If you have the ability, make up a list of criteria and models and see if your lds rents the models you are interested in, and try them out first. Remember, at the end of the day you have to be happy. Also keep in mind that, that bc at the end of the day might not be the same one you started the day out with.
Every member on scubaboard has their personal prefferance, all supported with good points.
Myself personally, I use the Scubapro classic unlimited, with a single band mounting system and have never experienced a problem. That being said, as was mentioned previous, I am getting used to the bc, not the other way around. I have never had a tank slip out it's holding, ever.
My wife uses the Scubapro glide plus, also with a single band mounting system, and has never experienced a tank slipping.
Now, once again, that being said, I noticed on our recent trip to Scuba Club Cozumel, that a lot of folks nowadays seem to mount that strap pretty high up on the tank.
Let me explain, since I started diving I always split the distance of my tank, and that is where I mount my strap. I have done it this way for ever and have never had a problem. My wife likewise. One day on the dive boat I noticed one of the crew mounting the bc right after where the tank curves from the valve. This might be good for a two band mounting system but not for a single band. I also personally witnessed a young diver loose his tank mounted this way. I instructed the crew how I wanted our tanks mounted, and we never had a problem. It wasn't till after returning home, and reviewing our video, that it really struck me how many people mount their tanks so high.
I recently had the opportunity to demo a manufacturers latest rear flotation bc. I put it in the water for four hours, just testing it out. I dive 94.6, 3000 pound, steel tanks. I too have heard the rumors of these type of bc's forcing your face in the water while on the surface. I did not find that to be true during my testing. But remember I am using heavy steel tanks, mounted the way I always do.
It then became apparent to me that maybe this is why so many people mount their tanks so low, to overcome the bcs' wanting to put your face in the water while on the surface. I will also point out that I do not use integrated weights. Once again this is just my observation.
But more importantly, what I observed with this model, and have come to the conclusion that, YOU CAN NOT USE THE BLADDER AS PART OF THE MOUNTING SYSTEM. Let me explain.
After mounting the tank, and putting on the bc, I noticed I could reach behind the tank and pick it up almost twelve inches. That is how much play was in the bc, and I attributed this to the fact that the bladder, that provides lift,was part of the mounting system. In this manufactures configuration, it is my humble opinion that, that configuration will not work.
The only purpose the bladder should serve is for flotation only. Thus it is also my humble opinion, that the ultimate configuration should be a, harness, some sort of common mounting plate, tank harness, and a bladder sandwiched in between. In this configuration the bladder would serve only as a flotation device, and would not serve as a mounting device of any type.
I provided my observations to the manufacturer, and we also concluded that an aluminum tank would change the mounting attitude also.
These findings are my own, and it is possible you will see things differently.
I hope in some small way this helps.
If it's possible.........it's done.
If it's impossible.......IT WILL BE DONE!!!!!!!!!!
Every member on scubaboard has their personal prefferance, all supported with good points.
Myself personally, I use the Scubapro classic unlimited, with a single band mounting system and have never experienced a problem. That being said, as was mentioned previous, I am getting used to the bc, not the other way around. I have never had a tank slip out it's holding, ever.
My wife uses the Scubapro glide plus, also with a single band mounting system, and has never experienced a tank slipping.
Now, once again, that being said, I noticed on our recent trip to Scuba Club Cozumel, that a lot of folks nowadays seem to mount that strap pretty high up on the tank.
Let me explain, since I started diving I always split the distance of my tank, and that is where I mount my strap. I have done it this way for ever and have never had a problem. My wife likewise. One day on the dive boat I noticed one of the crew mounting the bc right after where the tank curves from the valve. This might be good for a two band mounting system but not for a single band. I also personally witnessed a young diver loose his tank mounted this way. I instructed the crew how I wanted our tanks mounted, and we never had a problem. It wasn't till after returning home, and reviewing our video, that it really struck me how many people mount their tanks so high.
I recently had the opportunity to demo a manufacturers latest rear flotation bc. I put it in the water for four hours, just testing it out. I dive 94.6, 3000 pound, steel tanks. I too have heard the rumors of these type of bc's forcing your face in the water while on the surface. I did not find that to be true during my testing. But remember I am using heavy steel tanks, mounted the way I always do.
It then became apparent to me that maybe this is why so many people mount their tanks so low, to overcome the bcs' wanting to put your face in the water while on the surface. I will also point out that I do not use integrated weights. Once again this is just my observation.
But more importantly, what I observed with this model, and have come to the conclusion that, YOU CAN NOT USE THE BLADDER AS PART OF THE MOUNTING SYSTEM. Let me explain.
After mounting the tank, and putting on the bc, I noticed I could reach behind the tank and pick it up almost twelve inches. That is how much play was in the bc, and I attributed this to the fact that the bladder, that provides lift,was part of the mounting system. In this manufactures configuration, it is my humble opinion that, that configuration will not work.
The only purpose the bladder should serve is for flotation only. Thus it is also my humble opinion, that the ultimate configuration should be a, harness, some sort of common mounting plate, tank harness, and a bladder sandwiched in between. In this configuration the bladder would serve only as a flotation device, and would not serve as a mounting device of any type.
I provided my observations to the manufacturer, and we also concluded that an aluminum tank would change the mounting attitude also.
These findings are my own, and it is possible you will see things differently.
I hope in some small way this helps.
If it's possible.........it's done.
If it's impossible.......IT WILL BE DONE!!!!!!!!!!
