What to look for in a BC

[DannyCap]

Hello Everyone. I'm new to diving and I'm trying to get my own gear so that I don't waste money renting all summer. I already have the basic mask, fin , snorkel, booties and wetsuit. I thought a computer would be a good next purchase but after careful consideration and some great advice from people on these broards I decided to get my BC and Regs first. At my LDS all they really have in my size are the Oceanic line of BC's so I feel very limited to what I can try out. I have been reading up on the back floatation BC's and I like what I have heard, but I have no way of trying one. To be perfectly honest though I'm not sure what to look for in a BC. It doesn't seem to me that there are very many differences between all the selections, but that statement might just tell you how much of a nOOb I am. Anyways any feedback and advice on what to look for would be much appreciated and maybe if you could tell me what you like about your BC too. Thanks for the help everyone.

Danny
"ScubaBoards.com is a necessity for us new divers. I would be lost with out it."

 

[jonnythan]

IMO:

Good fit
Simplicity
Versatility
Streamlining

This is sort of a cliche here on SB, but check out backplate/wing setups. If you read through the BC forum, you'll find a tremendous amount of information about them. To get you started, here are a couple of links to pictures and so forth of them:

http://halcyon.net/mc/index.shtml
http://www.diveriteexpress.com/bcs/backplates.shtml
http://www.diveriteexpress.com/bcs/aircells.shtml
http://www.omsdive.com/backplate.html
http://www.omsdive.com/buoyancy.html#TOP
http://www.oxycheq.com/backplates.html
http://www.oxycheq.com/Wings.html

 

[utnapistim]

Hi,

you might want to look into tripple-l BCs. Not all of them are certified, but some are. I use the Orion (back-inflated, but not bp/wing) myself and am very happy with it.

see more info here:
triple-l website

[edit]they have very attractive prices, and deliver all-over the world. the only drawback is that you cannot try it before you buy.[end edit]

Hello Everyone. I'm new to diving and I'm trying to get my own gear so that I don't waste money renting all summer. I already have the basic mask, fin , snorkel, booties and wetsuit. I thought a computer would be a good next purchase but after careful consideration and some great advice from people on these broards I decided to get my BC and Regs first. At my LDS all they really have in my size are the Oceanic line of BC's so I feel very limited to what I can try out. I have been reading up on the back floatation BC's and I like what I have heard, but I have no way of trying one. To be perfectly honest though I'm not sure what to look for in a BC. It doesn't seem to me that there are very many differences between all the selections, but that statement might just tell you how much of a nOOb I am. Anyways any feedback and advice on what to look for would be much appreciated and maybe if you could tell me what you like about your BC too. Thanks for the help everyone.

Danny
"ScubaBoards.com is a necessity for us new divers. I would be lost with out it."

 

[DannyCap]

Hi,

you might want to look into tripple-l BCs. Not all of them are certified, but some are. I use the Orion (back-inflated, but not bp/wing) myself and am very happy with it.

see more info here:
triple-l website

[edit]they have very attractive prices, and deliver all-over the world. the only drawback is that you cannot try it before you buy.[end edit]

Wow is that right? I went to the Triple-L site and the most expensive back inflatation BC was the Orion ( http://store.triple-l.biz/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=130 ) for $182.10. Is there a catch I didn't notice? Does anyone else have an opinion on this BC?

 

[DannyCap]

Disregard my last post I did a search on the forums and found many threads talking about Triple-L. It seems to me from what I have read so far that this is the best bang for your buck. Being a beginner diver I'm considering the Orion. For this price I can afford to use it until I see something I like (and can afford) that is better. Then it can become a hand-me-down to a friend or family member. Thanks for telling about Triple-L I was almost reserved to the fact I would have to spend $400+ for a good BC.

 

[crpntr133]

So you are going to "waste" $182.10? Why buy and then rebuy? I think Jonnythan has the keys.
Look at the Zeagle line. The BC will fit you not the other way around. I like to support my LDS but I bought my BC from someplace else. I don't feel that service is an issue on a BC. What a minute, you are in Texas!! Call Larry at Scubatoys or check them out at Scubatoys.com. Keep in mind that the web site doesn't have everything on it.

Keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for.

 

[Hoosier]

In my case,

1. Good fit
2. Functionality
3. Durability
4. Simplicity

I plan to have BP/W for the double set up though. I don’t think that it is waste money to buy Triple_L BC. It is all depending on your needs and goals. How many recreational divers are using the ordinary BC instead of BP/W set up? I think that majority of divers still use the ordinary BC. That is, not everyone goes to the double setup or technical diving arena. Everyone has their own necessity and agenda within their limits.

I also have Knighthawk, Classic Plus, and Triple_L. Those are well made BC.

I cannot find that much difference between SP and Triple_L BC. SP is much nice looking and better customer service, but these are all the same to the recrational divers in terms of functionality and maybe durability (It is just a few month old so I can’t say that much). And, if you are a newbie, even it is hard to feel the difference. You know, “Don’t blame the equipment, All is about your ability.”

 

[Dive4air]

Triple L is as basic as it gets, so if you want to go cheap, that's the way. I make no opinions as to whether their cheap is strictly on price, or quality as well. I think you should do the research and cross-shop your LDS with online....obviously, Scubatoys.com is HIGHLY recommended. If you talk to these guys, you may learn that going cheap isn't necessarily the cheapest result in the long run. Sometimes it's better to increase your budget if you can, or save up a bit more and wait, but you end up with so much more and more of what you want.

I don't think you're going to regret jacket or back-inflate. The opinions on BP/W are plenty, but I still think for a beginner, you're better off with one of the others, especially if you're goal is not to be a pro anytime soon.

BTW, I would look for a comfortable and secure fit first and foremost. Then I would want a couple of D rings, and at least one good pocket for whatever I want to put in it. Lastly, it better be high level (1000) denier/cordura or rubber or whatever that is durable.

 

[crpntr133]

I want to clearify myself. What I meant by "So you are going to "waste" $182.10?" was that he was going to buy and then give it to someone else. WHY? Do it right the first time, it won't cost you as much in the long run.

 

[ChrisA]

I want to clearify myself. What I meant by "So you are going to "waste" $182.10?" was that he was going to buy and then give it to someone else. WHY? Do it right the first time, it won't cost you as much in the long run.

Why would he give it away? Have other Tripple L buyers given thier BCs away? Is this a common trend? Do you some data where we can see if new Tripple L buyers are or or less happy then (say) new AquaLiung or Mares buyers? It would be a great servive to everyone if this data could be published.

Cost does not have to equal quality. You know about the Key Man discounts? A lot of equipment gets sold at 1/2 price or less and you know the company sellling the discounted gear is not loosing money on the deal. The reason that a $500 BC sells for $500 and not $250 is markups by the local shop and the distributer. Cut those guys out it would sell for $250. Either way the person who made it likley was paid about $5.00 to run a sewing machine all day.

Years from now this will all get sorted out. It may take 50 years but eventually no one will work for $5.00 a day and no one will willingly pay a 100% retail markup. But right now I'm perfectly happy to send money directly to those who design and make the stuff.