Which BCD should I buy

[kingofspades101]

I narrowed down my BCD search. Im down to picking out one of the two. Not sure which I should go with. And info would help.Thanks

Aeris EX Lite Travel BC
- Brand New for 2011
- Integrated Weight System - 22 lb capacity (12 lbs Diver releasable - 10 lbs non-diver releasable trim weights for improved weight distribution and balance)
- Depth compensating waist webbing
- Padded backpack with carry handle
- Low profile air cell
- 420 Denier
- High lift capacity with minimum drag ideal for the traveling diver
- Great for Traveling - weighs only 5 lbs, 7 oz


or

OMS Technically Correct BC System - 45lb Lift
- Comfortable, quick adjusting IQ Pack harness
- Four - 2" Stainless steel D-rings
- Six - 1" Stainless steel utility D-rings on rear of harness for pony bottle or light battery mount
- Double tank bands for single tanks included
- Can be used with optional aluminum back plate (see below to order)
- 45lbs Lift wing
- Crotch strap
- Retraction bands included for reduced drag and snag potential
- Heavy duty 1000 denier material for superior abrasion/puncture resistance
- Easy to reach rear lower dump valve

 

[NCadiver]

With out your height, weight and where you are going to do your diving it hard to say. But I would pass on both of those BCD. The first one you may not be able to use enought weight and on thieir website it's not clear what the BCD design is. Feature rich and value priced scuba BC - AERIS EX100

The OMS is more a Technical BCD amybe a little more then you need.

Look at the Zeagle Ranger or Concept BCD or the Aqualung Balance BCD

 

[Dr Wu]

You have narrowed down your choices to either a Prius or a Hummer H3.

I doubt you will be happy with either.

With what little information you have provided I would advise you shoot for the middle and get the Ranger.

 

[Spimon]

Tried either on, at least in the shop and even better in the water? Or will you be purchasing online?
These two seem an odd pair to be deciding between. How did you arrive at picking these two?

Without trying either on and judging only from the pictures and description, I'd go for the OMS.
- BCD's tend to ride up high on me, so I'm all about the crotch strap.
- I prefer to wear a weight belt to using weight pockets. I cut the pockets off my last BCD as they got in the way.
- Can be used with optional alloy back plate. I found the soft plate in my last BCD to be uncomfortable.
- D rings are nice to have if you want to clip bits to them.
- Heavier duty material (1000 denier as opposed to 420 in the Aeris)
- More of a 'harness' style. I find this easier to make really secure and comfortable.

So basically because the OMS wants to be a BP/W, which is the style I prefer. Having said that, if you're really planning on travelling with it the Aeris might be a better (smaller, lighter) option.

Is there any possibility of trying either before buying?

 

[SC_Hoaty]

Check the specs on the Aeris - their website shows more weight capacity than you list.

Others have noted that we need to know more about you and your intended diving. Warm tropic diving for a small person has different gear than cold water drysuit diving for a well-insulated marine mammal (like a big heavy guy).

 

[RJP]

I narrowed down my BCD search. Im down to picking out one of the two. Not sure which I should go with. And info would help.Thanks

Assuming your profile is correct (Not Certified) I would suggest that you wait until after at least the pool work is done so that you can try the shop's stuff in the pool and see what the different features are and whether they may/may not be of use to you.

My feeling is that uncertified/new divers are really in no position to make completely well-informed gear purchase decisions on things like BCD's. If you don't believe me head to craig's list, ebay, or SB's own gear classified page and look at all the "Like new" BCD's for sale!

:shocked2:

I wish I hadn't bought anything until after my first 20 or so dives. Would have saved me lots of money and time. (hint - I sold a bunch of "like new" gear after a dozen or so dives.)

 

[Amphiprion]

It looks like you want some sort of back inflate based on the pictures. Are these the brands your local dive shop sells? Or are you looking online and have narrowed it down to these two.

The cummerbund and padded back that you see on some models only matters in the store. It doesn't make a damn bit of difference while diving and causes extra buoyancy.

If you are basing your opinions on internet shopping, then I would suggest getting a zeagle if you plan on single tank diving in the near future. If you think you are going to go with doubles and the tech route - after at least 100 dives, then maybe OMS is a better brand for you.

Are you diving wet or dry?

If these are brands your shop sells and you want a simple light weight bc with back inflate that can eventually be used for doubles, and you are diving wet, here is my suggestion:
Tell the shop owner that you want an OMS 30 lb wing, an aluminum backplate and a single piece harness. Tell him you want a single tank adaptor. Get a weight belt also.

 

[TV Mark]

Check out the Sea Quest Black Diamond. I've been diving one for four years now and am really
comfortable with it. Aqua Lung - Recreational and Professional Diving Gear

 

[DiverLaura]

This would be my recommendation... (yes, even for a new, or soon to be diver)

Halcyon Infinity | Halcyon Dive Systems

 

[Dr Wu]

If you do decide to go OMS don't get that IQ pack. It is an absurd creation designed to appeal to people who don't know any better.

Halcyon Infinity | Halcyon Dive Systems

Wow. A "cinch" system, "delux padding" and quick release "intergrated weight pockets".

No wonder they took that obnoxious "Doing it Right" motto off their gear.