What kind of "BC" should I get and why?

[yknot]

Forget BP & W if you want "value". While a back plate may be a good choice it will be much harder to quantify for most divers. Unless you are in an area frequented by cave or wreck divers, with LDS' that cater to them, you won't get any help or info withour seeking out divers who use this configuaration. This may mean more than just asking questions here. If you pursue a BP, find local divers that will let you try their gear and help you with setup. BP & W also tend to be an ala carte configuration and don't offer weight integration, with total costs generally higher than some "traditional" types of BC's. For value, start by looking at Triple L products, www.triple-l.biz. You won't find anything cheaper unless it's used.

 

[Mitchell]

How big of air cell lift do you need? Or should I say how do you figure out the correct size amount.

 

[The Kraken]

Single tank, recreational diving, 30#-45# is an ample lift capacity.

 

[Gator Diver]

thing is to talk to lots of people, borrow their BC
and see what is easy to get repaired in your area
if you have a problem.

 

[mstudley]

I want a BC with a BANG for the BUCK?

THanks for the info.

The BC attached to the OMG Azimuth rebreather is nice That would offer quite the bang for your buck.

 

[scubadobadoo]

Certainly the Triple L is a brand to look into as well if you want cheap and what seems to be, from opinions on this board, a quality product for a GREAT price. However, if you shop online from a place like North East Scuba Supply you can get a Dive Rite SS backplate, wing, weight pockets, cam bands, and your choice of harness for just over 400 bucks shipped and mostly configured. SO, while it is harder to learn about BPandWings if your area divers don't use them, it is still possible to get one for less than a mediocre jacket style BC from many local dive shops. Research, as many above stated. This thread/board is flled with good advice and many opinions that have good points My advice is to buy what you want and need the first time, because as evryone who gets hooked on diving wil tell you, you will not be happy in the long run and will end up buying something else. I went through 4 BC's before finally buying what I wanted and needed. A little extra money the first time will/may save you hundreds in the future. However, that doesn't mean that expensive always = better. Good luck.

 

[computerjim]

I dive a backplate and wing as a rec diver for two resons. I do not like the squeeze that most jackets seem to give me and the plate straping is much more adjustable to my impression of a good fit.

That said, buy the BC that you have tried after trying several in the water the fits. At the end of the day the three most important things are fit, fit & fit.

 

[Kestrell]

BP & W also tend to be an ala carte configuration and don't offer weight integration, with total costs generally higher than some "traditional" types of BC's.

Zeagle offers their rip-cord weight system with their BP/W.