Looking to purchase BC for my daughter

[SangP]

John,

I'm all for getting stuff at a discount but a bc is life support and there's no way I'm going to skimp on that.

Also I would second the advice to get a BP/W as it's a system you or your children can grow into and because it's so modular, should your daughter not decide to scuba dive in the future, you can always sell it or even use it yourself.

The Oxycheq system with a medium al plate and a 30 lbs wing would be a great setup.
http://www.golemgear.com/default.aspx

Another thing if you want to mix and match would be to get a great deal for a bp.
The hammerhead al plate, sta and harness combo and you could get a wing elsewhere:
http://www.hammerheadscuba.com/pricepoint.htm

Cheers,

SangP

 

[jwalko]

Ok...so I should consider a BP/W setup.

Honestly the only reason I didn't consider one for her is because I don't know anything about them. I assumed (I know...never assume) that it would be too complicated for her.

Where can I get information about purchasing such a set up? I would like one for myself as well, but again, wasn't considering one at this point because I simply don't know enough about them.

Once you get the straps set up, do they pretty much stay that way? Or do you have to configure it each time you want to dive (I imagine this would lead to frustration with my daughter). How easy are they to don/doff? How comfortable are they (actually I should ask this question another way...does the back plate rest directly against your back, or is there some padding between you and the back plate?)

I don't know anyone locally that dives with such a set up, so it is hard to actually see this in operation.

Thanks;

John

 

[PerroneFord]

Do a search here. These questions come up about 12 times a week...

Complicated? No. Simpler.

Straps stay where you put them. As she grows, just let them out a bit. Takes all of 3 minutes.

Easy to don and doff? Easier than jacket BCs for many because they have no padding, pockets, etc., to get in the way. Think of it like putting on an overcoat versus slipping into a seatbelt.

Comfortable? They disappear under the water. You feel like you're not wearing anything. Seriously. The webbing is neutral, so it floats ever so slightly away from your body. Underwater, if properly setup, it weighs about 2-3 pounds at depth. It's like it's not there. The plate sits directly on your back. There is no padding. It's not needed. For the same effect, go lay down on a floor. The kitchen floor. How does it feel against your back? You're pressing 150#, 200#, 250# against a flat surface. Imagine how it would feel on your back if it you weighed 3 pounds.

Where do you live, Im sure someone near you could show you how this works. It's the easiest thing in the world.

Since the unit has only 3 parts, it's great for kids. The metal plate will last 10 lifetimes. The webbing is about $10-$12 for someone her size (buy more every 500 dives). The bladder on the back is all you'll need to change if she runs over it with the car.

Scubaboard must be the biggest sales support network for BP/W in the world!


-P

Ok...so I should consider a BP/W setup.

Honestly the only reason I didn't consider one for her is because I don't know anything about them. I assumed (I know...never assume) that it would be too complicated for her.

Where can I get information about purchasing such a set up? I would like one for myself as well, but again, wasn't considering one at this point because I simply don't know enough about them.

Once you get the straps set up, do they pretty much stay that way? Or do you have to configure it each time you want to dive (I imagine this would lead to frustration with my daughter). How easy are they to don/doff? How comfortable are they (actually I should ask this question another way...does the back plate rest directly against your back, or is there some padding between you and the back plate?)

I don't know anyone locally that dives with such a set up, so it is hard to actually see this in operation.

Thanks;

John

 

[SangP]

John,

Guess you'll be doing a bit of reading up LOL!!! If all goes well you'll be using her gear more often than not!!

What a bp/w is and some reviews:
http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/buoyancy_compensators/backplate_buoyancy_systems/
http://www.divernet.com/equipment/wings2004/index.shtml

Once you have a better idea of what this thing is you need to know which brand, type of plate and lift capacity you need.

If you are mostly using a wetsuit, an Alu plate or a Kydex plate is ok but if you are diving dry an SS plate may be more suitable.

A couple of great setups are:
Oxycheq Alu singles setup
Deep Sea Supply Singles setup (kydex plate)
Diverite Alu singles setup

Since the guys at Golem gear carries all three brand you might want to contact them and mention that you are an SB member for a discount.
http://www.golemgear.com/c-2-bcdswings.aspx
http://www.golemgear.com/t-contact.aspx

For wet singles you only need a wing of at most 35lbs lift and you might want to choose a dual bladder wing for added potection.

For dry diving, an SS plate is more suitable and the 3 brands are great. I personally prefer Oxycheq as I have use or own some of these brands but I'm currently using a Halcyon.

Good luck and best thing is Patrick Duffy (Oxycheq) and Tobin (Deep Sea Supply) are frequent visitors to these boards so you are always assured of getting your questions answered.

SangP

Btw, the straps never need to be adjusted unless you are using the same rig for wet and dry dives. They are pain to first setup but once adjusted properly the harness is bulletproff. If you need more help just holler for BP/W users around your area.
Some info on how to setup a bp/w
http://dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html
http://www.gasdiving.co.uk/pages/misc/kit/harness_2.htm
http://www.baue.org/images/galleries/view_album.php?set_albumName=equipment

 

[riguerin]

<chuckle> Why am I not surprised

Don't forget she'll also need a 7ft hose, a bungeed back up, jet fins, and a really expensive canister light .... all in black of course

Seriously, the merits of BP/W rig have been discussed at great lengths on SB. Based on what you read here, you'd swear the whole world dives BP/W ... when the exact opposite is true. It is a great choice for some. If you are considering this path, make sure that speak with someone that actually has first hand experience with using a BP/W for a young diver. My advise is to do your homework and remain objective. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you daughter will undoubtedly enjoy it and have loads fun diving with you ... remember to keep it fun ! BTW, you never mentioned how old is your daughter ... where will she be diving ?

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

What a bp/w is and some reviews:
http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/buoyancy_compensators/backplate_buoyancy_systems/
http://www.divernet.com/equipment/wings2004/index.shtml

A couple of great setups are:
Oxycheq Alu singles setup
Deep Sea Supply Singles setup (kydex plate)
Diverite Alu singles setup

Since the guys at Golem gear carries all three brand you might want to contact them and mention that you are an SB member for a discount.
http://www.golemgear.com/c-2-bcdswings.aspx
http://www.golemgear.com/t-contact.aspx

For wet singles you only need a wing of at most 35lbs lift and you might want to choose a dual bladder wing for added potection.

For dry diving, an SS plate is more suitable and the 3 brands are great. I personally prefer Oxycheq as I have use or own some of these brands but I'm currently using a Halcyon.

Good luck and best thing is Patrick Duffy (Oxycheq) and Tobin (Deep Sea Supply) are frequent visitors to these boards so you are always assured of getting your questions answered.

SangP

Btw, the straps never need to be adjusted unless you are using the same rig for wet and dry dives. They are pain to first setup but once adjusted properly the harness is bulletproff. If you need more help just holler for BP/W users around your area.
Some info on how to setup a bp/w
http://dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html
http://www.gasdiving.co.uk/pages/misc/kit/harness_2.htm
http://www.baue.org/images/galleries/view_album.php?set_albumName=equipment

Another review for the list: ZEAGLE BP/W

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

<chuckle> Why am I not surprised

Don't forget she'll also need a 7ft hose, a bungeed back up, jet fins, and a really expensive canister light .... all in black of course

Seriously, the merits of BP/W rig have been discussed at great lengths on SB. Based on what you read here, you'd swear the whole world dives BP/W ... when the exact opposite is true. It is a great choice for some. If you are considering this path, make sure that speak with someone that actually has first hand experience with using a BP/W for a young diver. My advise is to do your homework and remain objective. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you daughter will undoubtedly enjoy it and have loads fun diving with you ... remember to keep it fun ! BTW, you never mentioned how old is your daughter ... where will she be diving ?

Rig does have a point, there are many great jacket BCs out there and a BP/W may too advanced for a child

 

[PerroneFord]

Rig does have a point, there are many great jacket BCs out there and a BP/W may too advanced for a child

Come on Rap. Tell us exactly what is "too advanced" about the BP/W design for a child.

Theres no pull dump, no ripcord, no adjustable fastex buckles, no cummerbund, no handles, no pockets. What makes them more complicated?

 

[WaterDawg]

yeah but...kids nowadays need distraction, they need doohickies, dodads and gizmos!

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Sometimes I wonder if those that recommend a BP/wing for a child have actually tried putting their kids in a wing. I would suggest that if you are really considering this, then you better run it by her first.

Finding a BC that she will like doesn't have to be difficult. Take her up to your LDS and let her try some on.