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Hi guys. I'm a new diver an I intend to get a BC I wont outgrow. I've Had a few people tell be to get back inflation. To which I think I agree. Love that it doesn't get in my way and i have the option of side mounts or upgrading.
But my problem is, which brand. There are so many out there and everyone swears by something. Lol. Which would prove to be the toughest but yet the lightest? Etc etc. thanks guys.
Everyone will tell you to buy what they use, so let me be the first to tell you to check into a BP/W (backplate and wing) instead of the usual BCDs. Mine is from DSS: https://www.deepseasupply.com (look under "Complete Rigs"). Tobin, who is the brains behind DSS, is cool_hardware52 here on Scubaboard.
I dive a Halcyon stainless steel BP?W, and happy with it, so of course I would recommend it.
You did list "toughest but lightest", and although I agree that tough is important, lightest is not as important. Many BP/W use a stainless steel backplate that distributes weight evenly on your back, helping to maintain proper trim. These are not light, but using them means you carry less weight in a belt (typical stainless steel backplate is about 6lbs).
If you don't need the extra weight, you could go with an aluminum backplate which is a lot lighter, or I know that Halcyon has a new travel BC out that is very lightweight, but I haven't tried it, so can't really comment on it.
Best advice someone gave me when I was in your shoes divewise: Figure out what you want to dive (wreck, sidemount, pure rec, etc), figure out what you want to carry (nothing other than regs and spg, lights out the wazoo, a set of doubles and 2 sidemounts, etc), try a whole bunch of different ones geared for that, then decide. Otherwise, you're gonna end up losing money buying and selling used gear.
You can't beat a backplate and wing. You will never outgrow it. You can't find anything more durable than a steel or aluminium plate. Can be adjusted to any size. Is cheaper than most higher quality BC's. Its s modular system that can be adapted to any diving condition.
The best part is how streamlined they are, no clutter at all unless you add it and you will loose some lead off your belt.
I agree with the Bp/wing direction, particularly Halcyon, but would add that you should find a store or someone well skilled in how to custom fit the backplate harness to you. It is not intuitive for most people, but once it is done for you, it all makes sense pretty fast, and you can tweak for yourself if ever needed.
Also, I see that you live in Maine.... Dont let someone convince you that you need more than a 30 pound lift wing for single tank diving. The larger single tank wings start to get sloppy ( as do BC's of traditional designs) with over 30 pounds lift, and this also presents real dangers for the high lift bc's or wings from 5p pounds to 80 or even 100 pound lift capacity-in the situations where an inflator sticks and the bc fully inflates...this does happen on occaision, and with a monster lift wing, in seconds you are headed up like a polaris missile....not very safe!
I dive a Halcyon stainless steel BP?W, and happy with it, so of course I would recommend it.
You did list "toughest but lightest", and although I agree that tough is important, lightest is not as important. Many BP/W use a stainless steel backplate that distributes weight evenly on your back, helping to maintain proper trim. These are not light, but using them means you carry less weight in a belt (typical stainless steel backplate is about 6lbs).
If you don't need the extra weight, you could go with an aluminum backplate which is a lot lighter, or I know that Halcyon has a new travel BC out that is very lightweight, but I haven't tried it, so can't really comment on it.
I'm actually looking at going that direction. I do like the modular design allowing me to configure setups to my needs. However weight will definitely be an issue with flying. I'm in Singapore and I'm pretty sure I'll get tired of malaysia ( singer's neighbor ) ugh. So many to choose from but I've noticed that halcyon pops up quite often. It must be a good product.
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Originally Posted by nimoh
