The great back inflate vs. jacket BC debate

[waterwraith]

Hey Aerodiver,

I recently bought the seaquest pro QD+SL (jacket style) and I love it. I also really like the back inflated BC's and have dove with them on occasion. If you trim your weight right you will not be pushed facedown. My wife tried the diva QD+SL and loved it but she really fell in love with the dive-rite transpac II. Also, there are many good shops in huntville, but I would really recommend Divesports in Decateur, they have a great selection of BC's and will rent you a Diva or a pro QD to try. Divesports will also beat any authorized dealers price.

 

[tangfish]

what do you think is the best type of bc, jacket or back-inflation? I'll be traveling quite a bit so I also want one that isn't the size of texas. is weight integration the way to go?

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Back Inflation BC's will be better for traveling, and allow you to control your buoyancy easier underwater. Of course, this is just MHO, and Im sure other people will chime in and tell you something different. I have been a back inflation fan ever since I was certified almost ten years ago. I hate jacket style BC's. They squeeze me, they trap air, and they are big and bulky (not good for traveling). So, I have always used a back inflation BC. I even learned how to scuba dive on a back inflation BC...

 

[crpntr133]

Boy are you open for a wide range of comments on this one!!!

IMHO, if possible rent both and see what you think. If you want a combination of both, Cressi-Sub S11 and Mares Morphos line have that. If you aren't in a hurry for a BC and like the Cressi-Sub, they are coming out with a new one (S114). I attached the email reply that came from Cressi about this BC. Personally, weight integrated is the way to go. Again it all boils down to "what do you want". Think ahead to what you might want to do later and get gear for that situation.

Here are links to Mares and Cressi. If the Cressi one doesn't work try doing a google search and find one of their other sites. They are redoing all sites and the US has been down for a bit.
http://www.mares.com/
http://www.cressisubusa.com/cressius2003/usa/prodotti.asp