Need assistance with Tech/Rec BCD (brand other then Oceanic)

[Peter Sims]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a Oceanic Excursion BCD as my current Cruz won't support twins and it's also too large for me (I need a medium).

Do you guys know a equivalent back inflated BCD that I could pick up for around 500ish? The Excursion 2 is $700 odd. Located in Perth.

Thanks in advance.

Pete

 

[tstormdiver]

You should be able to find a BP/W with a harness, especially used, for about what you're talking about. Much better suited for doubles than a recreational BC.

 

[Doc Harry]

BCDs in general are not meant to carry twin cylinders.

Have you looked into a backplate and wing (bp/w) set up? It is more adaptable to any kind of diving (singles, doubles, deco, rec, tech, etc.) than a typical jacket BCD.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

What they said. The BC's that are marketed as being able to accomodate doubles with some kind of adapter or Rube Goldberg set up really don't do it well. They were not designed to do so but in a blatant attempt at not losing business they make the claim they can. Don't fall for it. Get the right tool for the job. Don't use a pair of pliers when a spanner is actually called for.

 

[Searcaigh]

Located in Perth.

Thanks in advance.

Pete

Scotland or Australia?

 

[Peter Sims]

Perth Australia. Thanks guys, the only reason I asked was that I like the comfort of a BCD and didn't want to do a back plate with wing for recreational diving (which is the majority of my diving). I wanted something that would be great at rec and passable with twins before I go down the path of full on tech gear. I'm only looking as my current BC is too large and I'm off on a diving OE in 3 1/2 weeks (yeehah). I just don't have the time to get used to the rig you guys are suggesting (considering its winter).

A back plate and wing is on my to do list for sure. I have to try it before I buy it if you get what I mean.

 

[mmadiver]

Pete

You don't really need to get used to a BP/W, for the most part they operate exactly the same as a jacket BCD but have much better trim qualities in the water making them easier to dive. Also, you seem to be harboring a common misconception about technical equipment that it can't be used for recreational diving. "Tec" equipment is in reality just an efficient, streamlined, redundant diving system that is modified to meet the needs of specific dive profiles - including recreational. If you start with a core BP/W equipment configuration it can then be modified for whatever your specific needs may be (singles, doubles, etc) while still maintaining that core configuration throughout every dive that you do - recreational or 300ft DECO dives.


Also, I've dove doubles in both jacket BCDs and BP/W. Do not waste your money on a jacket BCD.

 

[Micksherryn]

Peter,

I dive totally rec, and after 200 dives in my BP&W (100 with BCD) I'm so happy we did a try dive so see what the big deal about the BP&w is. It's so much more comfortable and adaptable to the type of diving you want to pursue. Check out Chriso at Divetub DiveTub - Australian Online Dive Store. I'd highly recommend him, he's in Perth and he has BP&W's that you can borrow to try different brands, and is really helpful, with quick delivery of orders too.

 

[doctormike]

Perth Australia. Thanks guys, the only reason I asked was that I like the comfort of a BCD and didn't want to do a back plate with wing for recreational diving (which is the majority of my diving). I wanted something that would be great at rec and passable with twins before I go down the path of full on tech gear. I'm only looking as my current BC is too large and I'm off on a diving OE in 3 1/2 weeks (yeehah). I just don't have the time to get used to the rig you guys are suggesting (considering its winter).

A back plate and wing is on my to do list for sure. I have to try it before I buy it if you get what I mean.

This site is absolutely filled with threads exactly like this. Eventually, everyone just says "yeah, I tried this jacket BC and that one, but then I got a BP/W and never looked back".

Seriously, don't just assume that going to a BP/W means that you are giving up comfort. I dive a BP/W in the Caribbean with a 3 mm shorty. Here is my son diving his in a bathing suit:



It is far more comfortable than a jacket, IMHO. Much less sloppy fit, very trim and streamlined, and endlessly modifiable and adaptable. Nothing much to really get used to, either. Forget about doubles in a jacket, just not the appropriate tool for the job.

Here's my usual signoff on these threads. If you are going dive doubles, use a dry suit to dive in harsh northeastern conditions, or if you are going to get into technical diving, get a BP/W. But if you will only be doing single tank, recreational, shallow warm water diving, then get a BP/W....

 

[Peter Sims]

Thanks for the information guys. And your certainly making me hesitate very much! (So thank you as it will save me money in the long term) And I certainly trust your word.

Can I ask some questions though? (I have to satisfy the rec diver in me)

1) With a steel back plate how the heck is that comfortable? Most of my dives are shore dives so something digging into my back is going to be a deal breaker. Some have padding right?
2) Does this mean I will have to go back to a weight belt?
3) What do I look for when buying one?
4) No pockets? I'm gonna have to make sure there's lots of clipping points huh?

Thanks in advance