Question about BC and Regulator

[av8rboie]

Hi! I"m about to do my OW classes and I am buying some of my own equipment. I am considering buying my own BC, but I was confused on something. THis is probally a stupid question, but since I"m new, I figure I have to start learning somewhere.

If you buy a BC, do you also have to buy a regulator, or is the regulator hooked up to the tank?

The reason I ask is, I don't have enough money for both right away, do I don't want to buy the BC, only to find out I can't use it!

Again soory for the newbie question!

Thanks!

Mike

 

[hunter991]

The regulator is a multi piece item. Their is a first stage that hooks on the tank and it has two second stages with mouth pieces that you put in your mouth and breathe off of. The BC is the jacket you wear to provide the ability to come up or down or hover in the water. They are two seperate systems. If I were you I would probably buy the BC first, as it requires more fit and will allow more comfort than a regulator.

Good luck in your purchase.

Brent

 

[LowVizWiz]

You can buy them separate

 

[Wilson]

I bought my regulator first, but looking back on it I would buy the BC first. You can get by with most rental regulators, but the fit of the BC is more critical. You will have to buy a regulator eventually and the tank is separate (more expense). Take it slow, try a lot of gear out, make sure of the comfort and fit. Good luck with the OW's.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

I agree......Great points! In this sport, comfort is everything!!! If you arent comfy at all on the surface trying it on or it feels awkward, put it back and try something else as it will be worse when your underwater and ruin your dives........

What have you been looking at? whats your budget? Maybe we can help with some suggestions.....


Mike

 

[plot]

I'd buy my reg first just so I'd have more chances to try out a lot of different BC's before I picked one.

 

[av8rboie]

I agree......Great points! In this sport, comfort is everything!!! If you arent comfy at all on the surface trying it on or it feels awkward, put it back and try something else as it will be worse when your underwater and ruin your dives........

What have you been looking at? whats your budget? Maybe we can help with some suggestions.....


Mike

I haven't started looking yet. I found a lot of sales online. Obviously, I don't just want to buy something because it's onsale. The only thing I know forsure is that I want one with integrated weights, as to avoid also have to wear a weight belt. Can you reccomend some good ones that I should be looking at.

The frustrating part is that I know I have to buy my first one from the LDS to assure a nice fit, but in doing this, I severly limit my selection.

I look forward to any advice you can serve up!

Thanks for the replies!

Mike

 

[plot]

I haven't started looking yet. I found a lot of sales online. Obviously, I don't just want to buy something because it's onsale. The only thing I know forsure is that I want one with integrated weights, as to avoid also have to wear a weight belt. Can you reccomend some good ones that I should be looking at.

The frustrating part is that I know I have to buy my first one from the LDS to assure a nice fit, but in doing this, I severly limit my selection.

I look forward to any advice you can serve up!

Thanks for the replies!

Mike

If you can try on other peoples BC's before you buy one, you'll know which one and what size will work... then shopping online can be very effective. I'm also sure there is more than one shop in your area so check out some of the other ones.

I prefer the weightbelt simply becuase lugging around a BC with 20lbs of weight in it isn't fun, but it's all a personal preference.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

What brands do they carry? I wouldnt limit yourself to just what they carry unless you like their selection. Almost all BCs now have integrated weights, at least the ones I sell do, here are a couple of the most popular ones....

What we use for rental:
http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=6_9&products_id=318http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/FlyFlip420/carinsnow.jpg

Awesome Jacket Style:
http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=6_9&products_id=315

Awesome Back inflate:
http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=6_9&products_id=314

http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=6_9&products_id=317

Like Plot said, try a bunch on....go to the different stores and see what you like the best.....The ones above are just some ideas.....

Mike

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Being new an integrated BC works out nicely but you may find it easier to wear a weight belt as well with the weight split when you are starting to help with your buyouancy. Good luck with your gear shopping shoot us pm's if you need any help.