Help Me Spend My Money!

[Beaucoupfishies]

Trying to decide between the following three BCDs. This will be my first BCD and we'll mostly be sticking to warm water and very recreational diving. I'd prefer something that packs up a little smaller, but would rather have full functionality over portability.

Aeris Atmos Sport- Aeris Atmos Sport BCD , BCDS: Men, Aeris, Aeris Atmos Sport BCD

Tusa BCJ-3860 Platina Evolution- Tusa BCJ-3860 Platina Evolution, BCDS: Men, Tusa, Tusa BCJ-3860 Platina Evolution

Apollo Bio-Control AirCross- Apollo Bio-Control AirCross BCD - Unisex, BCDS: Men, Apollo, Apollo Bio-Control AirCross BCD - Unisex

I hear the Apollo is pretty thick so it probably won't travel well, but let me hear your thoughts! I'm personally leaning towards the Tusa.

[jtkkym]

Why not one of Zeagle?

[rox@ucf11]

have you thought about a backplate/wing setup or a back inflate bcd

I first bought a jacket bcd and now am sort of regretting I want a bp/w setup instead

out of those I like the look of the Tusa the best but I would try on and if possible dive with the different BCD's to find out and get what works the best for you

[FishFood]

I personally wouldn't go with either of those three. Any specific reason as to those choices?

[azdiver]

I'm stricly a back inflate diver. If you don't want to go with zeagle and like TUSA, check out the 6900 model which should be excellent for traveling, is wieght integrated and is also back inflated.

[jwdizney]

I know all the Zeagle talk is like a broken record around here, but it's all fairly accurate! i've been in your shoes and looked at some of the same BC choices before making my purchase. when I took all the review and recommendations into account and then went to the shop and actually tried the "fit" of the different BC's, the Zeagle was definitely the winner. after buying my Brigade and making a few dives, I knew I had made the right choice! this equipment will grow with me as a diver and can be as recreational or as technical as I'll ever want to be, plus the lifetime warranty, interchangability and incredible support from Zeagle and ST. There are also other great options, too! you've got some good equipment on your list, but definitely check out some of the other quality products out there! it's a big purchase, and the "right" BC will give you years of reliability and enjoyment!!!....

just my $.02........

good luck with your decision... no matter what it is, SOMEBODY'S GETTING A NEW BC!!!!

[Beaucoupfishies]

Hehe wow, guess I opened up a can of worms. I didn't leave out the Zeagle because I didn't like them at all, I just picked those three above because I was trying to stay around $300. But if the Brigade is only $100 more and can grow with me as I dive, it's probably a better investment.

I was mainly just worried about how bulky the Brigade looked in the picture they have up on the site. When we did our open water cert we had some very bulky Sea Quests so I was looking for something with more mobility. I don't think I really want to mess with back plates at this point though.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll go through everything again tonight and will probably ultimately end up with the Brigade at this rate.

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by azdiver

I'm stricly a back inflate diver. If you don't want to go with zeagle and like TUSA, check out the 6900 model which should be excellent for traveling, is wieght integrated and is also back inflated.

Great BC... I love mine... well built, lots of adjustment points, its comfortable, has great built in features, and 4 dump valves to get the air out no matter what position you are in... it also has a heavy duty carrying handle as well as a tank position strap...

edit: and I think the weight release pouches are WAYYYY easy, very reliable, and extremely little chance of losing one on accident...

[jwdizney]

Beaucoupfishies, it IS a tough decision! no doubt about it! I bet whatever you pick, you'll be as big a fan of it as all of us are of our choices! let us know how the jury votes!

now, if you're feeling lucky, you could start up a "which regulator" forum... that'll be interesting too!..

[Beaucoupfishies]

Originally Posted by jwdizney

Beaucoupfishies, it IS a tough decision! no doubt about it! I bet whatever you pick, you'll be as big a fan of it as all of us are of our choices! let us know how the jury votes!

now, if you're feeling lucky, you could start up a "which regulator" forum... that'll be interesting too!..

I already tried to start a fight on the computer board a few days ago, might as well spread it around to all forms of equipment. Dry suits ahoy!