READY TO MOVE UP! Your opinion would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

[darksidetone]

Hi all,

I am finally ready to get a new BC, but there are SO many out there, I am a little overwhelmed with the selection! I currently have an Aqualung Maverick ( I KNOW ) and I have up to about $500 to spend on a new BC. I have about 50 dives on the Maverick and it has served me well, but I am ready to move on. I have read a lot of your opinions about Back inflate, Flight control systems, etc. So what I am asking is what BC would YOU buy for under $500. I dive a minimum of twice a month, and it's all recreational. I know the question is a bit vague, but any opinion you have will be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks

 

[DMDC01]

I like the Oceanic Probe, it is weight intergrated, has plenty of pockets for extra mask, snorkel, reels, liftbags, whatever, is VERY comfortable and won rodales tester choice award for weight intergrated BC's. just my humble opinion though!!

 

[simbrooks]

BP/Wings is a very good option for that price, i got mine for less than $500, i probably wouldnt choose anything else. Simple design, can be customized in whatever way you want, if something breaks (typically wing or harness) then it cheaper to replace than a whole BC as with others. It is a back-inflate which you have heard good things about anyway and depending on which brand you get (all pretty much the same) wont break your budget.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Where do you dive and what kind of diving do you do? And what do you see in your future?

Are you looking to replace your BC every so often or would you like a system that will not need replacing?

Will you do mostly local diving, air travel diving or ground travel diving?

What kind of exposure suit do you own and/or plan to own in the future?

What kind of tanks do you own or use: aluminum 80s or steel 100s ect.

 

[darksidetone]

I live in Los Angeles, and do most of my diving around here. I boat or drive everywhere thus far. I would LOVE to travel and dive, but just haven't gotten around to it yet.

I would like something that will fit my current needs and any needs I may grow into. Right now I have no plans to switch to tek or Nitrox diving.

I currently have a Parkway 7mm wetsuit with integrated hood. I have been looking into drysuits, but haven't been cold that often in mine, YET.

I have an aluminum 80. Thanks

 

[fdog]

Darksidetone, as Uncle Pug hints at, there is a shortage of information about your diving habits, gear configuration and needs.

You should keep in mind that similar equipment can behave rather differently on two different divers. You're looking for what's best for you.

Make a list of what you're looking for, both in features and the behavior of the BC. Then, try before you buy.

All the best, James

 

[Uncle Pug]

Well a SS backplate and wing set up will get some of the weight (6#) off of your belt and in a better location. You will still have enough ditchable weight in a belt. The thing will last forever and the harness webbing is cheap enough to replace if you should ever need to. So I would suggest the you search out some of the threads here on SB that deal with purchasing a bp/wing... there are ways to do it without over spending.

Now that isn't to say that you couldn't be perfectly happy with a jacket BC or even a plastic back pack. Many folks are. But since you seem ready to move beyond the Maverick my suggestion is that you steer clear of the expensive and gimicky BCs and go with the utilitarian bp/wing.

 

[Jerryg]

I'm going through exactly the same dilema. I've logged 65 dives using a Sherwood Avid weight integrated BC. I'm now looking at a BP/Wng setup. Because the Bp&W setup is component driven you should be able to take your time and get a setup of exactly what you want at a fairly reasonable cost. I just priced a OMS BP&W setup at my LDS for $503..

 

[ninjamuzo]

I use the OMS setup for most of my tek diving but most of my friends use Dive-rite they both do a good job on tek. Dive-rite tends towards the cave side and OMS the wreck side.

 

[Tractor Tom]

I'm going through exactly the same dilema. I've logged 65 dives using a Sherwood Avid weight integrated BC. I'm now looking at a BP/Wng setup. Because the Bp&W setup is component driven you should be able to take your time and get a setup of exactly what you want at a fairly reasonable cost. I just priced a OMS BP&W setup at my LDS for $503..

...but with OMS you are paying a LOT for the name. Contact FredT on this board and have him send you his pricelist for backplates. He will also provide webbing, rings, and buckles in kit form and information to do it yourself. Then go looking for a wing that fits the type of diving you do, and you'll come out a LOT less than $503.00. OMS is nice, but it's a lot like buying IBM... You can get the same performance at a lower price by putting it together yourself.

Just my opinion mind you...