This is my first post on the forum. Currently, I am on my last week of the open water diver certification. Since this means that I will be diving many times, a set of gear to call my own is necessary. As of now, I own my dive computer, fins, boots, mask, snorkle, etc. The item that I am looking for next is a BCD. Here is a list of the characteristics . . .
Penguin1026:
Also, what is a backplate and wing?
I am struck by four apparent attributes of the OP, based on the first two posts, including : 1. a desire to get input on the purchase of a BCD, 2. newness to diving (the OP is a new, not yet certified diver), 3. a somewhat limited knowledge of options available ('what is a backplate and wing'), and 4. inexperience with SB (first 2 posts).
ScubaBoard is a wonderful resource, not only because you can get immediate feedback on questions, but ALSO because many of the questions that a (newer) diver might have are already extensively discussed / argued. While the SB 'Search' function is not ideal, it is useful. For example, if you move your cursor to the upper right side of almost any SB screen, you will see an open white box with the Search icon (magnifying glass) right next to it. If you do something as simple as type 'BCD selection' in the box and click on the icon, you will be rewarded with 19 pages of threads that somehow relate to the topic. Each page lists 24-25 separate threads - almost 500 threads that somehow address 'BCD selection'. The threads identified on just the first two pages of that search are listed below. Obviously, the Search function produces some results that are probably not applicable to the immediate need on BCD advice. But, with topics such as 'BCD selection', 'newly OW certified diver looking at gear packages', 'how to choose equipment', 'help with BCs', 'Selecting the right BC', etc., I suspect the OP might find a tremendous amount of information to help in the process of BCD selection, in addition to whatever comments come out in this thread. A backplate and wing may or may not be a good choice for this diver. But, for a diver to make a selection of a BCD, without even knowing what a backplate and wing is to begin with, seems like a bad idea - just as choosing a BCD, without even knowing what a jacket BCD is, would also seem like a bad idea.
I won't comment on a particular BCD - I don't know enough about the OP (location, gender, reasons for picking the criteria outlined in the first post, etc) to offer informed advice on that issue. Rather, my advice is, use the power of SB to do some background reading, which just might answer some questions, and raise others that you haven't yet thought of. Good luck.
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