whenever I look at leisurepro.com I see way more options in vests. So if anyone has had any luck with a vest or bp/w BCD for around or less than $300, give me the link! I see so many options but can't choose.

 

[kyjellyfish]

I was in a very similar position not too long ago. I'd recommend the BP/wings. Some of its big selling points for me were: adjustability, less lead weight and back inflation.

Take a look at this article on the differences between the BCD setups:
Why a backplate and wing - DIR Explorers

 

[Bonairetrip]

I love the price and all the rings/pockets on the vest. I love the simplicity and ability to make a bp/w into anything I want. However whenever I look at leisurepro.com I see way more options in vests.

Three thoughts:
a) Do your best to try (not simply try-on) some rigs. At least in a pool.
b) The idea of simplicity and lots of danglies are mutually exclusive. You have to pick on. (IMHO, the "extra rings" have no value. Pockets are rince but you get there other ways -- x-shorts, glue on pockets to your wetsuit, add a pocket to your waist belt, etc.)
c) There are way more options in BP/W. You just don't think of them that way. With a "regular" BC, every variation is a model. BP/Ws are modular.

An example: I will use DSS only as an example. You can get a Kydex or SS plate. There are two harness styles. There are six single tank wings. So, that is 2 x 2 x 6 = 24 different permutations.