Tips for Buying a BC

[Spotm]

Hey all,

So I'm slowly getting together my dive system, and my next step is my BC. I definitely want a woman's style and weight integrated. I'm looking at styles from Bare, Sherwood, Oceanic, etc.
I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions on BCs they like, and feature that they like on their BCs.

Let me know your thoughts!

 

[vladimir]

Get a BP/W!

 

[watboy]

Got my GF an Oceanic Hera for xmas. She did not care for my Halcyon, as much as I wanted her to go BP/W. The Hera, at least here, was really good value, well built, and most importantly, easy to adjust and well fitting on my GF. I like how the trim weight pockets are on the tank straps. What I don't like, its surprisingly heavy and bulky when packing. Dunno why, it doesn't look like its a big BCD when worn, but when packing it takes quite a bit of space. They are also cut a little large, had to get an XS for my GF, usually just a small in other BCDs.

 

[herman]

First off, decide what diving you are going to be doing most. If it's local and cold, then BCs with larger lift may be in order. If you will be traveling by air to warm locations a lightweight BC with a lot less lift is more in line. Decide what features you want/like and which you can live without. There are many good BCs on the market from several different manufactures and everyone has their favorite make and style.
And a final piece of advise on this or any board. Pass over any post that says any particular brand, make or model are the best. Only you can decide what is best for you, every make and model have their advantages and disavantages but bottom line is a good diver can dive in any BC and your comfort and safety are all that really matter.

 

[ajduplessis]

First get you buoyancy nailed down and become very comfortable in the water. Once proficient and comfortable, test dive with each of the systems (jacket, rear inflation and BP/W). You will quickly understand the differences and benefits between the systems. Then go and buy a BP/W!!!!!!!! OK, only joking.

My point is, only when you really have control over your buoyancy will you know what works for you and your requirements.

 

[BDSC]

When my wife got certified she tried on a couple of different brands and actually test dove them and she ended up liking the Scubapro Ladyhawk the best. It fit her perfectly. I think Scubapro makes excellent quality bc's. Just one to think about.

 

[DiveMaven]

Best advice I can give you is to TRY AS MANY DIFFERENT ONES THAT YOU CAN before you decide. Don't listen to anyone tell you that any one is better than others, and that includes the BP/W. Not everyone who tries the BP/W buys one or even likes them. I'm like Watboy's girlfriend...don't like the BP/W at all and prefer something else.

If you're interested in wing style back-inflate, I will suggest that you look at the Zeagle line of women's BCs. Zeagles are basically harnesses with wings attached, and are modular in design making a custom fit possible for each diver at no extra expense. They are also weight integrated, but they don't have pull out weight pockets that can cost more than $25 each to replace if lost (learned that the hard way with my husband's old BC).

 

[emoreira]

There has been many complains with Weight Integrated BCDs that the weight pouches slip from their pockets.
The weight pouches should have a stiffner to avoid it from slipping off the pocket.
Please see these threads :
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cressi/267233-cressi-back-jac-weight-pockets-issue.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...72-weight-integrated-bcd-pouches-falling.html
Consider this point when choosing your BCD.

 

[Token]

Best advice I can give you is to TRY AS MANY DIFFERENT ONES THAT YOU CAN before you decide. Don't listen to anyone tell you that any one is better than others, and that includes the BP/W.

+1. Fit is everything. This is something worth paying LDS prices for...

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

First get you buoyancy nailed down and become very comfortable in the water. Once proficient and comfortable, test dive with each of the systems (jacket, rear inflation and BP/W). You will quickly understand the differences and benefits between the systems. Then go and buy a BP/W!!!!!!!! OK, only joking.

My point is, only when you really have control over your buoyancy will you know what works for you and your requirements.

BP&W will get your buoyancy nailed down, and give you control in the water faster than any of the other systems out there. Get the system and work on it right from the start!

TOKEN - +1. Fit is everything. This is something worth paying LDS prices for...


Always guaranteed a great fit with a BP&W!

DIVEMAVEN - Best advice I can give you is to TRY AS MANY DIFFERENT ONES THAT YOU CAN before you decide. Don't listen to anyone tell you that any one is better than others, and that includes the BP/W. Not everyone who tries the BP/W buys one or even likes them. I'm like Watboy's girlfriend...don't like the BP/W at all and prefer something else.

That is good advice but make sure you get in the water with them. Trying one on in a showroom does not constitute how it is in the water. We have divers test dive in our pool as well as a local lake. BTW, because we have test dives, 90% of our BC's sold are BP&W.