So many options and so many questions

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jaydub

jaydub

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Hello everyone. I am what you would consider a n00b diver, was certified in 98 and have only logged about 6 dives since then. I am looking into purchasing my own gear and am completely confused on what I should be looking to purchase. Do I purchase a jacket style bcd or do I go with a bp/w setup?

No coldwater diving for me, only warm water. And simply recrecational diving, like to look at the corals and fish. There are so many options and different setups I really have no clue where I should start.
 
First things first. Take a refresher course. If that is already scheduled ignore number one and good for you for making that choice.

I have never worn a jacket BC, raised on a Zeagle back inflate BC. I think it is the best of both worlds.

You could rent a few different style BC's and see what "fits" you. Without knowing you this is tough. It is like recommending a car to someone. Will you like what I like???
 
Like many people here I've dove with both. I wore a jacket style BC for a couple years and bought a bp/w setup this year. Like you're going to hear many times again, I prefer the bp/w for various reasons. They are...

1. More horisontal and easier trim in the water but still very easy to be upright, upside down, on your back etc. Being upright at the surfice is fine as well, you're not pushed on your face and floating on your back and kicking is a breeze.

2. Not much more expensive and much cheaper to repair if required. If the webbing gets worn, just replace it, you don't have to replace the entire rig.

3. It a lot less bulky and you can get weighted backplates so you have to wear less weight around your waist. I have a 6lb stainless steel backplate.

4. Much more streamlined in the water, it's like you're not wearing anything at all. Granted the webbing is a little more tough on the shoulders than a jacket style when out of the water but you can get padded harnesses or a soft-pack like the transpac.

5. BP/W dry a lot faster and don't get as stinky because there's much less material.

6. You can add / move / remove drings as you please to accomidate your configuration.

7. Even though you're completely recreational warm water, you can use your setup in any environment and will easily be able to accomidate changes in the future. Once you have your own gear you'll most likely increase your diving 100 fold and may want to venture into other territories.

8. One size fits all. A couple of my friends use my stuff once in a while and it'll fit the skinniest at 140lb to the more portly at 270lb.

I'm sure there's more I can think of but that should be a good start.
 
rapidiver:
You don't have to spend the huge bucks. Shop around
Click to expand...
What he said.

Take a refresher course and buy a BC off ebay. If you're doing warm water recreational dives, as you note, you'll fit right in.

The only way you'll know what feels right to you is to compare and contrast the two options, and that after you've been diving rather regularly and have some idea of what you're looking for.

So get one or the other, and get going. As rapidiver said, tho, if you get a used BC it won't hurt so bad when you sell it used later to try something else. Most divers who have been at it for awhile have a bin full of crap we bought that we don't use anymore. It's part of learning what works for you...

Dive safe,

Doc
 
Thanks for the advice so far. I have already taken a refresher course and just my luck I happened to be in belize at the time, so I was able to log about 6 dives while I was there. Obviously I have only used rental gear so far but do not recall what brand/model the rental BC and reg's were. I would love to go to a LDS and try a few BC's out but the only diving close are lake dives and I have no desire to dive in a lake.


Are there any brands/model in particular that I should definitely steer clear from? On the board here I have read nothing but great reviews on zeagle products.


Oh and rapidiver - not sure on pinace pete's. Where was it located? We have a pinacle steak house, some of the best slabs of grilled cow flesh I have eaten.
 
Like one other said, a refresher course is a great idea, I took one and was glad I did. Also a good chance to try out whatever BC you pick in the pool.
In my opinion, you should look at the Zeagle Stilleto or Halcyon Pioneer. They are both great for the type of diving you describe. Scubatoys sells the Zeagle and the Halcyon you can get several places. If you can't get it locally, check out:
http://www.fifthd.com/store/index.p...s_id=6&zenid=fa21a83709914f2a140537f6a9f9b00f
You also might want to check out Halcyon's site for a list of retailers, I think there is one in Pheonix.
good luck
 
Welcome to the board Jay.
Let me point out one detail that most seem to miss. You specifically ask about a BP/wing. A BP/wing is a subset of a bigger varity of BCs, the back inflates. Most manufactures make back inflate models. Zeagle, Scubapro and most others have models. Bp/wings in their pure form are a metal plate, a single length of webbing for a harness with a single buckel, a couple of D rings and a bladder of some form. In contrast, the other back inflates use various materials to attach the tank and have quick release/adjustable shoulder straps. Some have added features like intergrated weights, pockets and interchangable bladders. Which is best for you is a matter of personal choice and diving requirements. For serious tech diving or doubles, a BP/wing is by far the best choice. For warm reefs they will do a fine job but for me, I prefer the added features of the other back inflate styles. I like the convience of the quick releases, ease of shoulder strap adjustment and intergrated weights that the other back inflate models offer. Do yourself a big favor and rent,borrow or beg several different types and models and dive them before making your decision.
 
From the standpoint of the type, there are pros and cons to each. I had a jacket BC in class and hated it, most likely cause it was a cheaper model and always seemed to be moving around on me.

Right now, I'm diving a Genesis Recon back inflate with an integrated weight system. Mines sort of a hybrid between a back-inflate and a BP&W, because its set up with a doubles kit that has a stainless back plate bolted on it. I use a single tank adapter since I only dive singles right now. The plate's heavy, but I don't need any weight when diving in fresh water and my trim is great.

I like it, but I'm currently shopping for BP&W system to try that as well. I typically look for gear that's second hand, as long as it's in good shape and try to buy from other divers as opposed to a e-Bay power seller or someone who has no knowledge of the history of the equipment. You can also sometimes find deals on used stuff at your local dive shop. I bought my daughter a Recon off another diver on this board for $100 in brand-new condition and by lucky coincidence bought my Recon with the doubles kit for $100 from my LDS.

Good luck with your search

John
 
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