Oh Kayyyyy! yet another equip. question?

[Oxy]

it's a GOOD thing I did not have the money in my pocket when I made the decision to scuba.
Now I am having second thoughts about a bc
aside from increased cost I am now seeing what looks like 4 basic kinds of bc
bc
integrated bc
back inflate
bp/w

lets address back-inflate vs jacket. . .is it a user preference thing mostly?
back-inflate has better prone position characteristics i'm told, but no bc will upgrade to double tank unless you get a bp/w style.
Ultimately I would like to do tec type diving and wouldn't be asking this were I rich. I will be quite happy just getting wet (certified) with my own equipment.
I have my eyes on a seaquest latitude xlt jacket type
should i spring for a better bc? (mind you it's twice as much):11:

now how much more or less would a bp/w style run and how much more trouble?

 

[Teamcasa]

Since you state as a goal to go the tech route you may as well get a back plate and wing now. Call Tobin at Deep Sea Supply (A local Pasadena, CA company). He will set up with all the quality gear you need – once.

Yes, it is a matter of personal preference but it is also a matter of money, but why spent it twice?

 

[BKP]

First, the jacket bc. My personal (and I emphasize 'personal') opinion is that they're constricting around the ribs, and you spend most of your time prone, anyway. I (again, personally -- read: for *me*) would not consider anything but a back inflate.

Second, there *are* some BCs that will do both single and doubles duty. I'd recommend against that. Instead of buying something that does everything 'kinda' well, buy something that does most of what you'll be doing EXTREMELY well. There is NO wing (again, in *my* opinion) that will do both singles and doubles equally well, and that means a modular system approach:

If you know, for absolute sure, that you will be diving doubles in the short term, then you might want to opt for a bp/w, from a quality manufacturer like Deep Sea Supply, Oxycheq, or Zeagle (with which you can also dive singles, using an STA). A backplate gives you the option of diving doubles, of choosing the type of wing you want, and of choosing the type of harness you want (deluxe padded, semi-spartan, basic HOG).

There are also alternatives to the bp/w, if you don't want a hard plate. Rigs like that DiveRite TransPac, or Oxycheq A-Pack are similar to wearing a BC harness, but allow you to also choose your wing (best suited to doubles OR singles), as well as add options that you want (pockets, integrated weights, etc.), with a soft inclusive "backplate." Both allow you to add different wings to the harness (for singles or doubles).

These 'modular' systems are typically no more money, for all the components, than a decent all-in-one BC, and give you more flexibility.

My $.02...

Good luck, dive safe...

 

[Oxy]

Since you state as a goal to go the tech route you may as well get a back plate and wing now. Call Tobin at Deep Sea Supply (A local Pasadena, CA company). He will set up with all the quality gear you need – once.

Yes, it is a matter of personal preference but it is also a matter of money, but why spent it twice?

wow i didn't realize i was setting a goal like that. when you put it that way, maybe i should ultimately some day like to be a certified diver

 

[Blackwood]

I suggest going through the course without buying anything other than the basic required equipment (which we discussed in the other thread).

Last I know, all they had to rent at SeaDSea (still looking there?) were jacket-style BCs, so you will get a feel for those in your class. Then use other stuff on your own. Rent a back inflate BC. And since you're local, you can give my singles BP/W a run (lord knows I don't get much use out of it... the wing hasn't seen the water in two years) to get a feel for a bare "hogarthian" BC.

If you know, for absolute sure, that you will be diving doubles in the short term, then you might want to opt for a bp/w, from a quality manufacturer like Deep Sea Supply, Oxycheq, or Zeagle (with which you can also dive singles, using an STA).

Don't even need an adapter with a DSS plate.

 

[Oxy]

If you know, for absolute sure, that you will be diving doubles in the short term

Good luck, dive safe...

I am probably thinking deeper than i can dive, wanting more than i can afford, looking too far ahead. your key words (short term) were quite enough to get my attention and I thank you much for the help.

 

[Teamcasa]

wow i didn't realize i was setting a goal like that. when you put it that way, maybe i should ultimately some day like to be a certified diver

Buying tech gear does not make or require you to become a tech diver. Many recreational divers use a mixture of tech and rec gear. DSS's gear is competitively priced with other premium jacket style BC’s. If budget is the number one concern, look in the Gear / Equipment Classifieds for deals.

Just remember, have fun and be safe!

 

[DiverLS]

I'm a recreational diver and had to replace my BC about a year ago. I opted for the back inflate because of the stability while photographing. Right after I did that I saw the BP/W set up and wished I'd done that. I could have dropped a bunch of added weight that way.

But like the other SB people say, rent what you want to try while getting certified.

 

[Oxy]

thanks Marc, i think i need to slow down a bit or i will be wanting a dry suit and a submersible and a. . .i need to focus on certification. besides they do make some pretty big single tanks. hoping to see you soon at vets park maybe.

ps "sandybch" already has more dive equip than me
of course she will probably only be snorkle/free diving with me (if i can still do it)

 

[BarryNL]

it's a GOOD thing I did not have the money in my pocket when I made the decision to scuba.
Now I am having second thoughts about a bc
aside from increased cost I am now seeing what looks like 4 basic kinds of bc
bc
integrated bc
back inflate
bp/w

lets address back-inflate vs jacket. . .is it a user preference thing mostly?
back-inflate has better prone position characteristics i'm told, but no bc will upgrade to double tank unless you get a bp/w style.
Ultimately I would like to do tec type diving and wouldn't be asking this were I rich. I will be quite happy just getting wet (certified) with my own equipment.
I have my eyes on a seaquest latitude xlt jacket type
should i spring for a better bc? (mind you it's twice as much):11:

now how much more or less would a bp/w style run and how much more trouble?

Well, a BP/W costs around as much as a mid-range vest BCD so price isn't really an issue unless your alternative is a budget vest BCD.

For recreational diving any of the choices will be fine and it really comes down to what you like. If you are serious about tech diving though then the BP/W is your only real option. You can buy one for a single tank now and then just swap out the wing part if/when you start diving doubles and stages.