New BCD advice

[rr75]

Hi everyone:

I've had really excellent advice from this board when I've been shopping for other gear, so I figured I'd give it a shot again with my next purchase: a BCD.

I'm finally in the market for a BCD. I'm a sort of new diver, but have had the opportunity to try a number of BCDs through rentals, trips, and borrowing from friends. I'm curious to know if anyone has any recommendations for a great BCD that will fit what I'm looking for.

Specifically, I think I'm looking for either a jacket- or back inflate-type BCD. I'm not sure if I want weight-integration...I'm sort of partial to a traditional weightbelt, but might be OK with moving some of my weights to a BCD.

Some of the BCDs I'd been looking at: Scubapro Knighthawk, many of the Seaquest models, some of the Zeagles.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Compressor]

Halcyon Pioneer is a great back inflated BC.

 

[Hallmac]

Look at the Pro QD by Aqualung

back inflate look at the Amersea line.

Hallmac

 

[scubasean]

Dive-Rite transpac with a travel wing.

'Nuff said.

 

[richies]

Hi


I would stay stick with a weightbelt - I've found integrated weights to be a pain - heavy to lift when loaded, and difficult to load if you put your BC on first.

I would also say go for a backplate/wings with a webbing harness. Ignore the calls of "tekkie!" and "it's too advanced!" It's not, it's just a lump of metal, some webbing, and a wing. Nothing technical about that!

Most jacket manufacturers are now making "wing-style" jackets, because more people are moving to wings. But nothing beats simplicity.

The backplate/wing/harness is comfortable, will fit you perfectly, and will grow with your diving should you choose to do more advanced stuff. Also, if you stop diving, a backplate/wing/harness should sell for much more than a second hand jacket.

HOWEVER...make sure you find someone knowledgable who can help you set it up (probably not your LDS unfortunately) - it does need a little more thought than an off-the-shelf jacket. But it's worth it.

There are lots of links about backplates and wings, if you want some let me know, but Google is your friend!

cheers

Rich

 

[Gator Diver]

Try out as many BCs as you can. See what
works for you. Zeagle is general is durable,
good warranty. The Ranger has every pocket
you could imagine but tends to be a bit bulky.
The Escape is more streamlined. Both
are back inflates. The Seaquest Balance
is probably equivalent to the Escape.
BP/wings is the most comfortable and allows
the most freedom.

You can also get some great advice using
the search function and viewing old posts.
Happy Diving.

 

[pggeek]

Weight intragraded is just more comfortable if you do a bunch of diving in most cases. I would look at the Scuba pro Knighthawk. It is a great BC and the weight system is a bit different than the rest. It is really easy to stick the weights in and clip them after the bc is on just keep them next to you. Or you can even put them on last when sitting down on the dive boat, so much easer than a weight belt. Last trip I even forgot to put the weights back in and stuck them in in the water when the dive master handed them to me.

 

[String]

Depending on your diving you may want to avoid weight integration.

If you dive off RIBS or smaller boats which involve in-water dekitting and passing the kit up, passing up the BC, tank AND weights in one go to someone in rough seas is tough, it may take a few people to haul the stuff on board.

Also, an issue for me is its occasionally neccesary for me to de-kit under water whether its to sort out entanglement or get through a small gap - now if my weights were integrated it'd be impossible for me to stay down. It doesnt happen often but i like the safety knowing that if i NEED to do it, i can.

A more comfortable and better alternative to a traditional belt is a weight harness which is worn under a BC. You can adjust your trim and where the weights hang on these, they dont slip like a traditional belt and wont come off which your bc.