Best technical BCD

[m1ck]

Seeking experienced feedback regards a technical BC.

The Dive Rite Trans Pac 3 harness looks like a good starting point to build on to perfect the trim and buoyancy needed for sinkhole, cave and pen diving but any tips on the way forward for a tec kit is welcome.

Thanks,
Mick

 

[floridanewbe]

try post in the equipment section. Good luck.

 

[RJP]

Best technical BCD?

No such thing as a "technical BCD" really.

Trans-Pac is a "neither fish nor foul" sort of setup: has most of the drawbacks of a recreational BCD, and lacks most of the benefits of a BP/W. If you're going tech, get a straight-up BP/W setup and be done with it.

"Buy it right, or buy it twice."

 

[Steve02]

try post in the equipment section. Good luck.

...Or in the Technical Diving section.

I have done quite a bit of reading on the topic of BCD's and thinking that I too may decide to get into Tech diving one day is pushing me to start with a BP/W setup from Deep Sea Supply. I have read so many positive reviews about Tobins equipment and read countless posts that he's made on this site helping people that I, anyway, know that is the direction that I'm going to be going.

However, if you decide on the Transpak route then I wish you the best of luck. It is a sharp looking outfit.

Steve

 

[cwkline]

What RJP said. You really need a BP/W if you are going to Tech dive. I have a Zeagle Tech and got rid of a Genesis Recon. Both were "Tech" BC's, but the Zeagle does a nicer job. Still not stable enough for even double slimline 72's. I used it while familiarizing with my doubles, then bought a BP for the real deal. I now use the BP/W for all my diving. I have a SS for single tank and an Al for steel doubles.
Hope this helps.
Charlie

 

[DA Aquamaster]

In the past there were a couple crossover techncial BCD's. The Genesis Recon for example, was not bad in terms of stability if you added the optional plate kit, but it was overly bulky, overly complex and lacked flexibility in terms of changing the wing, etc. In the end it was also a lot more expensive than a BP, wing and harness that was far more capable, adjustable, and streamlined.

That is basically why the BP wing has become the standard for technical diving.

 

[masterof0]

Another crossover BC is the Zeagle Ranger. The newer model is designed in a modular configuration that allows for a "custom fit," the ability to adapt to both singles and doubles with minimal effort, and a modular wing to allow for different wings configurations (and he addition of a backplate for stability/weight). I have not dove one with doubles, but as a singles rig it is very nice and comfortable. I have never heard a single complaint from an owner of one.

As aquamaster said, compared to a BP/W is is bulky and does not follow the simplistic/minimalist approach of tech diving

 

[firstdive2005]

I have owned the Zeagle Brigade bc for approx. 130 dives. I love it. It is a back wing bc. Great freedom of movement. Has two nice sized pockets. I like the integreated pockets front and rear. Two tanks bands, feels very solid. I am now moving into a different phaze of diving. I think, now in hind sight it would have been beneficial for me to just start off with a bp/w. The problem was I felt you needed some kind of "technical skill" to use them. The lds I was trying to rig up with pooped all over bp/w and the tec guys attitudes as he put it. I did not go to a tec store because I didn't want to punch out a "tec guy" for making me feel like an idiot. Later in my dive experiences I start meeting the tec guys and only half are jerks, just like me. But I really noticed that it did not take any more skill to dive with a bp\w as with my Zeagle. So now this is my so called advice, if you are even remotely thinking of a tec type set up just go straight to a bp/w. If you do not want to go that way, I will sell my Zeagle Brigade to you. Lots of bling holders on it youll love. Also I'm in Canada, your dollar crushes mine. Then I can buy a bp/w. Good hunting to you. kevin

 

[Sharkbait2005]

Hey m1ck,
I just started using Apecks WTX this last season. I added the ss plate also. It can easily be adapted with the ss or the aluminium plate or without a plate. As I think about it, what I bought could have been simplified by a harness and bp. Although I do like my new rig. It has a removeable wing so I can interchange it. Plenty of d-rings. It is my first bp/wing, I am enjoying it. It will still take some learning on whatever you secide to get use to it's characteristics.
Joe

 

[Divin'Papaw]

If you're interested in technical diving just go to a proper backplate and wing and be done with it. The vast majority of technical divers are using a backplate (stainless steel or aluminum), simple harness with D-rings and a wing (or two or three...) sized appropriately for your exposure protection and tank setup.