When should you buy your own BC?

[lucca brassi]

I just got my license 2 months ago. Only been diving 7 times and will be diving in Bunaken next week. I am getting my own mask, snorkel, wetsuit and fins. My question is, since BC is quite expensive, should I get my own bc? or renting is okay since I am not a heavy diver just occasional (although I would like to do more in the future whenever possible).

I think that BCD is critical piece of equipment , because because it will dictate the future way of diving, trim, equipment selection, is the central piece that holds everything together....''it is personal piece adjusted on you only''

As suggested above it is good way to choose single wing with steel or aluminium backplate ( depends on your constitutions and weight placement and type of tank ) . Reason is simple , it can grow with you , it is very simple assembled it is totall adjustable , you can buy it by pieces (backplate with straps & knife , then wing with inflator) you don't need integrated weight , straps padding .....

At good wing almost nothing can be broken.

Take some known brand Halcyon is expensive , I would take scubapro donut wing SCUBAPRO - DONUT WING and SCUBAPRO - X-TEK PURE HARNESS ( could

be used equipment (look on ebay or DIR Kit for Sale can get it cheep )

still works very well and normaly have very little wear signs ( because of material quality ))

BUT ...... AND THAT IS IMPORTANT BELIVE ME ... adjust your harness with someone who have some experience with wings and who will go with you in pooll and will see your trim under water

( don't ask -just rent a guy probably Tec Diving Courses in Bali )

 

[RJP]

should I get my own bc? or renting is okay since I am not a heavy diver just occasional (although I would like to do more in the future whenever possible).

To a certain extent, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy...

If you want to dive more, you should own your own gear,
If you own you own gear, you will dive more.

It's a lot easier "do more in the future whenever possible" if you can grab your own stuff and go.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I would say purchase a BP/W, as if you really don't like it resale value is much better than a standard BCD. Like others have said you will dive more if you have your own gear.

 

[Mike]

I've been diving for 15 years and have never owned a BCD. I don't dive locally, if I did I'm sure I'd have one by now. Have always dived at locations where the dive operations have had decent enough equipment. With all the airline games anymore, I have even less desire to purchase one now. I guess if someday I run into a major problem caused by a rental BCD I'll have a reason to change my mind, but let's be honest. the first time you dive with some old timer who jumps in without a BCD, with just a tank straped on his back and a weight belt, you might even be startled into considering how over equipt most of us are for recreational diving and what is all the fuss really about?

 

[scubafanatic]

I've been diving for 15 years and have never owned a BCD. I don't dive locally, if I did I'm sure I'd have one by now. Have always dived at locations where the dive operations have had decent enough equipment. With all the airline games anymore, I have even less desire to purchase one now. I guess if someday I run into a major problem caused by a rental BCD I'll have a reason to change my mind, but let's be honest. the first time you dive with some old timer who jumps in without a BCD, with just a tank straped on his back and a weight belt, you might even be startled into considering how over equipt most of us are for recreational diving and what is all the fuss really about?

I can respect your viewpoint, but I'll admit I REALLY enjoy using all my own gear. I won't go diving without my own gear, so I won't do any trips where the airline weight restrictions are overly limiting so that I can't bring my TOYZ!