Hey guys ive finally made the choice to buy a new bcd. . . . I'm looking at back inflates and open to anything, just here where im from everyone uses aqua lung because its what our shop promotes.. . . i do lots of cold water diving and travel lots to mexico so im looking for something a bit lighter too.
My thoughts, which may or may not agree in all cases with other advice you might receive:
1. BCD selection is very much a matter of personal preference, and is also a widely, frequently (and, some might say, hotly) discussed topic on SB. A search will reveal many, many threads on the subject. Frankly, a good diver can use virtually any BCD (jacket or back-inflate, weight-integrated or non-weight-integrated), and engage in recreational diving in a comfortable and competent manner. But, because BCD selection is a matter of preference, please take my subsequent comments in that context - individual preference.
2. MY PREFERENCE: I prefer simplicity and modularity. Consequently I dive (primarily) a metal back plate, with a simple web harness, and appropriate wing size for the conditions and configuration. I also own, and dive at times, a simple jacket BCD (Aqualung Wave) or a non-backplate back inflation unit (Zeagle Ranger). But, my primary BCD is a stainless steel back plate, with web harness, and either an 18lb or 30lb wing for recreational diving.
a. Because I prefer simplicity: I generally do not adopt equipment that I consider to be needlessly complicated, irrespective of arguments made about convenience, or streamlining, etc. For example, I do not care for the i3 system, I do not use integrated octo / inflators. Others might. That is their choice and their privilege. I do not care for padding - on the shoulder straps, or the back. It is completely unnecessary and merely adds to the 'fluffiness' of the unit. I like using a simple, single, unpadded piece of webbing as a harness. Fully functional, inexpensive, easy to adjust.
b. Because I prefer modularity: I do not use weight-integrated BCDs. Others might. That is their choice and their privilege. I find that many WI units position the weight pockets in a place that complicates achieving optimal trim, underwater or at the surface for that matter. I started out with a weight-integrated Zeagle Ranger and eventually moved back to using a weight belt. Some units have been recalled because of problems with the security of the weight pockets, but I don't avoid WI units because of particular safety concerns - I just don't care for the limitations, and extra cost, that they impose. I also prefer the convenience of being able to switch between wings of different sizes, to accommodate warm water conditions vs cold water environments, and cylinder size, material and number (e.g. singles vs doubles).
3. You mention cold water diving. From my perspective, that implies thick(er), and more buoyant, exposure suits. So, I think you would be a great candidate for a stainless steel back plate. You can use any BCD for almost any single cylinder recreational diving environment. But, wearing a 'fluffy', padded BCD that merely adds to your weight requirement makes little sense to me, particularly when you may already be strapping on quite a bit of weight to accommodate the buoyancy characteristics of you exposure suit.
4. You also mention travel. While I routinely travel (by air) with my 6 lb SS back plate, that may not meet your definition of 'a bit lighter'. An alternative that some recommend is a lighter plate - e.g. an aluminum back plate, or a Kydex hard plastic plate (
https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=4). Another possibility is a light, 'soft' back plate, such as the AquaLung / Apeks Ultralight Travel Plate (
Apeks Products). I mention it because of your AquaLung shop comment. But, soft back plates are available from multiple manufacturers (e.g. Zeagle, Oxycheq, Dive Rite, etc), and may be worth considering. I have a Zeagle (Express Tech plate) and an Apeks and I like both of them.
5. Ultimately, given your level of experience, I would suggest you defer the purchase for just a bit, and actually try out several different styles before making a decision. Just because something works well for me, or another SB poster, does not mean that it will work well for you. A good dive shop should tell you the same thing - try before you buy - and will provide opportunity for you to try different units that they may have available (in rental, or as demo units, or owned by staff members).
