Newbie Questions

[Dapher]

I too recommend a backplate and wings. My hubby who is a standard size guy uses the same kind as I (a short round woman) uses. Because short round women don't dive I have a hard time finding gear to fit. But my backplate fits wonderfully. It took a little getting used to and I did try it out in the pool first, but it really is wonderful and fits people who are small just as well as folks who are big. AND.. you can take 6lbs off your weight belt!

 

[Hitman731]

Everyone,

Thanks for all the responses I am definatly very impressed with everyones willingness to help the newbies out. I think i will prolly stick to a back inflation BC for now and who knows may find later that i want a BP/W set up. I have tried on several like the Balance, Black Diamond, Aqualung malibu, Aeris Atmos XT, and the DUI delta wing and think as far as fit goes ( which everyone including myself thinks in most important) i am leaning toward the balance, black diamond or the malibu any one have opinions good or bad on these ?

 

[Michael Schlink]

Try to "try" them on for size blind so to speak ignoring name brand. When you find the one you like the most then play "Monty Hall" with the dive shop. Brand really doesn't matter.

 

[Xanthro]

Just make sure whatever you buy fits you well. Diving is so much more enjoyable when your BC or BP fits well.

I see so many divers where the BC comes more than six inches off their bodies when they are diving. I should not be able to see between someone's back and BC and make out the entire boat!!

Xanthro

Edit. Also, get a BC with a crotch strap, it really helps with the BC riding up, especially for us skinny people. It's not uncomfortable at all.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

Everyone,

Thanks for all the responses I am definatly very impressed with everyones willingness to help the newbies out. I think i will prolly stick to a back inflation BC for now and who knows may find later that i want a BP/W set up. I have tried on several like the Balance, Black Diamond, Aqualung malibu, Aeris Atmos XT, and the DUI delta wing and think as far as fit goes ( which everyone including myself thinks in most important) i am leaning toward the balance, black diamond or the malibu any one have opinions good or bad on these ?

Hitman,

I am 6' 170lbs and have been diving with a bp and wing for quite some time. I have a stainless backplate and 35 lb. wing that I use when I dive with a single tank and wear my drysuit. I use a plastic backplate when I'm diving with a shorty or a full 3 mill. Yes I'm positively challenged so I don't dive with any weight.

As others have said the biggest advantages of the bp/w is that it can be adjusted exactly to your height and frame. With a crotch strap you won't have any ride up and feel like you're falling out.

When I'm teaching I wear a Dacor or Scuba Pro regular jacket BCD so that my equipment is not completely different from that of the students.

I have a Black Diamond which I used and it does work good but none of the ones I have used do as well at fitting comfortably and keeping me horiziontal in the water when I'm diving as a bp/w. And cost wise a Dive Rite, or OMS will probably be a little cheaper than a conventional BCD and they are certainly more steamlined.

If you ever decide to do any technical diving or move up to double you won't have to buy anything else. A backplate and wing is standard equipment for anyone diving doubles. The harness material is cheap, the backplate will never wear out and the wing or bladder is almost bulletproof.

Yes, certainly try gear and get others opinions but think long and hard about what you want to do in diving and don't wind up buying two or three different BCD's as many of us have done.

Good luck with your diving.

Jim
Louisiana





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[ae3753]

Here are some related threads on BC and sizing:
Problems figuring my size
BC for Tall Woman

If you're looking for back inflate BC that is not bp/w, then I would recommend looking at Zeagle's products. Their BCs are modular, and can be ordered to fit your body. For example, a large shoulder and medium waist.

Also second the recommendation of a crotch strap. Helps the riding up problem tremendously.