First day with the new BC?! Just purchased my first back inflate BC

fdarden · Aug 30, 2011

I have finally traded in my old Seaquest pro jacket style BCD for an Aqualung Dimension back inflate BCD. Although I have only been able to try it in the pool it seems very comfortable. I will be diving with it for the first time this weekend. Does anyone have any tips for the new back inflate owner? One thing I did notice is that I seemed to need to tread water to remain upright in a comfortable vertical position. I carry a total of 12lbs lead. I places two pounds on either side of the tank in the ND weight pockets, and 4 pounds in each ditch-able pocket. Does this sounds reasonable? Since I have absolutely no experience with adjusting a BC like this I thought I would ask the group.

Dirty-Dog · Aug 30, 2011

I think you'll be happy. I very much prefer my back inflate (Seaquest Balance) over any jacket style BC.

If you're having trouble remaining vertical, you're probably over-inflating. That will tend to push you forward. Personally, I flop backwards and lay on top of the BC at the surface. I can take a nap that way, if I want. Very comfortable.

You should put the weight wherever it works best for your trim. So long as you can swim up with an empty bladder (in case of failure), it doesn't really matter which pockets the lead lives in.

fdarden · Aug 30, 2011

Thanks - I cant wait to try lying on the surface! I asked someone elses opinion about this and they think I am still over weight. So I am going to try reducing my weight. That make sense, if I am overweight the lift bag has to be inflated more.

j yaeger · Aug 30, 2011

......oh no!!!!!!!!!!
next you'll be into doubles with a bp/wing........
you're on a slippery slope!!!!!!

as was said earlier-don't over do the inflate at surface!
just enough to keep head up!-lying on back its like your own raft!!!!!!
you'll never go back to a jacket...
have fun
yaeg

tropicgal · Aug 30, 2011

You've inspired me to throw out mine :blinking:

fdarden · Aug 31, 2011

j - No worries, I am a bit too old IMO for the technical crowd. I actually considered a HOG or BP&W setup, but realized that for me a little padding in the right areas is not a bad thing. If I switch to doubles it will be because I cannot get my air hog issue under control. (70-80 PSI/MIN) - Tropicgal, I am glad to hear you are dumping your old jacket style BC too. T

Barnacle Bob · Aug 31, 2011

I've heard people say that the back inflates may cause issues on the surface with tipping you forward, but those that I dive with that have the back inflate say they don't have this issue. The key I believe has been hit on already...proper weighting. Too much and you over inflate the bladder causing a bigger bubble to deal with.

BB

fdarden · Sep 5, 2011

Yes, and yes! I used my new BCD yesterday, as did TropicGal. Totally impressed. sitting at the surface was very stable, much more so than in a jacket. diving, and swimming were very easy in it. I love this new BCD!

pensacolaracer · Jan 9, 2012

fdarden:
j - No worries, I am a bit too old IMO for the technical crowd. I actually considered a HOG or BP&W setup, but realized that for me a little padding in the right areas is not a bad thing. If I switch to doubles it will be because I cannot get my air hog issue under control. (70-80 PSI/MIN) - Tropicgal, I am glad to hear you are dumping your old jacket style BC too. T

Hahahahaha. Posted August 31st 2011. Care to tell the crowd what setup you are diving now?

chrpai · May 12, 2012

pensacolaracer:
Hahahahaha. Posted August 31st 2011. Care to tell the crowd what setup you are diving now?

Sorry for bumping an old thread. Should I take it you know O/P and that he's in a BP/W now?

First day with the new BC?! Just purchased my first back inflate BC

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