New Diver Looking for best BC

[Sue Sue]

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.

I also support trying out a Backplate and Wing system. My husband and I had been diving with Scubapro and Zeagle BCD's for several years and were happy. However, at the urging of a few friends we switched to Halcyon Backplate and Wing and are very happy we did. My husband has an aluminum backplate and I have a stainless steel. He slips on a 2 pound lead weight to his harness-making 4 pounds total and I add 2-3 pounds to my harness to total out and 9-10 pounds. We now use less weight and are even better on air at the backplate system fits so well. The harness also allows more flexibility and movement which is very comfortable. If you are interested and have any questions, please feel free to ask. Regardless of what you decide on enjoy yourself and Happy Diving ! Sue

 

[Jim Lapenta]

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.

And I'm betting you used a belt and an old 5 or 7 mil suit they gave you. I'd also bet you had more weight than you needed. I'd advise you to get in the car and head up 79to Washington,Pa. Get off at the Lone Pine exit and head to Dive World. If you want to do it in the evening or perhaps next week as I'm off from my real job Mon., Tues., and Wed., I can meet you there. He carries Zeagle, Sherwood, Aeris, Dive Rite, and Halycon as well as TUSA. Best thing is that there is a pool on site that is heated. I'll let you try my Zeagle and if you want I'll bring one of my plate and wing setups down. Under $500? The Zeagle retails for around 250 and I can show you how to properly set it up with the accessories I'd recommend and you'll still be right around 300 or less. There are other BC's that you can throw on and jump in the pool with. I'd even be willing to get you weighted properly. Oh andhe sells Pinnacle suits as well as the new Waterproof suits which you'd be a medium tall in from your other posted question. Give him or me a call. Number and link to the shop is on my website in my sig line.

 

[Carlos Danger]

Try not to let yourself get sucked in by bells-n-whistles or marketing BS, and don't buy more BC than you need. Less is more; greater bulk generally equates to greater drag, reduced efficiency, and shorter dives. Ask yourself what type of diving you plan on doing, and then short-list a group of products that are focused around that activity for further examination or maybe a test drive. I would also research which manufacturers have high customer service ratings.

I can personally vouch for the durability and quality of Zeagle. They have a wide range of products to cover a variety of applications. Their modular design makes them easy to modify, upgrade, and/or repair, and Zeagle stand behind their products.

Good luck!

 

[Ozwald]

I too found myself in the same dilemma but have gone the Halcyon route. While its not under the $500 limit it will be the best purchase you could make.

 

[cool_hardware52]

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.

There are lots of very serviceable BC's available today.

Jackets, back inflate, BackPlate and Wing (BP&W) all have their place.

I design, build and sell BP&W's

If you like a bit of help navigating the Back Plate Wing options feel free to give me a call. I can walk you through your choices in ~15 minutes. This useful info regardless of what you ultimately choose.

Tobin

626-799-5074

 

[Minion_Diver]

i have only used jacket style BC's and i like them. within the jacket BC's though i was able to use one that were from different manufacturers like Oceanic Sherwood Genesis and some others that i dont remember. but i like them all that i used. i would like to know what the real difference is in between all the different type like how each performs. i only plan on doing lake quarry and some ocean and maybe cave diving in FL if i make it down there.

 

[The Chairman]

This will be the third suggestion that you check out Zeagle's Express Tech. @ $250 (there abouts), you just can't get a better BCD for the buck. On top of that, their customer service is amazingly great!

 

[oldschool]

I've beendiving with my Avid for the past six years and like it very much. It is an extremely well constructed bc. The majority of my diving is in fresh water lakes which obviously does not put the same wear and tear on a bc as salt water. I like the six stainless steel D-rings. I have a 19cf pony which fits perfect, clipped to the top shoulder ring and the lower waist ring. The only issue I initally had was the pockets. They seemed a bit high on the sides making access a bit tricky. I added large pull knobs from an older bc to the zippers which solved the problem. This is the first integrated weight bc I've owned and would not go back to the separate weight belt ever. The outer snorkle pocket is very handy for storing a 4 ft smb.

 

[Minion_Diver]

I have read the stuff on the Zeagle Express Tech and i like what i have read. I want a BC that is going to be the best for an entry level diver like myself and will be able to accommodate my needs and i progress in scuba diving. I plan on getting my AOW this next year and i also want to do some NC wreck diving as well. and from the pic on Zeagle website i dont like how the straps are on the BC. it may be different once i see it but as of right now i dont have anyplace that i can go to and see the BC.

 

[The Chairman]

Find a Zeagle Dealer​

It's a true hybrid between a BP&Wing and a traditional Back Inflate BCD. It's like the best of both worlds.