Newbie advice

[ironworker377]

Hello,
I just passed my OW in Cancun and looking into getting my own gear. The stuff I had to use was pretty crappy during my dives. Had to try to fit into a XL BCD when I'm 6'-4 and about 270 pounds:11:. I tried on a seaquest pro unlimited and it fit pretty good but wondering if I should check out a BP/wings before buying BCD. I live in N. CA and tried on a 7mm aqualung wetsuit but not sure if that is good enough for Monteray. Looking into the Apex 200 or the Aqualung legend for a my reg. I will be using my gear local and in warm water.

 

[Halthron]

I tried on a seaquest pro unlimited and it fit pretty good but wondering if I should check out a BP/wings before buying BCD.

Yes

There's at least one person who prefers to use a jacket to a BP/w but many initially bought a jacket and later wish they had gone straight to a BP/w. I'd recommend at least giving it a shot, give a tech shop in your area a call.

 

[TxHockeyGuy]

Congrats on your certification. First thing I want to say is that you need to be careful about diving in different conditions from where you were trained. Cancun and Monterey are VERY different types of diving and the first time out I would suggest you hire yourself a DM.

As for equipment your LDS (Local Dive Shop) is going to be able to give you a better idea on what type of equipment best suits your diving environment. If 7mm isn't good enough you're going to be looking at a dry suit which requires additional training. As for BCD vs BP/W that is an argument for the ages. I personally dive a BCD, a Zeagle Brigade, and I really like it. If you do decide to go with a BCD I would personally recommend going with a rear inflate. I have not dove either the Legend or the Apex 200 but they have a good reputation on the board and I believe both are environmentally sealed so they should be good for cold water.

You might want to post some of these questions in the http://scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=61 California Kelp Divers forum as they will better understand the unique local conditions.

 

[Quarrior]

One point the BP/W has over the a regular BCD whether it's rear inflate or not. It is infinately adjustable as long as you get set up with a single piece harness. Everything else comes in sizes, so if you gain weight or lose weight, you're stuck with what you have.

Another advantage is the BP/W will work for any kind of diving you do now and in the future. The same cannot be said for a regular BCD.

 

[adza]

Here's another vote for BP&W. My advice is to consider what type of diving you may become interested in the future - and buy so you're not restricted.

 

[TSandM]

I'd definitely recommend trying out a BP/W before committing to buying gear. If you're going to be diving Monterey, you're in luck. There's a wonderful community of divers there that we visited in October, and I'd be willing to bet money that one of them has a BP/W setup you could try out, and that you could find somebody to dive with and get some tips from, too. Try PMing Ben_ca or Adobo or KMD.

 

[spectrum]

Congratulations on your certification!

No reason at all not to begin with a BP&W. The basic functions are the same as a jacket so it's really just a matter of what you built you skills around at this point. If you have any aspirations to doubles then it's a no brainer.

You do need something that really fits right. Diving warm water in minimal noprene in a poor fit is one thing. Doing the same in cold water rubber with a full complement of weights is another story.

Personally I'm very content in my Sherwood Avid jacket, it meets my needs (single tank) and it's paid for, a very nice feature. The layout of a plate, wing harness system is attractive and I may come into one at some time. I have made harness dives (no bladder) and it was liberating.

A few things to consider:
Decide what you want for features. A BP&W by nature is spartan and you need to rethink how you manage some details like:
* Weight Integration: A portion of your weight will be inherent in the plate and more can be permanently attached. For ytour ditchable component you will be looking at add-on pockets, a belt or a harness. Each has a price tag. For many it's as simple as a belt.
* Pockets, you don't need any but if you decide you want one or some they are another expense. You do get to decide where to put them so that is an upside.
*Some for padding, it's an extra that some add but few need.

Other than that I think it's mostly upside. If you tear the wing it may be repairable but at worst you just replace that component. You can have multiple wings for warm, cold water or for doubles. The cost will probably be on par with a higher end back inflate jacket as long as you don't load it with accessories. A basic harness in infinitely adjustable and configurable. If you dive it long enough you can re-web it for very small money.

I will point out that if more jacket divers selected their BCs as carefully and with as much angst as BP&W rigs are acquired there would be a lot more happy jacket divers out there. While no real mentoring is needed in most circles jackets are the dominant configuration but that need not be an issue.

Pete

 

[mudhole]

Hello,
. . . I live in N. CA and tried on a 7mm aqualung wetsuit but not sure if that is good enough for Monteray. Looking into the Apex 200 or the Aqualung legend for a my reg. I will be using my gear local and in warm water.

Welcome to diving and ScubaBoard. . . You've just jumped into one of the "Ford-Chevy" type debates. Most every diver is going to praise what they spent their money on, like it is the "only" sensible choice. As a new diver, comfortable equipment is the only thing that will keep you diving. Rent a number of brands of BC till you find "the one" that is comfortable for you. A BP and wing is not as comfortable as a good Jacket. I've used variations on the BP since 1969, they are best to customize with carrying 3 or 4 tanks like cave divers and deep divers will do. If that is your future go ahead and start now. The wing that usually clips to the BP puts the floatation on your back, if you are floating at the surface you have to work to keep your face up. . . there are back float BC's also. Below the surface, jackets, back float and even the old horsecollars are all equally comfortable. It's a little safer to have floatation that holds you face up, just like the coast guard tells us.

As a little guy at 270, I have a dive partner that's well over 350, look for a custom suit. A custom suit will cost only slightly more than a standard size. Check with a good local shop to measure you, advise you about a vest for under the jacket, 3 finger mittens and thick boots.

Welcome to the board and think carefully about what any of us tell you, even me. Your experience and comfort should be your guide.

 

[Flea Dog]

Welcome to the fascinating world of diving. Fitting into standard equipment can be an issue for us larger than life people. (Don’t you really get tired of the, “wow you’re tall”, “how is the weather up there”, etc.)

I have found the Akona wet suits will actually fit me nicely. Their 4XL or 5XL will probably fit you nicely. I find them comfortable except the sleeves are a little log on my 6.5 mm 2 piece, (and I have a 39 inch sleeve length).

For a lycra suit underneath I wear a Henderson skin. They make them up to size 8XL!!

For a BC I have found the back inflate fits the best and are the most comfortable. I'm using the Zeagle Ranger. It fits very well until I bundle up for a really cold dive, (below 45 F), then I use a cummerbund extension made by aqualung. Check out the BP and wings. They are very diverse and will give many years of fun also.

As recommended above, check out the cost of a custom suit, they are not all that expensive, considering that you get.

One problem I have run into is the expense of a custom dry suit. If anyone would like to donate to the "Keep Flea Dog Warm Fund" let me know!


Again, I hope you get all the enjoyment out of this sport as possible!

Good luck,

Flea

 

[sEANx32]

For starters, let me say I've been diving a BP/wing since about dive #11 when I took my AOW. I loved it instantly! BUT, I also was borrowing it so I could try it out. As much as I love my gear, I know it's not for everyone. So I will reiterate what has been said before to stress it's importance. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! BP/W's have a few downsides, but they instantly improved my trim and I just like the minimalist setup and the ability to resize as needed. The biggest con for me is the fact that with pockets on webbing, ALL of my weight has to be picked up at one time. So, when I have the steel tanks on and I'm diving dry (I need a little more weight than with a wet suit) I'm picking up about 75 pounds to heave onto my back.

In Monterey, I know people who dive wet. I just left San Diego and dove wet a lot. There's actually not a HUGE difference in water temps due to currents. However, My dry suit friends were always happier. I fought the dry suit bug for ever. I am so happy I finally got one. I'm 6'2" and about 230, so I feel your pain. I would have to say that as a bigger guy, getting into and out of a wet suit is where you're going to hate it the most. Getting in and out of a dry suit is a LOT easier for me. The biggest drawback is price. My wet suit I picked up super cheap for $120, my dry suit I picked up super cheap for about $900. Both new.

I'm not going to get into the regs debate. So far I've answered more of diesel vs. gasoline questions. Regs are more like what type of auto do you like. I will say that I have heard a lot of good things about both Apeks and Aqualung regs.

Welcome to our wonderful sport! Feel free to message if I can answer any more questions. I'm trying to become more active, but I don't always stroll through all the forums...

-Sean