new to scuba (just got OW) not sure what type of first bcd to buy?

[Nitro91]

Hi i just got my open water not too long ago, single digit dive log also.
looking into gear and with bcd i understand theres three types. not sure what one is recommended for a beginner, i plan to progress in my certifications also and experience all sides to scuba diving.

something like this recommended for a beginner such as myself?
Dolphin Tech By IST Single Tank BCD w/ Deluxe Harness, SS Plate

I was looking at the halcyon infinity also but its out of my price range.

 

[irishsquid]

You might check this site.

https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?&page=rig_configurator

Tobin has a loyal following and makes a quality product. He has a forum here on SB.
I ordered mine and in a couple days got a phone call from him and had a great conversation with him. He was verifying what I wanted, my physical stats, current dive configuration, and my type of diving. He wanted to make sure I was ordering a correct setup and would be satisfied with my selection. He has been known to irritate a few folks with his brutal honesty, but, I like that about him. Since I have been diving his rig, I've never looked back or had any regrets.
If this setup ever wears out, there isn't any question it will be replaced with another DSS setup. Others will surely be chiming in.

 

[halocline]

Since you're a new diver, I would suggest that you buy something used and inexpensive, or rent/borrow for a little while. The reason for this is that as you improve as a diver, you will be able to appreciate the differences between the various types of BCs. Then you'll be able to make a good decision. You just need something to get you to that point. A couple of general guidelines: 1) Less is more. Get something simple with little clutter. The fewer 'features' (which might look handy in the dive shop but are just in your way underwater) the better. 2) Fit is everything, and its almost impossible to really check fit on land, because the weight load is just about opposite from what it is in the water. 3) If you dive with a wetsuit, you don't need (or want) much in the way of padding, because the neoprene is padding.

I like a rigid backplate system with a webbing harness and small wing. Regardless of what you like, you need to couple the tank, a cylindrical metal object, with your back, a flat cushioned surface. A large flat (sort of) metal plate does this job very successfully. But the best thing for you will be to try a few different types of set ups on several dives each, or at least until you get a very clear idea of what works best.

 

[TSandM]

Any BC will work for a beginner, so long as it fits. Fit, in BCs that are constructed with sewn-in D-rings and joints in the straps, means buying a BC that's the right size, and making sure it will adjust snugly around you with the exposure protection you intend to wear. The number one thing I see new divers do wrong is to buy a BC that's too big -- in that case, they cannot keep the tank stably in the center of their back, and they have a lot of balance problems.

One of the virtues of the simple webbing harness that many of us use is that it is infinitely adjustable, so a perfect fit is guaranteed. It may take some time and some tweaking to get it right, though, especially if you have no one around who can advise you.

 

[ranchonodinero]

A lot of variables come into play. I am also a new diver-certified about a year and a half with over 30 dives with over half of them being in salt water. How often will you be diving? Are you fortunate enough to live in an area that has access to good diving either through location or airport? Factor in how often and how much your local shop charges for rental. When I got certified and on our first trip to Mexico, I used rental equipment-it was a jacket style BC and had a computer. After the first salt dives, I knew I wanted my own equipment-even with the computers, seems like it paid for itself with three weekend trips. We (my wife is my dive buddy) purchased Aeris 5 oceans BCs and their regs and their computers. My wife really likes her Aeris BC; it is simple and with the cumberbun works well for her. One of the things we didn't like with our LDS kit that we realized after several trips were the cheap fins. Spent more on split fins as the low end ones weren't so hot. I'm getting her a different mask for Christmas too. I am putting together a BP wing system, taking advantage of the black Friday deals and I should (with the exception of new regulator and weight pockets) have it pretty much complete. My BC seems to move around on me and I'm not totally happy with it. But I also like to tinker and build/customize things. My size also probably figures into the BP wing decision due to the ways you can absolutely customize fit (6'3"). What convinced me to switch to the BP wing set up were the divers on our last dive that were using them. One of them was shooting video and he was very stable in the water and seemed to be able to hold attitude no matter the position. Good luck-lot's of resources on choices and a lot of experienced divers to draw on too.

 

[UWBuddha]

I agree about focusing on getting more dives in with different types of BCDs first. As your buoyancy control improves, you get more comfortable, and you try different styles you'll quickly figure out what attributes you want, those you don't care about, and what your deal breakers are.

 

[Colliam7]

looking into gear and with bcd i understand theres three types. not sure what one is recommended for a beginner . . . is something like this recommended for a beginner such as myself? Dolphin Tech By IST Single Tank BCD w/ Deluxe Harness, SS Plate.

As TS&M noted, you can use virtually any type of BCD (jacket, back-inflate, BP/W) as a new diver, as long as it fits YOU. While it is always a sound recommendation to try out different systems before buying, that may not always be feasible, and it may be necessary to 'take the plunge' without a test drive / dive. There is something exhilirating about diving with your first new, personally-owned, piece of gear. While the first purchase is seldom 'perfect', the imperfections are frequently overshadowed, at least at first, by the joy of using your own gear.

With regard to the system you asked about, based on what is in the link: it is a back-inflate / plate system, has reasonable lift (30 lb) for a single tank, has a donut / 360 air cell, appears to be reasonably streamlined, and seems to be adjustable since 'one size fits all'. What I would not personally care for: the 'deluxe' harness is unnecessary, I don't like D-rings sewn into fixed positions on the harness (which appears to be the case with this unit), it probably has more padding than is necessary (and for which you will have to wear extra lead to compensate) and it is not particularly inexpensive at ~$600 (although it is probably less expensive than some other, new systems, such as the Halcyon). Having said the latter, all as a matter of personal preference, I suspect you would be quite happy with this unit, and I would not necessarily discourage you.

Ordinarlly, I would encourage a more 'local' approach to purchasing gear as a newbie, simply because of the hassle of dealing with a remote vendor if anything is not right when you get it, or there are follow-up warranty issues. If, however, you are planning to deal with a remote vendor (like IST, in Las Vegas NV) anyway, I would echo irishsquid's suggestion to at least consider Deep Sea Supply. First, you get A LOT of support before buying, and the after sale service is very good. Tobin (cool_hardware52) has been a big help to a lot of people on SB, is very knowledgeable, and easy to do business with. A PM to him might serve you very well.

There are also some other respected SB members in the US, like Jim Lapenta, who are now carrying a line of equipment, and contacts with them may be useful as well.

 

[Nitro91]

I'm most inclined to get a DSS bp&w as it seems it will last me longer and i can add/take off parts etc.
Not sure what wing to get though? Will be using recreational single tank diving for the next 1-2 years anyway.
lcd or torus?

 

[irishsquid]

I went with the LCD30. No particular reason I can explain, other than I liked it's look and shape.
It has worked well for me. Either will work well in my opinion.