Looking to buy a BC.. Any suggestions?

[Scubachick76]

Looking for some feedback regarding purchasing a bc for myself. Don't know if I want one with an integrated octo or not. Any suggestions would be so appreciated.

Thanks Guys!!!

 

[divermike1989]

your just asking for the BP/W wing crowd to fill this thread...I am in the process to converting to one of them...But as far as the integrated octo, I wouldn't. In a share air situation I would want to be able to shove a regulator at the while keeping mine in my mouth. With an integrated you can't. Plus you can keep some more room between you with a long hose.

 

[TheFoggyMask]

A Dive Rite or Halycon backplate and wing are excellent BCs even if you're just going to rec dive. Dive Rite is pricer but offer more options that might interest a recreational diver, like a quick release strap and more options for fitting. I dove with vest BCs for my first 15 dives, and I like having a clean front and back inflate much more. I ended up going with a Halycon backplate and wing because of the price difference. These BCs will last you forever too.

 

[Walter]

Things to look for in a BC:

1. No padding - Padding requires additional weight, yet compresses at depth so it no longer cushions. Additionally, air in a BC lifts the BCs weight off your back rendering padding redundant. Padding also increases drag, making dives in current more difficult and increasing your air consumption.

2. No cummerbund - Cummerbunds increase drag.

3. Dump valve at the highest point of the BC. - Inflate the BC and hold it up as if you were wearing it at the surface. Is the dump valve at the highest point? If not, look for a different BC. If it is, turn it as if you were swimming in a prone position. Is there a dump valve at the highest point? A good BC will pass both tests. If the dump valve is not at the highest point, it will trap air, requiring contortions to dump all the air or additional lead. A nice extra is a right shoulder dump valve and dump valves at the bottom.

4. No fabric covering of the bladder. - These BCs are sometimes called "bladderless" or "single bladder BCs." The fabric covering creates drag in current.

If you get a BC with those features, you'll have a good BC regardless of its style. Style (vest, back inflate, horse collar or BP/wing) is much less important than a good design and attention to details.

An Air II is a good alternative, but it's far from the best. I would not use one unless the BC has a right shoulder dump. A regular octo is a much better choice.

 

[SparticleBrane]

I use and would recommend a Halcyon Eclipse. They can be pricy though; the whole "system" will cost you ~$625. That includes SS backplate w/webbing, 30lbs or 40lbs wing (your choice), single tank adapter, and the MC storage pack.

 

[bperrybap]

I think you'll have to decide on a few things to help limit your
selection. Here are some things to think about:

- Being female, you probably should check out the BCs designed
for you curvy divers.
There aren't that many so that may really narrow down
your choices.
My wife ended up with a Zeagle Zena, and she loves it.


- Do you plan to dive cold water or just warm tropical water?
If you only will do warm water diving, you will not need as
much weight or lift capacity.

- Do you plan to travel alot with the BC?
If so, you may want a lighter, smaller BC that packs easily.

- Do you need/want trim weights?
Some BCs have built in pockets for trim weights. This is actually
a nice feature. While you can add trim weights to any BC, it
is simpler on some than others, especially if they come with
the pockets.



- On the Octo+ issue.
They aren't as easy to share as a standard octo but it
is mostly a personal preference unless you plan on some
serious technical diving/non open water environments.

I will say that there are 2 types of Octo+ units. 1 is fully
integrated and is attached directly to your inflator hose.
With that type, if ever you decide to travel with your Regs,
but without your BC, you won't have an Octo because it
is attached to your BC not your regs.

The other type of Octo+ is an independent unit that is attached
to your Reg 1st stage and then attaches to your standard
inflator. This type is not as integrated but will allow your regs
to work with ANY BC, including 1 you might rent sometime.


--- bill

 

[sasscuba]

Zeagle.

 

[seaboyforever]

hey Scuba chick,

Well First, Welcome to the new and exciting underworld of Scubaboard!http://www.scubaboard.com/images/smilies/Standard Smiles/06.gif
:huh:
I think you should give us some detail about yourself, your objectives in diving and what you plan to dive in the future. Which will allow many of us to really get an idea what your looking to do...i think it has a lot to do with what kind of BC you should get.

For instance do you see your self doing some Wreck and cave diving? Will you be diving only in the North? What’s your budget? What BC have you tried already?

Did you know that you still have to do yearly service to the BC and octo, as along with the rest of your reg and so on?
Most of my dive buddies never take there BC’s for service.

From my experience you should shop around, ask questions, and try on different types.
Have an open mind and always think about your future intentions with diving. However some folks, think they will never dive wrecks so they stick to wraparound bc’s, only to come to find out how exciting a Wreck can only be.

Good luck and happy Hunting

 

[Scubachick76]

Well... To answer your questions.
I'm new to Scuba diving... but i have every intention of advancing my studies. Right now, my main objective is to get more experience diving New York waters. I have a dive buddy, which has a lot of experience, but he's more into spearfishing, and I'm kind of thinking he might abandon me once he sees a sexy fluke. I think for the most part, I'd like to do wreck diving, and eventually get into the underwater photography thing. Spearfishing looks like fun too.. but then I already know who is gonna be teaching me all about that.

I will be diving other places then the North. I love Carribbean diving, and I'll be going to Cozumel in October, also on a Scuba trip.

My best bud suggested the whole trying on different bcs thing, and even though it is a good idea, it's kind of annoying to have to keep renting your gear. Not to forget that for my October trip... I have to have my own stuff, including a reg.

 

[jpcpat]

Scubachick,

Welcome to the board. Ny diving is great. Waters are chilly and sometimes murky, but there's great diving to be had. You're going to ne carrying some lead, though, so I suggest something that has 30+ lbs of lift. Ask your friend what he uses and why.

I own a Zeagle Ranger, and it get's my vote for easy use, being rugged as hell and having great support. Not cheap, though. You're LDS may be willing to rent you the BC you are thinking of buying, so ask.

As for integrated octo, it's a personal choice. My choice is the traditional octo. More hoses, but I don't fancy trying to vent air while breathing from the same bit in a panic situation.

Re BP/W: Don't drink the Kool-aid!!
My 2psi