New Diver Looking for best BC

[Minion_Diver]

During my training i was exposed to a lot of different BC's, and now i am looking at getting one myself by the start of the 2011 dive season. I have used both Sherwood and Oceanic. I am looking the Sherwood Avid and the Oceanic Probe LX. Both have integrated weight systems. I was wondering if i could get advise from someone who is more experienced at this than i am.

 

[DevonDiver]

Unless 'brand loyalty' is a high priority for you, then there is a very wide range of products available. Just because one brand excels with the development of one aspect of their range (i.e. regulators) does not mean that they will excel in others (i.e. fins, bcds etc).

I've heard lots of recommendations for the Zeagle Express Tech here on the forum.

Also have a look at some of the thread discussions here on the board about the pros of backplate and wing systems (search BP&W).

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Both are good solid bc's. I used a Probe until I went BPW and then added a Zeagle Express Tech. I have never dove the Avid. I have heard good things about it though. What kind of diving do you see yourself doing? Plan on traveling with it? The probe for me was way to bulky for traveling. Whenever I went to the keys I would send it ahead UPS. The gear I have now will fit in a carry-on. The Probe was good for classes. The one I had was the older one with the velcro pockets to the rear. They sucked. I see that there are zippers now which should help. It also has more inherent buoyancy than I'd like since that requires more weight. I also prefer a belt. Integrated is fine if you are not needing much weight. If I needed more than say 16 lbs if diving dry or in heavier suit I prefer to split it between a belt and the bc. You get 20 lbs in that thing with tank and regs and it gets to be a beast. For both of them I'd be very careful about taking the weight capacity too seriously. Just because you can put 30lbs in it between the pockets and trim pockets does not mean you should. Are you going to be able to try both before you buy. It'd be a good idea and also look at what you plan to do and see if there are other alternatives. You may also save some serious cash. And Andy echoes my preference for an entry level bc that will take you a very long way and is infinitely more customizable and easy to fit to you instead of you trying to fit what a mfg thinks you should be.

 

[Damselfish]

There is no best, only what works for you. That's not easy for someone else to answer for you, especially knowing nothing about your preferences or diving.

You want something fits you well and has the features you want, while not being cluttered with things you don't want. The answer to that is different for everyone. What you should be thinking is not "I like brand X which of their BCs do I want?" or "which of these BCs my dive shop has in my price range would be best?" but rather "I want a (back-inflate, weight integrated, whatever...) which model has what I want while fitting best."

What did you like or not like about the BCs you've tried so far? It can help to read some threads on BCs if you haven't already, not to focus on whatever model or type someone might rant or rave about, but to get some ideas of things to consider that you may not have thought about yet.

 

[Minion_Diver]

I plan on doing some local dives in lakes and traveling to Quarries and the Atlantic. As for international travel I do not plan on it because of my budget as a college student right now. Those are two that i was looking into because of reviews. I am open to any other recommendations on what is a good BC. Im trying to stay under $500.

 

[fjpatrum]

WVUdiver1, I have a Genesis Phantom that I am no longer using, in a size medium. I'd send it to you for $45 plus shipping. I only have 3 dives in it, though it was used (barely) when I bought it. It's a comfortable BC with plenty of lift and no problems I've found (other than I liked a BP/W better). That should keep you significantly under your $500 limit. PM me if you're interested.

I will say, though, diving the quarries around here (unless you always dive Mt. Storm) you're going to be diving cold water. I found with all the jacket style BCs I've tried they "squeeze" too much when I have to wear a lot of wetsuit. (Haven't tried them with a drysuit.) As such, I moved to the freedom provided in a BP/W system and am truly enjoying it. As others have mentioned, you shoul look at some of those options or the Zeagle Express Tech before really deciding on one or the other. If you can dive a few more, especially without renting, that's a good choice.

 

[Minion_Diver]

Mt Storm is the only place that i have done open water dives so far. I took the Scuba class at WVU and they have a lot of BC we used when we were learning in the pools.

 

[Capt.Gene]

I have found that weight placement on the diver is determined by the design of the weight system on the BC and if the design isn't proper then the BC won't dive correctly.
The integrated weight system either makes the BC solid on the diver, or they make the BC slide around like an oversized cheap suit.
All BC's are NOT created equal and some do dive better than others.

 

[aquaregia]

I'd recommend at least trying out a BP/W before spending cash on a BC. I really like mine.

 

[Capt.Gene]

Try any model weight integrated BC on in a store.
Snug down the belly band and take up the vertical adjustment until it snug, but not pulled up under your armpits.
NOW have someone grab the tank bands from behind and try to slide the BC around on your back.
If the BC moves much during this "test" it won't be stable and confidence inspiring underwater when you change directions or go head down to look under that wreck or ledge. Inertia will have the tank all over your back during the dive. No thanks.
I also recomend checking the integrated weight system for the same kind of potential for movement. If the weights will slide around dry they will do the Hula on you underwater, detracting from the dive.
A lot of the consumer quality gear available will have the weighs sliding around on the diver as the force of gravity works in the weightless environment.
One reason some divers still wear weight belts is that the weights stay in place regardless of the divers position in the water.
Now if that buckle would only stay centered in the front..