Opinions Requested

[Elevatorguy2]

As an OW hopefully to become an AWO diver I feel the need to purchase a BC.
I have no desire to become a “Tech Diver”
With my size and wet suit I require in excess of 34lbs of weight on my belt, which I have difficulty at depth when the suit compresses and it begins to slip.
My question is which route should I take?
Weight integrated B/C or a weight harness to replace the weight belt.
I’ve been to 2 shops and as you have guessed one vote for each set up.
I’ll also post this on the B/C Weight board.

 

[SDAnderson]

Both, probably. Distributing the weight is important, to better control your trim in the water, to make it easier to ditch small portions of the weight in an emergency and to balance the bouyancy between yourself and your rig.

The best solution is probably to put a little weight in the BCD and most in a harness system. This will also have the added benefit of being the most comfortable solution, too.

Steven

 

[Tom R]

Switching to a steel tank, a halcyon BP system with intergrated wieghts will do the trick quite nice.

Tom

 

[Axeman]

I agree that distributing weight is essential for a good diving experience.

I am also a big guy and when I started out I put some weight in my bc and the rest on a harness. I was happy withthe results.

Now I dive with weight in my BC but I added a stainless steel back plate and took the weight out of the bc.

besides redistributing the weight it makes for a really solid systemfor mounting the tank.

The weight of the back plate was perfect and my trim straigntened out.

also my weight pouches are lighter to carry around.
hope this helps.

 

[Eric__U]

i can also second the halcyon system. Works like a charm. Keeps you stabalized and they can be heavly adjusted to fit properly. i got the steel backplate.

 

[Silverback]

I'm also in favor of the BP and Wing system. It can grow as your needs grow too... and once your used to it, you won't go back.

The S/S BP will give you about 6lbs, 12 if double up, you can take off your belt.

The BP and Wing system is not just for Technical diving and I know you're only a O/W and will be looking at your Adv. O/W soon, but... never say never. There is many aspects of "technical" diving. Remember, its was once considered to be "technical" just to dive with Enriched Air, now its common practice and its part of recreational diving.

 

[bcda]

My personal taste is a basic BC with integrated weights. I've tried almost every type of weighting and bouyancy combinations over the past 15 years and I've found the integrated system as being the most comfortable.
I use 2lb ankle weights (my feet tend to float), 2 x 2.5lb trim weights in the trim pockets of the BC and the balance in quick release weight pockets on each side.
This takes the weight off my waist and distributes it where I want it. Don't let everyone confuse you with what they like however, everyone has their own comfort zone.
Go to a store and try on several units, see if they have rental units availalbe for you to try in the pool or on weekends. Like your mask, your BC must be one of the comfortable pieces of equipment you will wear. If it isn't, or you are fighting it, it will spoil your dive.

So, in short, go try a couple of different ones for yourself. If you have no inclination to tech dive, stay away of the back plates, harness, double blatters, etc.... stick with the plain and simple jacket style bc.

If you decide to change, than do the same, try them out until you find what you like.

bh
PADI Course Director CD201,745

 

[Eric__U]

hey,
I have no Inclination of starting a debate but i am wondering why you think a non tech diver should stay away from a harness/backplate setup? To me it seems a lot more simpler then a regular jacket BC with excessive pockets and d-rings. It also streamlines the diver more then q diver with a 75 lb lift "tech jacket" diving singles. just my thought.

 

[SDAnderson]

If you have no inclination to tech dive, stay away of the back plates, harness, double blatters, etc.... stick with the plain and simple jacket style bc.

Huh? Wow - here's a blanket recommendation that runs contrary to the experiences of most. A backplate/wing combination is simpler, more reliable and more effective than any stablizing jacket BCD that I'm aware of. I'll agree that there is a lot of technical gear out there that the average recreational diver has little use for, including double bladder wings, but how do you figure the rest of this? I'm not a PADI Course Director, but I have owned a few stab jackets as well as backplate/wings over the years (and some other technologies, too) and am suprised to see this comment.

Steven

 

[Axeman]

I would have to agree with Eric on the fact that back inflation is the better way to go...... IMHO jacket inflation is no good...



something like a concept II from zeagle would suit your needs... or if you are big into travel you could go with the scout... but that is a little sparce... I like the concept for "low tech" diving.

Thanks