which back inflate from these?

[fullbore]

Hi all,

First up , let me say that as a newbie I have found these forums invaluable in helping me with my buying decisions, it's great to get opinions from experienced divers willing to help out !
I have sorted my regs etc (apeks, oms spg, Archimede 2 wrist) and am now looking at a BC.
I have narrowed down to Balance, Stiletto,Ranger,Nighthawk or Excursion? and am looking for ppl who have made the comparisons, maybe what you like about the product you chose. I do not wish to throw any other options in if possible as this is daunting enough! I don't want a BP/W set-up, as I'd need to start my research all over again (which bladder, plate etc) so, no offense intended, but I want to stick to a back inflate BC.
The prices of all of these BC's are within $50 of each other, so the $$ won't influence the decision.
A bit of background; realistically I will only dive a few times a year. I will dive only warm water (Australia and Pacific Islands) so bulk / weight may be an issue with airline restrictions for the islands.
I am likely to only use a 5mm wetsuit at most and rashie and shorts in Fiji.
I want to do a wreck diving course but not likely wanting to do cave diving or anything that technical.
Trying each BC is not possible as the likelihood is that I will buy from the States therefore I don't want to waste my LDS's time (they will get $$$ out of me anyway with courses etc)
I know this question has been asked a million times before but I really am looking for opinions from ppl who have explored these same options and why they chose what they did.
Thanks

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Shopping for a BC can be daunting with all the choices available-very different from when I started diving 25 years ago! Then we had only one choice-the good ol horsecollar. Anyway this link is a pretty decent resource when researching BCs:
Scuba Diving Mag

Good Luck!

 

[fullbore]

Thanks rapidiver, good site, heaps of info, the balance is looking good!

 

[BSea]

I used a balance several years until I switched to a zeagle. I still use the balance from time to time & wonder why I ever bought the zeagle. It is so comfortable. My big issue was the fact that it only has 1 small pocket. The newer ones have an additional pocket, so that wouldn't be an issue with your purchase. It also packs easily for trips. I have never heard anyone who had anything bad to say about a balance.

 

[Peter Guy]

I really like my Balance -- travels very well, trims out well in 3 mil, 5 mil or dry suit -- and is very comfy. That's my choice and I'm sticking to it (until TSandM forces me into a BP/W).

 

[PerroneFord]

I started on a Zeagle, and if I was looking for a back inflate BC, I'd consider a Zeagle again.

 

[CompuDude]

The two BC's I was looking at before going bp/w instead were the Zeagle Ranger and the ScubaPro KnightHawk. I think most people would agree you'd do fine with either.

That said, most traditional BCs aren't known for ideal packing features. An aluminum backplate and wing, however, would pack up quite nicely for warm water diving.

I'm just sayin'.

 

[Zeeman]

How about a Zeagle Scout? cheaper, very small and easy to pack for travel, and it's a nice little BC - works great for me. I actually prefer it over my Zeagle Tech BC..

Z...

 

[DiveTub]

Anything from Zeagle !!

Cheers
Chris

 

[sunkarm]

Yo,

I Used to dive in NZ using seaquest Black Diamond. I was carrying 123 faber steel tank plus 11kg of weights plus other accessories and i used to darg them/carry them on my back quitte often since i used to do lots of shorediving. Now i move to Indonesia and still has no problem in using them. i don't think it's bulky at all. I am now into photography nad carrying plenty of hevay accessories. Until now none of the sticthes r torn or even worn-off. I bought the bcd in 98. This is the BCD i really recommend.

Bye