Trying to decide between 3 different BCDs

[landphil]

I'm not sure the XDeep is $200 better than the Deep6. The main difference you'd notice between the two is that the XDeep has super wide shoulder strap slots. I've met a couple of women who kind of hated their XDeep backplate because the shoulder straps would always be slipping down their arms unless they made them way too tight (designed by men, for men.) But if you're an average or larger-sized man, it should fit great. Other than that, I've never heard any backplate/wing diver complain that they needed twice the crotch straps, which seems to be the main feature of the Zen.

The Hydros Pro is definitely a $500 upgrade from a standard BPW if that's the kind of BC you want. If I was a warm to cool water single tank rec. diver who travelled a lot, I would definitely consider the Hydros Pro (I used to own one and dive with a lot of people who use a Hydros Pro for cold water/drysuit diving.) It's really comfy and packs down super small without being some unsubstantial travel rig. For something like deeper wreck diving, where you'll route a full-length long hose, sling a pony and clip on a bunch of reels and lights that you'll be messing with throughout the dive, the Hydros would work; but that Deep6 can be configured to work exactly as you need it.

 

[johndiver999]

I doubt I will ever have enough money to look at a BP/w that costs $400 and a SP BC that is, like what, $1300 as equals. I think spending that much on that BC is a little crazy, but if somebody really prefers that option and knows from experience that it is superior for their needs, then I guess it makes sense.

If someone is shopping between 3 really pretty different options (and they all seem equally functional) then why not buy the cheap one frst and see if it works? Worst case you sell it for half price after using it a dozen times and you loose $200 or something.

I'm not a huge fan of BP/w, in fact I have been using an old SP BC for the last year, exclusively but I got it used and cheap and it floats me pretty nice and comfortably on the surface and that is a significant benefit for me.

 

[BoltSnap]

I'm not a huge fan of BP/w, in fact I have been using an old SP BC for the last year, exclusively but I got it used and cheap and it floats me pretty nice and comfortably on the surface and that is a significant benefit for me.

There is no better BC for the recreational diver than the Scubapro Classic BC (with weight pockets), NONE!

 

[NorCalDM]

So why are you not looking at DGX? Their singles package is priced well and it is a good plate. My son dives one of their aluminum plates and it is comparable to my Apeks plate. Also I buy all my webbing from them. My opinion and it's just that my opinion a plate is a plate as long as it's fitting your body some are just prettier than others. Xdeep to me is a good product but you pay too much for the "pretty", Deep 6 is good at a decent price and Hydros is good but expensive and you can't compare it to a BP/W if you are going to move on to doubles or any tech diving.

 

[johndiver999]

There is no better BC for the recreational diver than the Scubapro Classic BC (with weight pockets), NONE!

I have a classic in XL and L and I am using an XL SP BC called "Glide" maybe right now?

 

[BoltSnap]

I have a classic in XL and L and I am using an XL SP BC called "Glide" maybe right now?

What do you think of the glide? Is it the latest edition?

 

[pdwh]

You have two different backplate/wing packages and the Hydros. The SP Hydros is not even remotely worth the price. Stick with one of your other two options. I'm not familiar with XDeep or Deep 6 (none of the local shops carry those brands) but I'd take a backplate/wing over the hydros any day and use the extra money to buy an extra tank, or a spare mask and fins, or deposit on a trip, or fills for a few months, or . . .

 

[johndiver999]

What do you think of the glide? Is it the latest edition?

Sorry just checked. It is a "pilot" model. I got it used, it was new and probably 10 years old, I would guess?

I like the adjustable straps and fastex buckles in the front, which allows me to keep the harness snug and tight and not floppy underwater. The classic BC is non-adjustable and sometimes that bothers me in in certain active situations - plus sometimes I wear pretty thick suits and other times very thin, so adjustability has some benefits.

 

[BoltSnap]

You have two different backplate/wing packages and the Hydros. The SP Hydros is not even remotely worth the price.

How so? What do you base this opinion on? Have you used it at all? How many dives and how long have you had it?

 

[BoltSnap]

The classic BC is non-adjustable and sometimes that bothers me in in certain active situations - plus sometimes I wear pretty thick suits and other times very thin, so adjustability has some benefits.

My classic fits me just right when sized for the thickest suit (not drysuit). It became an issue when I gained a lot more weight during COVID times, staying inside and doing nothing.