My first experience with a back inflated BC

[Karateman]

First I would like to say I am a novice open water PADI diver with only 8 dives under my belt. I've read alot of discussions on jacket vs. back inflated BCs and thought I'd rent a BI model to try out before I made my switch from my low-end Mares Vector Origin jacket-style BC.

My biggest fear was the face down position at the surface with BI BCs.

Here's what I had discovered...I LOVE IT!

Admittedly, I was slightly more forward at the surface initially, but not by much. What I did was install 6 lbs. of lead in the rear trim pockets and 6 lbs. in the weight integrated pockets on the front of the rented Mares Jubilee BC and wore a 3mm neoprene wetsuit with a 3mm shorty over top in fresh water.

I found myself floating quite vertically at the surface when the BC is partially inflated, but once you fill it completely with air, I would tip over on my face alittle more. Again, to prevent that, just let some air out. My head was even above the water equally as much as using a jacket style BC. My fear of the BI BC is now over.

To lay back on top of the BC, you simply had to kick with your fins to lean back. It was that easy. I would recommend a back inflated BC to anyone to try before buying a bulky jacket BC.

 

[crpntr133]

I just wish more would read this. I too was hesitant about a BI and ALMOST talked myself out of one. I am really glad that I didn't. When properly trimmed out you shouldn't be face down at all.

 

[ScottZeagle]

First I would like to say I am a novice open water PADI diver with only 8 dives under my belt. I've read alot of discussions on jacket vs. back inflated BCs and thought I'd rent a BI model to try out before I made my switch from my low-end Mares Vector Origin jacket-style BC.

My biggest fear was the face down position at the surface with BI BCs.

Here's what I had discovered...I LOVE IT!

Admittedly, I was slightly more forward at the surface initially, but not by much. What I did was install 6 lbs. of lead in the rear trim pockets and 6 lbs. in the weight integrated pockets on the front of the rented Mares Jubilee BC and wore a 3mm neoprene wetsuit with a 3mm shorty over top in fresh water.

I found myself floating quite vertically at the surface when the BC is partially inflated, but once you fill it completely with air, I would tip over on my face alittle more. Again, to prevent that, just let some air out. My head was even above the water equally as much as using a jacket style BC. My fear of the BI BC is now over.

To lay back on top of the BC, you simply had to kick with your fins to lean back. It was that easy. I would recommend a back inflated BC to anyone to try before buying a bulky jacket BC.

This is what we have been trying to tell people for years!!!



Congrats on a successful test dive!!!!

:thumbs_up :thumbs_up :thumbs_up

 

[xSandman3]

My biggest fear was the face down position at the surface with BI BCs.

I bought my Balance during OW class, and was able to use it from day one, despite everyone telling me it was going to kill me when I wasn't looking. I actually tried a jacket bc recently to feel the difference, and hated it...like diving wrapped in a barrel.

Thanks for spreading the word!

 

[Spratman]

Me too! I started out with an old Mares original (rented for the class). I read all the stuff about BI's pro and con. Since I'm big, I liked not having my BC pressuring me all around. I bought a used Knighthawk and have been a happy duck ever since.

The pitch at the surface is not that extreme and swimming on my back is really nice! The really interesting thing was when I was doing a refresher course, one of the DM's was surprised that I was using a wing. I was surprised but it is basically true.

Happy diving!!

Jack

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Yep! I recently changed to a BP/W and can't imagine diving with a BC ever again. Some friends of mine have Zeagle back inflates and just love 'em.

 

[ScubaSarus]

Im glad you liked the backinflate. Usually problems with face down arise when one is overweighted and needs to put a lot of air in it to stay afloat.

I won go back to other style BC i just love the freedom of backinflate BC's.

 

[CBulla]

It's the best move I've made gear wise!

 

[markfm]

Same with me -- my Reef Rider is back, I love it. When we started OW, the instructor asked who expected to buy equipment soon, made sure to get us into back inflate BCDs from the get-go. Totally comfortable.

 

[pasley]

...I found myself floating quite vertically at the surface when the BC is partially inflated, but once you fill it completely with air, I would tip over on my face alittle more. Again, to prevent that, just let some air out. My head was even above the water equally as much as using a jacket style BC. My fear of the BI BC is now over.

I still dive a jacket BC, but only because of the wife and budget.

I have read for some time that a common mistake with back inflated BC is trying to be waist high out of the water. As if a jacket BC ever did that. A BC is a buoyancy compensator and is used at depth to compensate for the lead and on the surface to keep your head above water. If you chin is out of the water, your good.

Of course with a back inflate BC, the more air you add to it, the more it will try to get out of the water. If you do not have a crotch strap the Back Inflate BC will of course ride up as far as it can with more air in it, this in turn will put you face down into the water. Solution, either use less air (best) or add a crotch strap or both, or get one that fits so well it cannot move up on your body (probably have better luck with the strap).