Whats a good BCD for me?

[SBP Studios]

We are taking our first pool dive tomorrow and after watching this video we noticed these BCD's in the videos seem to have alot of tubes.

We were referred off to a CLASSIC BC by an experienced diver friend of ours, due to its more streamlined build.

What are the pros and cons and which is the best one to get and how much does one really need to spend on a BCD? We really want an integrated weight system. And before I get FLAMED, YES we read through the other posts but still did'nt get the definitive answer. Sorry

Here is the one we were reccomended ($599):

http://www.scubapro.com/prod/bcs/CLASSICPLUS/classicplus.htm

 

[Matsya]

On this Board, concerning BCDs you don't have a hope of finding or getting a definitive answer.

 

[dlndavid]

ScubaPro does have a good warranty and when I got into diving several years back, my research lead me to the ScubaPro Knighthawk, it has worked very well for my type of diving and I see no need for a change.
Good luck getting certified and have fun!

 

[djanni]

We are taking our first pool dive tomorrow and after watching this video we noticed these BCD's in the videos seem to have alot of tubes.

We were referred off to a CLASSIC BC by an experienced diver friend of ours, due to its more streamlined build.

What are the pros and cons and which is the best one to get and how much does one really need to spend on a BCD? We really want an integrated weight system. And before I get FLAMED, YES we read through the other posts but still did'nt get the definitive answer. Sorry

Here is the one we were reccomended ($599):

http://www.scubapro.com/prod/bcs/CLASSICPLUS/classicplus.htm

Yes it's possible to get a definitive answer.

Buy a Zeagle Stiletto or Scubapro Kighthawk. Buy from a local dive shop if possible. These are high quality and very popular BC's. You should be paying about $500 for either of those.

 

[sasscuba]

Zeagle..Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service. Not to mention one hell of a tough BC!

 

[HNITSUJ]

My suggestion, try on a million different things and see what fits you best. I started with the classic, it was fine but wasnt thrilled. Then did the BP/w thing. I still use it for doubles but thats it. Then I did the transpac and didnt really care for it. I am now using an Oceanic Excursion and frankly I love it. Its not the best on the market but it fits me perfectly and couldnt be happier. Just make sure every aspect of its fit is to your liking.

 

[Damselfish]

Fit is one of the most important things in a BC. The big drawback I see to that Classic style is the lack of adjustability. So if it happens to fit properly over whatever suit(s) you might wear, and you otherwise like the way it behaves in the water, great. But if it doesn't fit, well it just doesn't fit. There have been alot of other ideas in BC design (some good some not) since that classic style was pretty much it, I personally would look much further before deciding on that one.

I used to have a similar SP jacket before they were called "classics" and it was a big mistake for me as it didn't really fit right. I suffered with it a couple years before I sold it.

 

[SangP]

scrapdizzy,

There isn't a definate answer cus you need to find a bc that you are comfortable with and fits you well.

All the different styles like jacket, back inflate or bp/w are just personal perference if you are considering only rec diving.

Fit, trim, handling are all important and you can only find what you want by trying as many bcds as you can. Keep your options open and don't buy unless you know that it's going to be something you're totally comfortable in.

SangP

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I have been diving an oceanic probe for nearly two years now. Very well made, enough pockets, d-rings, and plenty of lift. All in all a comfortable bc with a reasonable price tag. I highly recommend it if you are going to dive regularly and in lots of different conditions. That said I just finished putting together my DSS single tank rig. SWEEEEET. Was going to dive it this weekend but have decided to hold off till I've had it in the pool. I'm goingto take it with me though and if I meet a patient soul who would not mind giving me some pointers in the water I may dive it after all.

 

[Matsya]

Thanks everyone for not converting this thread into a BP and Wings vs Jacket free-for-all.
At least so far.