Nice BC for beginner

[boroguy]

Hey all Im relatively new to scuba, Ive done discover scuba three times and I am currently in classes to become OW certified.

I'm thinking of starting to accumulate gear, and was wondering what everyone recommends for a BC that doesnt break the bank. I am comfortable with the vests and most of my diving would be in lakes and quarries. Any insight would be appreciated.

[scubasavvy]

Count your lucky stars this isn't Scuba Board...someone would immediately try to stuff a backplate with wing down your throat. It really depends on what kind of diving your going to be doing. You said you're comfortable with a jacket style BC, so something like the Tusa BCJ 3860 might be something you'd be interested in. It's jacket style, weight integrated and it won't break the bank at $279. Some of my friends dive with Tusa and love it. Just make sure it fits you properly.

[mocepts]

I bought the Tusa BCJ 3860 for both my son and I, and after 4-5 pool sessions and 3 open-water dives, I am very satisfied. Big pockets, nice integrated weight system, plenty of D-rings and fits well.

[Chad]

Ok, I don't want to stuff a backplate and wing down your throat but that is a good option.

I think the best thing you can do is try as many different styles as possible before purchasing. Jacket, back inflate, and a bp/w are your main options. Some jackets were reccomended above. Zeagle makes some really good back inflates and bp/w's are pretty much the same with the exception of small differences in wing design. Hopefully you will have access to different bc's during your OW class and can try them all. If not most people will let you try thier bc if you are nice.

Congrats on your upcoming OW certification!

[WAHMof2]

A BC is fine for beginners, but you'll eventually want a BP/W, so you may as well get one now. Nobody takes BC divers seriously anyhow.

[CompuDude]

I prefer a bp/w, but if I was to buy a BC, the brand I'd be considering the most is Zeagle. Take a look at the Scout or the Brigade, for a good starting point.

I wouldn't bother going up to the Ranger, however... I'd start looking at bp/w's if you need that level.

[MSilvia]

First, since you're starting down the "accumulating gear" road, and since you don't seem to have unlimited resources, I'd advise you to consider that you can often save money in the long run by trying different things out, researching, and renting or borrowing until you figure out what you really want to own, and then buying that. In other words, it doesn't necessarily make sense to buy a $250 "beginner BC" knowing that you'll have to replace it with a $500 "advanced BC" when you outgrow it. You could save quite a lot by just buying a BC that will always meet your needs in the first place. If I had a dollar for every ten dollars I've spent on dive gear that doesn't meet my current needs...

That doesn't answer your question though. If you just want to get something now that will get you in the water and diving without dropping much money on it, consider these deals from ScubaToys:

Aeris Caribe BCD, BCDS: Men, Aeris, Aeris Caribe BCD
RipTide Zone BCD, BCDS: Men, RipTide, RipTide Zone BCD

Either of them will get the job done, and with your 10% discount for being a forum member, they're great deals.

[CODMAN]

If I may add my 0.02$...

If saving $$ is important for you, I might recommend you wait a bit before buying... For 2 main reasons...

1- This will give you time to try out different models, different systems (jacket or BP/W) and get more experience which will also help you learn what you like and don't like.

2- Places like Scubatoys often have (or can assemble) awesome package deals where you save considerably compared to buying each item separately. You can check out the packages section of their site to see what I mean. You could save up untill you have enough for a complete package...

Of course, if you want it now and don't mind spending extra $$, go for it. In that case, I would give Joe or Larry a call and ask them for help. They are great and will certainly help you towards a good buy for your budget.

Oh, and by the way... I much prefer Jacket style BCDs to BP/Ws for recreational diving... And I don't consider myself a beginner anymore...

Cheers!

[Penguino]

Zeagle Brigade. $400. Great for travel, great for beginners. And it's adjustable to fit what you need as far as sizing!! What more could you ask for?

[RoyN]

Zeagle is one of them. There are a couple of aqualungs, oceanics/aeris, and many others. The only one I kinda think is rather overpriced is the ones by scubapro as I paid $700 for a knighthawk last 2 years before moving to the bp/w.