Please suggest BC for new diver.

[SaltyCracker]

Students tend not to know how to moderate inflation on the surface and typically max out the BC.

With a jacket, this lets them ride higher and feel more secure. With a back inflate it leads to instability and pitching forward.

It's easily addressed by an instructor who knows the issue but what if he/she is dealing with another student and the back inflate student has to manage the issue on their own? Nuances of inflation and buoyancy control are easily forgotten when you feel insecure. Releasing air when you feel like you are drowning is counterintuitive and a student can easily dump too much air.

This was my experience when I switched to my harness system. By then I had a few seasons of experience so I overcame it quickly but those first few times it was quite disconcerting until I realized what I was doing to myself. Thanks for reminding me of this, I totally forgot about this happening and I don't want to put my young, already apprehensive son in this position right from the start. I'll let him make that choice later on when he's more experienced. I had to make a similar decision when it came to deciding where to take him for his open water dives. Blue Grotto or ocean boat dives.
So again, I'd like to be more clear on exactly what is the real difference between a standard jacket style, back inflation, BC/W and hybrid BCD.

 

[Still Kicking]

So again, I'd like to be more clear on exactly what is the real difference between a standard jacket style, back inflation, BC/W and hybrid BCD.

Did you miss my post above spelling out the differences?

 

[SaltyCracker]

Such a small fraction of recreational divers go into technical diving and dive doubles (note: I don't know a specific %) that I usually don't make much of an issue of that in picking a BCD, but with your son's mindset, he might be the exception. And he might enjoy the self-informing decision-making process of selecting a BP/W setup. If he's got a strong interest in wreck diving, and likes to get into things deeply (no pun intended!), there's a decent chance he'll end up in one eventually.

I suggest finding a BP/W setup, and a traditional jacket BCD setup (and a back-inflate jacket BCD setup), and comparing cost. I doubt it's going to vary hugely. The jacket will be simply to 'plug and play,' at the cost of potential modification and customization.

I dive a BP/W setup, and I'm 'just' a recreational diver unlikely to pursue technical diving.

Yeah, it's quite possible that he may go "deeper" in the distant future but I'm feeling like he'll be better served right now if I set him up with "off the rack" "plug and play" resort gear. He's got a younger brother that often follows him into our hobbies so his beginner gear will likely get used again.

 

[James79]

I would recommend borrowing or renting a couple types for some easy shore dives or pool testing to let him try (after certification).
As regards what those types are:
Jacket: wrap around air cell, easy adjustment within it's limited size range, floats head up at the surface, but can feel constricting and has higher drag.
Back inflate: Similar construction to Jacket, but the air cell is on the back and does not cause constriction of the torso when full. Less drag typically than jacket, easier to maintain trim, but an oversized air cell completely full can lead to that "pushing forward" feeling at the surface (this is a non issue if you are aware of it and shown to lay back on the air cell and or inflate appropriately instead of just full)
BPW: Plate for structure distributes some weight near your center of mass. Basic harness is very "clean", no clutter, and is infinitely adjustable for size and what you put on it. Inherently a back inflate design, with same quirks as a back inflate BCD.

Just my thoughts on it off the top of my head. My boys (11 and 15) and I dive BPW that I made from scratch... tried jacket and back inflate, ended up loving BPW. My wife tried back inflate, and solidly prefers jacket BCDs.... to each their own, it really is a personal preference.

Respectfully,

James

edit to add: If you find yourselves in the Lower Alabama/ Florida panhandle area, I could loan him all 3 types to try (sizing dependent).

 

[SaltyCracker]

Did you miss my post above spelling out the differences?

Oops... yes I did.

 

[SaltyCracker]

I would recommend borrowing or renting a couple types for some easy shore dives or pool testing to let him try (after certification).
As regards what those types are:
Jacket: wrap around air cell, easy adjustment within it's limited size range, floats head up at the surface, but can feel constricting and has higher drag.
Back inflate: Similar construction to Jacket, but the air cell is on the back and does not cause constriction of the torso when full. Less drag typically than jacket, easier to maintain trim, but an oversized air cell completely full can lead to that "pushing forward" feeling at the surface (this is a non issue if you are aware of it and shown to lay back on the air cell and or inflate appropriately instead of just full)
BPW: Plate for structure distributes some weight near your center of mass. Basic harness is very "clean", no clutter, and is infinitely adjustable for size and what you put on it. Inherently a back inflate design, with same quirks as a back inflate BCD.

Just my thoughts on it off the top of my head. My boys (11 and 15) and I dive BPW that I made from scratch... tried jacket and back inflate, ended up loving BPW. My wife tried back inflate, and solidly prefers jacket BCDs.... to each their own, it really is a personal preference.

Respectfully,

James

edit to add: If you find yourselves in the Lower Alabama/ Florida panhandle area, I could loan him all 3 types to try (sizing dependent).

Your offer is generous, thank you.
Your personal experience with your family has me feeling more comfortable with my likely decision to go with a standard back inflation BC. At least that way he has the option of moving on to a BP/W model and appreciating the difference. And at that point, his brother can follow down the same path.

 

[Chavodel8en]

My one recommendation. Get something w 2 tanks straps. Ive seen too many tanks slip. Recently on vacation, with well-used rental gear, my tank slipped even though I tightened the one strap, and it wasnt fun swimming back to the boat in current (I think it was the current that slipped the tank out). New divers may not be able to manage a slipped tank well.

When I was in the market for a new BC, my requirement for 2 tank straps lead me to a BP/W, but you may find 2 straps in whatever style you prefer. My preference is for back-inflate, either an all-in one BC, or a BP/W system (DGX is a good deal, you may want SS, alum or soft BP, depending on your weighting needs), as I dont like the Michelin Man feel of a jacket. While back-inflates do not ride as high as a jacket BC on the surface, I do not find myself "pitched forward", and its not an issue for me.

Edit - did not see that you've settled on a back-inflate BC, I still suggest 2 tank straps.

 

[Jake 10]

Hello from another Virginian transplant. many before me have provided a similar experience, but here is one more to consider.

I have two boys, at the time of AOW cert they where 16 & 18. The boys went through this same scenario few years back. Their approach was to rent and test various BCD's every time they dive. They rented Sherwood AVID; Mares Prestige, Bolt, and Prime; Scuapro Level, Hawk, Glide, Hydro; Genesis Origin, Odyssey; Aqualung Rouge, HD Pro, AXIOM.

Short story: one went with Aqualung Axion, the other went with Mares Prestige SLS. Each son has their reason (price, comfort, quality) in their decision. I would have suggested TUSA, Sherwood AVID, or ScubaPro, (in no particular order) but they are anatomically different from each other. They do most recreationally diving and are not into tech yet.

Try and see if your son can have access to some local shops and try some BCD's from different brands until he finds one that really fits comfortable. Keep in mind the weights, if he wants weights integrated into BCD, prefers belt or rip cords, etc., etc.

 

[SaltyCracker]

My one recommendation. Get something w 2 tanks straps.

Yes, two straps. That's been suggested and I see why that would be important. Is that something easy to add aftermarket to most back inflate non BP/W models?

Many divers buy simpler, lighter BC's as they gain more experience.

At the $400 price point, I like the Zeagle Scout. Back inflate. Trim pockets in rear. Zippered weight pockets in front (which I prefer to quick-release mechanisms, especially for new divers). This is what I put my OW students in. Does everything a recreational diver needs from a BC. No need to spend more unless you want to make a fashion statement.

I think this is the way I want to go. Please explain your feelings about zippered weight pockets vs quick release.
I'm looking at several back inflate Zeagle models (listed below) and would like your opinion on what you think would be most suitable. They are all within my hoped price range and there is no desire for makeing a fashion statement.

Shop Zeagle Scout BCD at Affordable Price | Divers Supply

A great travel companion low profile ,lightweight and cost effective.

www.divers-supply.com

Zeagle Express Deluxe BCD (No Weight System)

Highly customizable and versatile lightweight travel BC.

www.divers-supply.com

Zeagle Express Deluxe with Zip Touch Weight System

Highly customizable and versatile lightweight travel BC.

www.divers-supply.com

Zeagle Covert XT BCD

Zeagle Covert XT BCD

www.divers-supply.com

Zeagle Bravo BCD

Bravo is the next step in the evolution of the Sport line. It elevates every dive with its generous and easy-access pockets, six stainless steel D-rings, and adjustable cummerbund.

www.divers-supply.com

 

[Still Kicking]

Is Chesapeake Bay considered cold water diving? 7mm wetsuits with 20lbs+ lead? If so, forget the three warm water travel BCs. You will wear them out.