New diver question.

[monoxide]

Ok I am going to be getting certified soon and had a question about bcds. I have seen a bunch of people talking about back plates and wings. I was wondering if it would be better to get that as I assume I can adjust the harness when I loose weight. I am going to eventually spear fish and just shore dive in Venice fl for sharks teeth and other cool things. I am 5'9 and about 335 lbs if that helps any.

 

[fisheater]

Yes.

You will be very well served with a backplate and wing system. Just make sure that you have someone around to help you get it properly adjusted.

 

[monoxide]

Any budget friendly options?

 

[T-Wrecks]

Fisheater is absolutely correct. A backplate & wing is a great, and budget friendly choice for every diver, new or otherwise. This type of BCD will grow with you as a diver (be that in the waist, or in the style of diving you participate in). Something like this from Dive Right In Scuba is an incredibly budget conscious place to start, but if you don't mind the extra effort, the classified here on scuba board can be a good resource as well.

 

[bergersau]

Dive gear express have a good basic customisable package. http://www.divegearexpress.com/bcs/dr_bpw.shtml

Stick with a basic single piece harness. If you need more than 6lbs of weight then choose a steel plate in preference to Ali.

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[monoxide]

Ill check it when I get off work tonight

---------- Post added October 6th, 2013 at 10:55 PM ----------

Just checked out dive gear express is the package they offer for 349 good. I can't view the links you guys posted since my Tapatalk won't open links for some reason.

 

[fjpatrum]

Any budget friendly options?

I've made a plate out of a 4" PVC pipe split and flattened. Webbing is super cheap. Won't help much with reducing extra weight you'll need to carry, but it is cheap. Also not as durable as Steel or Aluminum, but it will work for a good while. The wing is where you'll spend your money. Dive Right In Scuba and Hog both have some of the less expensive models I've seen. Or buy used, here on scubaboard or local to you.

 

[bergersau]

I use the dive rite 35lb wing and it's a well made item. If I was to replace it now I'd probably go with a slightly smaller one. You will need to assess how much lift you need for yourself.

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[monoxide]

What is the best way to find out how much lift I need and how much weight I need to sink myself?

 

[RJP]

What is the best way to find out how much lift I need and how much weight I need to sink myself?

Lift will be based on the weight of your tank, gear, and what exposure protection you're wearing. As to how much weight, you'll learn about that in class. Hard to tell from spec posted on the web.

BP/W is a great option for anyone, especially larger divers. I would also suggest that you'll want a weighted tank adapter as well. At 335lbs - and assuming some neoprene wetsuit-wise - you're gonna need a fair bit of lead. Might as well get at least 12lbs onto the backplate. I had an OW student two weeks ago who was a touch taller than you and around 275lbs and he needed every bit of 35lbs of weight. If we didn't have 12lbs in the plate/adapter we would have run out of places to put lead.