New BC

[mcohen1021]

So as a result of weight loss, I am in need of a new BC, going from a L to a M. I only dive on vacation these days with the once every few years lake dive to work on a waterski course. So, I obviously do not need to spend money on a BC or backplate as I only do 30 to 40 dives a year.

I am specifically looking at the Cressi R1 and the Cressi Travelight... One is $300, the other is $430...

So I'm trying to justify why I'd want to spent the extra $130... What am I getting in the R1 that the travel bc is lacking? Is the travel bc equal to the R1 but costs more because it weighs less and more compact for travel?

Thanks in advance.

MC

 

[BoltSnap]

I only do 30 to 40 dives a year

That's a lot of diving for the average diver

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

The BP/W from DGX is $300. As you have cited cost as a major factor, any reason why you have ruled that option out?

 

[mcohen1021]

The BP/W from DGX is $300. As you have cited cost as a major factor, any reason why you have ruled that option out?

I don't really understand the benefit of a backplate / wing tbh.

And I dont teach anymore, just a vacay diver these days.

I want to start traveling lighter though, so i was looking at a travel BC

 

[MaxBottomtime]

The benefits include less weight on a weightbelt/BC, better trim with six pounds on your back, a more stable platform for a tank (no swinging while walking or turning during a dive), and lower costs as you only need to replace webbing/wing in several years rather than a new BC.

 

[parzdiver]

So as a result of weight loss, I am in need of a new BC, going from a L to a M. I only dive on vacation these days with the once every few years lake dive to work on a waterski course. So, I obviously do not need to spend money on a BC or backplate as I only do 30 to 40 dives a year.

I am specifically looking at the Cressi R1 and the Cressi Travelight... One is $300, the other is $430...

So I'm trying to justify why I'd want to spent the extra $130... What am I getting in the R1 that the travel bc is lacking? Is the travel bc equal to the R1 but costs more because it weighs less and more compact for travel?

Thanks in advance.

MC

From what I see, the Cressi R1 is discontinued, which would partly explain the price difference. You would have to look at their features side by side to see if there are significant differences. Whichever is comfortably for you and fits your diving needs is the way to go.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I don't really understand the benefit of a backplate / wing tbh.

And I dont teach anymore, just a vacay diver these days.

I want to start traveling lighter though, so i was looking at a travel BC

What Max said. Plus it is more compact. Tropical wings fold up nicely. For temperate waters like Hawaii where I'm in a 5 mil and hood, I take a SS BP and a couple lbs of lead so I don't have to rent when I shore dive. I try to have just enough to hold a SS with a nearly empty tank.

From my days of traveling with a travel BCD, BP/W are definitely more compact as there's less material.

 

[mcohen1021]

So the wing/backplate = more weight. So, I'm trying to reduce travel weight, not increase it. I did not see that the R1 was discontinued. Right now I have a BC that is simply too loose... It fit me at 198#, but way too big at 165#.

I will have to keep shopping or listen to suggestions. I'm open to suggestions, but remember, I am a vacation diver only these days and have zero plans to DM again.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

A backplate and wing can weigh less than some BCs. Aluminum and plastic backplates weigh less than a steel plate, but most steel plates weigh only five or six pounds. I've been traveling with a steel backplate and wing for two decades. It packs smaller than a regulator BC.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

So the wing/backplate = more weight. So, I'm trying to reduce travel weight, not increase it. I did not see that the R1 was discontinued. Right now I have a BC that is simply too loose... It fit me at 198#, but way too big at 165#.

I will have to keep shopping or listen to suggestions. I'm open to suggestions, but remember, I am a vacation diver only these days and have zero plans to DM again.

Sure it is more weight, but less space. As most of my dive gear is carry on, that is a non issue.