Tips for Back Inflate Newbies

[iflyprops]

I just ordered my first BC, a Zeagle Escape, and am planning to make my first dive within the next two weeks. Everyone I have talked to says that there is a small learning curve associated with back inflation but once you conquer it they are much better than the jacket style. I was just wondering/hoping some of you more experienced divers would give this novice diver a few tips so I dont make a total fool out of myself!
Thank you!
Adam

 

[diverlady]

It's much easier to dump air - just lean back on it. You won't get pushed on your face on the surface if you don't fill it all the way up. If you do think you're being pushed forward, just lean back a bit and it's fine. It allows for much greater manoeuverability in it at depth since you don't have to wait for the air to move around. I'll never go back to a jacket style. What I did notice was I had been relying on the squeezing of the jacket to let me know how much air I had in it. Obviously, that doesn't happen in a BI.

I have the Zeagle Concept II Sport which I don't think they sell anymore. It's very much like the Escape.

Diverlady

 

[herman]

I agree with DL, don't overinflate them, if you do they will tend to plant you face down on the surface. Also, if it has trim pockets in the rear, move some you our weight from the frount to them. I dive a Ranger and a Scout and use about a 2 to 1 ratio or 1 lb in the rear for every 2 in the frount. This helps a lot with trim and to a lesser extent, the the face planting problem. What works best for you depends on a lot of things so start with a little in the rear and work up to what is best for you. I do like the back inflates over a jacket and will not go back. Enjoy your new BC.

 

[ScottyK]

Good advice so far. The only other thing I can think to add is to snug it up good at the beginning of the dive. It won't squeeze tighter lake a jacket BC when you start putting air into it.

Enjoy!!!

Scott

 

[mars2u]

Don't assume that pushing you forward means slamming you forward. I had this misconception about the Balance BCD I tested before I bought it from everything I heard. Does it slightly push you forward? Yes. How bad? Not very if at all. I tend to keep my legs slightly forward of my body anyway so I never really noticed the "pushing forward" effect. If you keep your legs perfectly staright, then yes, you will have the sensation that the bcd might be pushing you forward ever so slightly. I would suggest testing any bcd in a pool to see if you like it.

 

[iflyprops]

Thanks! I really appreciate the replies. If all goes well it will be here friday so I can start tinkering. I dont think the escape has any rear trim pockets but I intend on purchasing some from zeagle in the very near future, but I would like to dive it first to se if they are neccesary in my case.

Thank again!
Adam

 

[diverlady]

iflyprops once bubbled...
I dont think the escape has any rear trim pockets but I intend on purchasing some from zeagle in the very near future, but I would like to dive it first to se if they are neccesary in my case.

Escape BC
Standard Features:
• 35-lb lift capacity low profile bladder
• PFS Sizing
• Reinforced 430 denier para-pac nylon construction
• Two flap utility pockets
• Adjustable elastic waist panels
• 4 Delrin D-rings
• Adjustable Sternum Strap
• 30-lb capacity Ripcord weight system (pull-out system also available)
• 20-lb Capacity rear mount weight system
• 5 Trim Colors available on shoulders

Yes, it has rear mount weight system. You don't need to buy the pouches. You can put regular lead weights in the pockets as long as they are big enough not to slip out.

Diverlady

 

[Gator Diver]

.....and to top it off the Escape has a lifetime warranty
for the original owner. I don't think the Balance does.
Happy Diving.

 

[herman]

Yea you can use it without them BUT it's iffy with soft weights and small hard weights can fall out. I tend to use a lot of small sized weights, some 1 lbs and less, theses can fall though the lacing on the Ripcord system. Besides, it makes loading and unloading the BC a lot easier. I have heard of some boats that require you to remove your weight belts/intergrated weights before getting back on board, having to hand them up in rough seas would be a real pain without the bags. They come in 2 sizes, unless you need loads of weight, the smaller size is fine and easier to insert.....Guess this is a matter of personal pref..

 

[mars2u]

newbie-in-fl once bubbled...
.....and to top it off the Escape has a lifetime warranty
for the original owner. I don't think the Balance does.
Happy Diving.

I just checked...the Balance does.

"Limited Lifetime Warranty
Sea Quest warrants to the original purchaser that the product will
remain free from defects in material and workmanship throughout
its useful life; provided that it receives normal use, proper care, and
prescribed dealer service subject to those restrictions stated below..
This warranty does not apply to units subjected to misuse, abuse,
neglect, modification, or unauthorized service.
This limited warranty is extended only to the original purchaser
for products purchased directly from an authorized Sea Quest
Dealer, and is not transferable."