What style harness for a beginner?

[lord1234]

So I have been browsing scubal.com(triple L's retail side it seems) and have noticed the 3 different styles.
Stabilizing
Back inflation
Front Adjustable

What is the difference between the three? Is one better than the others for a beginner?

 

[kidspot]

I don't know the difference between the stabalizing and the Front adjustable. Normally the standard Jacket style BC (Front adjustable) is called a stabalizer jacket. This style wears like a jacket, and has an air bladder which wraps around the individual. Most rentals are this style and many instructors (though not all) start their students in this style.

Back inflate places the air bladder on your back and is preferred by many divers because there is no squeeze around your body when it is inflated fully at the surface (neither type should need to be inflated much at depth, unless you are improperly weighted) Most divers who use a back inflate also say that it helps them maintain proper horizontal trim in the water.

You will find a lot of folks on the Scubaboard that will recommend the Back inflate style (or a subset of back inflates called a Backplate and Wing) including myself, but the choice is up to you and you are best served by trying the different styles and seeing which you prefer (I'd also recommend trying a bp/wing if possilbe ) before purchasing. Triple-L (ScubaL) does make good quality equipment, so you'll get a good price from them (also they are in the process of designing a BP/Wing rig too)

As for a style best for a beginner - you will find instructors who will all recommend a different style... in other words you can learn and do well in any of them which you use. The diver makes the biggest difference, not the gear...

If you have questions about the specifics of ScubaL's gear check out Triple-L's forum and ask them directly at http://triple-l.invisionzone.com/index.php?

You can also read through some of the older threads in this forum (the BC forum) to find definite preferences and reasons behind those preferences...

Have fun!

Tim

 

[kidspot]

btw - here are a couple of "heated" threads dealing with this issue - both started by the same person (seajay - who has a fun to read stlye of writing)

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=12791

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=26089
( http://www.deepsouthdivers.org/bc.html is the article referenced in the first post and the subject of this thread)

 

[scubaL Team]

So I have been browsing scubal.com(triple L's retail side it seems) and have noticed the 3 different styles.

Stabilizing
Back inflation
Front Adjustable

What is the difference between the three? Is one better than the others for a beginner?

Dear Lord1234
Thank you for your interest in scubaL's products. We'd like to get you an overview about our three types of BCDs:

STABILIZING

We are one of only two companies in the world that have the ability to make this type of high-tech BCD. This ability not only demonstrates ScubaL's innovative capabilities, but also ScubaL's approach to workmanship. The Stabilizing BCD offers an internal envelop that wraps around the diver and allows air to flow more efficiently throughout the BCD. This allows air to circulate freely side to side, from the bottom front side up to the shoulder and then to the bottom of the backside, where it maintains the diver in a stable attitude. Conversely, the diver rotates and moves around this bubble of air, increasing stability and control while making every movement more precise and comfortable. Stabilizing models include LIBRA.


BACK INFLATION
The Back Inflation type is our best selling style and a favorite choice of divers. This style is a combination of a high loaded air Bladder and a multi functional harness. Since the air bladder is assembled on the back of the harness, it does not hold or squeeze the diver, making it a more enjoyable diving experience for the diver. The diver enjoys a more comfortable fit and more freedom of arm motion and a less encumbered feeling. A harness with an adjustable shoulder and weight belt system gives the diver a more secure fit. Our back inflate model also has trim pockets, integrated pockets, built toward the back of the BCD, and drop pockets in the front of the BCD. It is possible for the diver to estimate how much weight to use in the front pockets as well as the rear trim pockets. ScubaL models include: ORION, PEGASUS, ISIS

FRONT ADJUSTABLE
This is the Standard Jacket type BCD. It offers a variety of fits, no matter the thickness of the suit worn. The same BCD will fit whether wearing a frigid dry suit or a tropical wetsuit. Quick-release, adjustable shoulder buckles and an adjustable weight belt system make this type of BC the BC of choice when want maximum versatility. They can be put on loosely first-then gradually tightened to a secure fit-before or during a dive. ScubaL models of this type include: Instructor, Stratos, Altair, Taurus, Aquarius, Juvi