Need Some Help: Jacket vs. Rear Inflate

[shotthebreeze]

Hi kids,

I've received a lot of money for Christmas and I'm looking to get a new BC. I've used jacket style BCs for my training and the few times I've gone diving. I was looking at the Cressi Sub S111 R, which I loved or the Sherwood avid as far as jackets are concerned.

If anyone would like to enlighten me to the pros and cons of the back inflate, I would love opinions and suggestions. I really know nothing about them. My concern is that the back inflate keeps you horizontal and I might have a hard time at the surface. Whether or not it matters, I don't know, but I do cold water diving in the summer months in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

I need help from anyone who is willing to share some knowledge. Thanks!

 

[fisherdvm]

I've done most of my early dives with jacket, and have tried back inflate with a back plate, and one with a soft back pad. I prefer the back inflate. If you over inflate the back inflate BC, you tend to have your face pushed into the water... So you need to be aware of it. Many dive shops let you try different types as a rental... Try a back inflate, you might like it. I like the simplicity of the soft back back inflate with multiple pockets.... Keep my scissor, knife, camera, surface marker, etc... in them. The back plate BC doesn't have pockets...

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

there are many posts on scubaboard about this, you might try the search function for more information.

I have owned a jacketed bcd, back inflate bcd, and now a back plate and wing. I made my change to back plate for many reasons but in the end I realized that the back plate and wing works for all types of diving and is really the best option. A bp/w will adapt to any future diving needs like cave, wreck, tech, deep, reefs, whatever. The options are limitless. And in my opinion stay away from cressi products. T

 

[ianw2]

The jacket style is not as streamlined as a back inflate. I don't personally like the squeeze feeling of having an inflated jacket around me. But that's me.

Fully inflated, the jacket style will tend to keep you more vertical in the water than a back inflate style.

I like my SeaQuest Balance. But, again, that's my preferrence.

You should try both and decide which you like best.

Cheers...

Happy Holidays

Ian

 

[CBulla]

I continue to convert the Jacket people to a rear inflate by allowing them to try my rig... a simple plate with transpack wing for a single tank

 

[evil_xander]

What nobody yet mentioned, less fabric/plastic if you go BP/W route, means less lead on your belt, and that counts if you dive cold water. Add a SS BP in the game, and you have better weight distribution.

I went from 8kg of lead on my belt to 2kg plus a 5 lb SS BP (diving wet) when I made my transition from a jacket BC to it. I'm sold, and it's next best thing to sliced bread as far as I'm concerned.

Oh, and it feels next to diving naked in comparison to any jacket BC.

I've yet to encounter a situation on the surface that would cause me to do a face plant...

 

[Doc Harry]

Luke..... Come to the Dark Side.......

10. A backplate & wing (BP/W) is extremely versatile compared to a jacket BC.
9. A BP/W is less cluttered than a jacket BC.
8. A BP/W allows you to wear less lead on your belt.
7. A BP/W allows you to spread your weight for better trim.
6. You can go tech with a BP/W without having to buy a new BC.
5. A BP/W is modular, adaptable to different tanks and different exposure protection
4. A backplate never wears out and replacing the harness costs pennies.
3. A backplate in your luggage makes for good conversation with TSA officers.
2. With a BP/W you never have to worry about schrapnel in your back if your tank explodes.
1. Guys dig chicks in a BP/W

 

[Nismo]

I trained using a back inflate and my first dive trip I used a jacket style. I never used a back plate and wing. I prefer the back inflate. I found it more comfortable than the jacket. As described, no squeeze around my ribs cage. The back inflate can force you face down if you inflate it all the way and are improperly weighted. In flate it enough to keep you floating above water and you'll be fine. I considered getting a back plate and wing. It is a nice idea. Very simple. No material that can tare. The steel back plate will mean less weights to be carried. You can make them like a weight integrated bc. You can add pockets and D rings as needed. When you start adding things to it, then the cost benefit of the backplate and wings is lost. You can buy padded harnesses as well as a back pad if you feel the need, however no one seems to think you will.

I use a Zeagle back inflate style BC. I like Zeagle's build quality and the way you can get your BC sized. It comes in sections, and you can get more or less a custom BC at regular price. Can get the shoulder section and waist band in the same size or they can be 2 different sizes and won't cost any different. Mine is two different sizes. It feels so much better than the other BC's I've used. I would not give it up for another BC. I would consider a backplate and wing though. You can even change out the bladders from Zeagle.

I have not used a Cressi BC, so I can not comment on it. I use a Cressi computer and was considering a Cressi reg.

 

[tedwhiteva]

Hi kids,

I've received a lot of money for Christmas and I'm looking to get a new BC. I've used jacket style BCs for my training and the few times I've gone diving. I was looking at the Cressi Sub S111 R, which I loved or the Sherwood avid as far as jackets are concerned.

If anyone would like to enlighten me to the pros and cons of the back inflate, I would love opinions and suggestions. I really know nothing about them. My concern is that the back inflate keeps you horizontal and I might have a hard time at the surface. Whether or not it matters, I don't know, but I do cold water diving in the summer months in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

I need help from anyone who is willing to share some knowledge. Thanks!

Back inflate hands down for all the reasons mentioned before - and if you mostly diving local, a SS back plate/ wing. the reason for the "mostly local" comment is because of the extra weight of the BP in airline bags. You can do it - I do - but its very close.
Congrats on the $

 

[dschonbrun]

Optimal position is horizontal... so you want the air bubble on your back. Go with the back inflate. There are several advantages as mentioned above...