New diver, BC opinions please.

[uberspeed]

Looking at the following, since I have tried rear inflation and jacket inflation and prefer the jacket:

Oceanic Flex $280, Tusa Platina Evolution $280. I also found the Cressi-Sub Aquapro 5 at $200 which seems to have all my needs. Any other suggestions? I was told that if I'm to go cheap, the BC is the place to do it...

 

[JustJoe]

It is just my opinion, but you should try each bc if they are available. Fit is a crucial aspect. Try them on!

Here are the things that I did before I purchaed my bc (Triple-L Orion, back inflate $150).

Identified the features that I wanted most in my bc. Back inflate, weight integrated, two (or more) dump valves, multiple d-rings. Then I tried on about ten bc's that fit this criteria. While I really liked the Oceanic Chute II, Zeagle Ranger and Dive Rite Transpac. Unfortunately, these other products were out of the price range. One day though.

Good luck.

Joe

 

[nwdiver2]

I was told that if I'm to go cheap, the BC is the place to do it...

\Better a cheap BC than regulator I guess. I would suggest you dive the products you are interested in then make an informed choice.

 

[derekb]

I'm not sure I agree with the idea of going cheap with a BC, but hey, I'm new to the sport as well. I just purchased the Oceanic Flex QLR and I'm extremely pleased. It's very comfortable and functional and has a few bells and whistles as well. I even splurged a bit and bought the Oceanic Air XS alternate air reg. to go with it.

 

[scubatoys]

I would also tell someone to get the BC they really want - and save the money somewhere else... less expensive computer, reg, etc.

Most diving accidents that are equipment related are BC related. And the BC is the most important element of your in water comfort.

If someone is looking at a Jacket style, the Tusa Platina Evolution is one of the good choices - as is the Sherwood Avid which is about $300...

Both companies have excellent warranty - in fact I've had Tusa replace a BC for us that officially has a 2 year warranty, but was 3 years old and had some stitching that was coming out. Of course we buy about a gillion dollars worth of Tusa a year - so maybe they were being extra nice... but over all, they are a great company to work with and really stand behind their stuff.

You'll find the Sherwood to be made of slightly heavier material, have larger D rings, and use the CQR (clip in style) weight pockets vs. the Tusa Velcro ones.

But either should set you up if that is the style you are looking for.

 

[uberspeed]

After reading a lot it seems that where I'm headed (hopefully lots of instructing and tech diving) rear inflation is where it's at. I didn't like it too much, but I did notice that my visibility was improved over the jacket inflation and sometimes the jacket did feel a bit "squeezing". I'm sure I'll do more dives with rental gear and try to use rear inflation to get more accustomed to it before buying.
Now, would you say that Zeagle has good BC's? I have read good reviews from them and being made in the good ol' US of A sounds good to me. I saw the Scout and Eagle models can be had for rather agreeable prices. Anyone care to comment?

 

[ShakaZulu]

After reading a lot it seems that where I'm headed (hopefully lots of instructing and tech diving) rear inflation is where it's at.

If that is where you want to go, you may want to look at the BP/W setups too.

 

[Ben_ca]

I'm supprised no one's suggested BP&W yet....

Try out the Back plate and wings setup.... Halcyon make a great one. Many of us who converted over to the BP&W have said "Why didn't I do this when I started". It's simple rugged.... No fluff. Streamline... Just search for BP&W and you'll see the posts.

This might start a small flame war here but also check out DIR. There's some good discusion on gear selection on GUE's website http://www.gue.com/equipment/index.shtml If you want to end up on the Technical end of the diving spectrum this is a place to start.

 

[damsel]

Did somebody mention Zeagles? *immediately perks up*

I have a Zeagle Escape, and I am totally in love with it. I may marry it, actually. I have a smallish build, and I had a hard time finding a BC that fit me properly, but thanks to Zeagle's sexy swap-outable different sizes I was able to put together something that fit me exactly. I definitely feel that back-inflate is the way to go - jackets are confining and icky, in my opinion. I do have a few quibbles with its design: venting air can be a little tricky, and you may find you have to contort a bit to properly deflate. Also, the pockets (on mine, at least) are pretty well non-existant, but I personally really don't care about pockets, so. I've had a few people rail at me for my Zeagle, insisting that you can't teach in one - 'when you're on the surface, you spend all your time on your FACE!' they cry. Not true. By experimenting a bit, you'll find just how to position yourself in the water, and surface swims will become a treat.

Look into bp/w if you're interested in going a tech route - or even if you're not, really - but be sure to try stuff on, first. I dig on the streamlining, but personally don't really like the feel of backplates. Your mileage may vary.

 

[murphdivers286]

I would suggest to never to cheap on reg, comp, or bc. You can always go cheaper of other things, but these are you LIFE LINE.

I personally use a Seaquest Pro GD+, but I would suggest the Balance. It is rear Inflated.