Newbie: question on BCD's

[smartchickgirl]

I just recieved my OW certification and am looking at purchasing my own BCD. I am looking for recommendations on the back inflatable BCD v. the vest style that inflates all around. Any suggestions? I am new and still adjusting to my bouyancy and definately want integrated weights. Just looking for opinions on which one to purchase!
Thanks!

 

[Ann Marie]

:admingreet:

Hi SCG!

When I'm asked for my recommendation, I ask how comfortable are you in the water? What is your budget? What did you use in your OW Course?

A back-inflation BC (I have a SeaQuest Libra and love it) at the surface does not keep up out of the water as much as a jacket-style. People that aren't real comfortable tend to do better in the jacket-style as it is more stable at the surface (like an inter-tube around you). The jacket-style can cause a 'squeeze' around you when completely inflated. Some also complain about the bubble of air rolling around.

My back-inflation BC does not keep me up as high in the water at the surface. Some people say that it gives them a slight push forward because of the air being in the back. A back-inflation BC may trim you out horizontally in the water better than a jacket-style. I also don't feel as there is as much stuff around me with the back-inflation.

You also may want to look at back-plates and wings. (Check out Deep Sea Supply) A BP&W is more of a modular back-inflation BC. It gives you another option. I have a back-plate and wing but usually only use it when I dive with my drysuit as my Libra BC is more comfortable to me.

Hope this help!

Welcome,
Ann Marie

 

[BigFame]

I am going through some of the same things. Trying to narrow down the search for some gear. I would suggest going to the BCD section, you will find a LOT of info there as well as many very helpful board members.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/buoyancy-compensators-bcs-weight-systems/

 

[tstormdiver]

I have a Lady's Oceanic Hera & absolutely love it! It's a hybrid back inflate/vest style BC (a little of both). It is VERY well padded all around, has very adjustable shoulders (not only the regular side buckles, but there are also adjustable screws in the back of the shoulder harness for additional adjustment) & 6 D-rings for attachment of accessories, integrated weights, 2 shoulder dump valves & 1 rear dump valves & a carry handle built into the back plate. It has both a back inflation bladder in the rear & side inflation panels combined, with plenty of lift capacity (30lbs). Overall a very comfortable lady's BC. I fell in love with it the first time I tried it on.

 

[TSandM]

The most important thing about a BC is that it fit you well enough to keep the tank stable on your back, and that you are comfortable in it and familiar enough with it to make everything work.

Some people prefer the feeling of being wrapped about with the air bladder, and others find that confining. The jacket BC will tend to float you a little higher in the water at the surface. The back-inflate will leave the front of your body more unencumbered. (Some of us take that to an extreme, with a backplate and wing assembly, which has very little on the front of the body at all.)

A couple of things I'd suggest . . . If you're diving any cold water at all, it's a good thing to have trim pockets on the BC up around your shoulders, so you can trim out in a horizontal position more easily. And if you're using integrated weights, I'd recommend not going with any system that depends on Velcro to keep the weights in place. It fatigues quickly.

As far as integrated weights go, you might read THIS thread before making that a hard and fast decision.

 

[smartchickgirl]

Wow, thanks! My boyfriend has the back inflatable and told me the same thing. It's easier to keep horizontal under water. I am new, more comfortable under the water but have a hard time remaining horizontal. I've only used vest-style. It took 6 dives to realize they had me fitted in a small and I needed an X-small....I"m not real comfortable above water but I have such a difficult time w/bouyance and staying horizontal under. I'd rather a back inflate but am worried about balancing myself out of water b/c my boyfriend also said it does push you forward, but he is experienced and a much stronger swimmer than I am! I appreciate your advice. I want a BCD that is lightweight and not make me feel like I cant stand up! I dont want to spend tons of money, however since this is the only piece of equipment I plan on purchasing right now, I want a good one, I'm tired of renting different ones that all fit differently. I want my own that I am familiar with that I can get used to! You were a great help. Thanks again! I'm so glad I found this board!

 

[smartchickgirl]

thanks for the info. I read the thread. I have soft weights with a belt that is still uncomfortable and I dont trust that plastic buckle! My other question would be do I need both? integrated bcd AND the weight belt? I am very bouyant but everyone says that I'm overweighted too...I hate the weight belt, it is so uncomfortable..I want to feel free--but be safe too.

 

[CJM]

Welcome to the neighborhood...and it seems what everyone else said here is pretty much the truth. You will find a wealth of info here as I have.

 

[TSandM]

If you are really tiny, you might consider looking at a backplate/harness setup. I am small (5'2" and 120) and I couldn't find a BC that fit well. The one I bought was too big. The beauty of a harness is that it is infinitely adjustable, and will also include a crotch strap, which does a lot to stop the "pushing forward" part of fully inflated back-inflate. Also, the steel plate forms 5 or 6 lbs of your necessary weight, making your weight belt that much smaller and less onerous to carry.

You can also use a weight harness, like the DUI Weight & Trim, if you don't like a belt. That's what my husband does, because he hasn't got any hips to hold a belt up.

BTW, the only time I've ever lost a belt or had it come loose, it was with a plastic buckle, so I think your worries there are merited.

 

[smartchickgirl]

Thanks! I'm 5'3" and about 125lbs...so its difficult finding one that fits comfortably. Everyone has helped so much! I am very unfamiliar with the backplate though!