Which BC for less than $300??

[chrpai]

Ya, he thinks because some skinny jeans hipster diving in 90f fresh water hot springs in Colorado doesn't need a weight belt that some random diver diving an AL80 in salt water won't need any either.

---------- Post added August 21st, 2013 at 09:25 PM ----------

Not that any sensible diver would evaluate dive gear based primarily on how it fits in luggage, rather it should be evaluated on it's performance in the water. I just wanted to clear up a bit of mis-information.

I agree with you but all the cool kids want the BCD to *BE* the luggage now. (Aeries Jetpack)

 

[ronscuba]

Ya, he thinks because some skinny jeans hipster diving in 90f fresh water hot springs in Colorado doesn't need a weight belt that some random diver diving an AL80 in salt water won't need any either.

Well to be fair, he was directly responding to the thread starter that listed himself as 5'5 140 pounds. The weight of the regulator 1st stage and stainless steel cam bands can add up to offset the buoyancy of an empty aluminum 80. I am not much larger and I don't use any weight with an AL80 at water temps greater than 80 degrees without a wetsuit.

Point being for travel to warm water destinations, aluminum or soft plate is the better choice than SS for some people. I do like the point that many jacket BCD's weigh more than the SS plate though. Kind of crazy that some jacket BCD's weigh 9 lbs or more and are 2 lbs. positive buoyant.

 

[jjjjeremy]

Addressing the BPW new diver issue, I purchased (without ever having donned) a harness/wing setup a year out of my certification without having tank dove in a year. When I heard about BPW I knew that I wanted it because I absolutely hated having bulk in the front from a jacket BC (most of my diving is freediving). The backplate didn't seem appealing, so I bought the DiveRite TransPac instead. Honestly, if you don't have a lot of experience in jacket BCs, you will not notice the difference at all, just a lack if bulk and more freedom. The face-down-diver idea is an absolute myth.

 

[Craig66]

Addressing the BPW new diver issue, I purchased (without ever having donned) a harness/wing setup a year out of my certification without having tank dove in a year. When I heard about BPW I knew that I wanted it because I absolutely hated having bulk in the front from a jacket BC (most of my diving is freediving). The backplate didn't seem appealing, so I bought the DiveRite TransPac instead. Honestly, if you don't have a lot of experience in jacket BCs, you will not notice the difference at all, just a lack if bulk and more freedom. The face-down-diver idea is an absolute myth.

Jjjjjeremy i like your approach. I really feel for the OP. Although trying to be helpful 3 pages worth of thread must have confused the hell out of him. In general for most recreational divers getting their first BC the specifics are not as vital as they might seem. 27lb, 28lbs, 30lb. Backplate, no backplate, SS, aluminum doesn't really make that much difference.

No one truly knows where there diving will take them and given this is a really expensive sport it is not a tragedy if 100 dives down the road you realize that you want something a little different. A BC costs about the same as 4-5 boat dives and ebay will help you recoup 40-60% of your outlay.

I would vote for a BP/W if you are bothered by the restrictiveness of a jacket. If you think you will dive cold waters get a S/S and if you will only dive warm get aluminum. A 28-30lb wing will not be too much or too little unless you go doubles. Have fun and don't torture yourself with this decision.

 

[CT Sean]

Why would anyone hang 20 lbs of lead on a BPW? There is a thing called weight distribution and one primary point is NOT putting all your weight on/in one system.

If I saw anyone doing what you described I'd be the first one to point out that they had no idea what they were doing and they should not get in the water. In the case of some one needing 30 lbs of weight in a dry suit you would never put all your weight into one system. Even with an integrated BC.

Easy, tiger, I didn't say anyone would, it was an example to illustrate the point.

 

[Kharon]

I got a Tusa 2100 to certify with and have been using it ever since. I don't like the BP/W thing because my understanding is that they have no pockets. The Tusa does and they are big enough for weights and to hold additional gear that I don't want dangling. I looked at all the models you picked out and the Tusa model you linked to is about 3# heavier than the 2100 and about $33 more. My tusa is ha bit heavy and bulky for travel (planes) and you got me thinking I may just get the Cressi Travelight. I like the specs, looks like it's got big enough pockets and it sure folds up sweet.

 

[ronscuba]

There are more divers with jacket BCD's than BP/W. Most important is people are happy with their gear and it doesn't negatively affect their diving.

Not all BCD's are alike even within the categories. There are some back inflate BCD's that absolutely will face plant you on the surface. I know, I had one. There are some jacket BCD's that are heavy, bulky and very positively buoyant. Someone new to BP/W will need help with setup/adjustment or a lot of online research.

For the brand new diver who is about to get certified, I still vote to wait on buying a BCD. The thread starter is curious enough about the options, that he posted the question on SB. Reading opinions can be helpful, but actually diving the different options is better.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

There are more divers with jacket BCD's than BP/W. Most important is people are happy with their gear and it doesn't affect their diving. Not all BCD's are alike even within the categories. There are some back inflate BCD's that absolutely will face plant you on the surface. I know, I had one.

For the brand new diver who is about to get certified, I still vote to wait on buying a BCD. The thread starter is curious enough about the options, that he posted the question on SB. Reading opinions can be helpful, but actually diving the different options is better.

Respectfully, the logic is flawed (although I agree, renting various BCD's is a great option to exercise). Most new divers are happy with their gear because they are oblivious. They could have a crappy BCD or they could have the best BP/W in the world, but not setup right for them. They have just spent a boatload of money and the stuff looks cool, so it must be good. If it is performing poorly, they assume it's their lack of skill or that is how it is (and skill is an issue). They trim out heads up, fin like mad, hoover their air, create silt storms or worse and have short dives. Look around at the number of certified divers who quietly drop out after 10 dives or so. We have a very poor record. If your gear is not dialed in, diving sucks.

Yes, you can setup a back BCD to plant you face down. Over sized wing inflated full on the surface combined with poor weight distribution is a good way to do this. The BP/W has a lot of flexibility and with that come the ability to either dial it in perfect, or totally screw it up. It takes some time and effort to dial it in. If a person is not willing to to do (and rental gear is a good example), then a jacket is better. If your a skilled diver, properly weighted, you can make anything work (or literally nothing, diving sans BCD), but then again you also more likely notice the more subtle differences.

 

[uncfnp]

Just to throw more into the mix, I think my Oceanic Islander (one of your listed options) is the best of all options for the warm water rec diver, especially for travel. In your size, it should have plenty of lift for you and it is very streamline and light weight.

Over the years, I have packed for travel my Islander, Eric's Excursion and his new Transpac. I can absolutely tell you that the Islander is lighter and easier to pack then even the Transpac BP/W. I can easily pack it in my carry-on if I need too. The Islander is a back inflate, not a jacket, so is less bulky and has more freedom of movement. But it is also very well made and durable. It has two small but functional pockets. As I stated previously, I have plenty of attachments for lights, SMB, reels, camera, even a pony bottle. Even adding a steel tank, i have plenty of lift. For warm water diving and travel, it's ideal!

If you are going to do cold water or tech, go with the BP/W. If strictly warm water and especially travel. I recommend the Islander.

BTW, if you do decide BP/W for warm water diving, get the lighter backplate. At your height/weight, in warm water, you will almost certainly not require a great deal of added weight. With a SS backplate and a steel tank, you could easily be overweighted and all of it nonditchable. Better to add a weight belt if needed.

My 2 cents...

Lisa

 

[ronscuba]

GrumpyOldGuy, I think we are in agreement, maybe just a little miss-communication on some of the specifics.

Happy with their gear and it doesn't affect their diving. Meaning it doesn't negatively affect their trim, or ability to easily get into any position. Nothing to do with the diver being new or experienced.

My 1st BCD was a back inflate. The BCD itself was flawed in it's design and has since gone through many mfr. revisions. The location of the integrated pockets put the weight on my stomach, not my hips. That combined with the shape of the wing always put me in the horizontal head down position. Both at the surface and UW. Shooting video, I need the ability to easily get into and maintain any position. That BCD did not allow a non horizontal position.

I've dove with several jacket BCD's. Never liked having any bulk in front of me. Dove with a Transpac for 10 years. Loved how it dove and it's versatility. I now dive with a BP/W. Even more versatile than my Transpac.

Like you say, a skilled diver properly weighted can dive with anything. Ton's of skilled happy divers using each of the 3 options.