BC Features

[LBheyman]

What are the most important features I should look for in a BC other than fit? I know that fit is the most important, but I would think there are some other features that make one BC better than another. I also know I want to get a rear inflate, but again not sure of exactly what to look for. Any help would be appreciated.

[deepdiver47]

1) Fit/Comfort: Needs to fit like your favorite pair of socks
2) Ease of mobiliy: Your arms and chest
3) Integrated weight system
4) Travels well (smallness in a pack)
5) Pockets
6) Affordability: I buy quality

When I put all that in the mix I get my Brigade

[Splitlip]

The selection of a BC can be very "personal". They all have biases and nuasences that that are different for different people. I would try to use as many as I could to find what is right for you.

I know this not really the answer to your question, but......

I dive BPW's, but I think a great BC is the Scubapro Classic. Not back inflate, but wrap around. It HAS to fit you because there is no adjustment. If you don't overweight, it will act like a back inflate. Otherwise, as you move, the bubble will "find" you, depending on your position.

I use a BPW because I need weight across my torso.

[Zenagirl]

The only MUST when picking a BC is fit. Everything else is simply personal preference. For me that includes integrated weights and a wing style back inflate...oh yeah, and it had to be a Zeagle!

I started with a jacket style, quickly sold it and looked around for something less constricting and the minute I tried on a Zeagle, I was hooked and purchased immediately. Later I tried a backplate/wing (BP/W) configuration (because of all the hype) and really hated how it felt (yes, it was fitted right), so have never looked at that as an option again.

Figure out what the features YOU want are, use those to narrow down your choices, then try on as many different ones as possible before choosing. Once you've chosen, purchase with confidence and dive it to your heart's content. Remember, it doesn't matter which one I (or anyone else) prefer or use, it's what YOU like that matters.

[Damselfish]

Fit is a must.

If you decide on an integrated weight system, I would say it is a must to avoid any where the pockets are held in only by velcro. They have a bad habit of wearing out and dropping when you don't want them to - actually, I've seen it happen on brand new ones. Just a bad idea that I don't think too many manufacturers use anymore anyway.

It has to hold the tank securely, which some may do a little better than others, though I doubt there are any out there that are really unacceptable and problems are often user error. Some people prefer 2 straps for this reason, although Scubapros have one tank band that works really well

It should have enough lift for your diving. A travel oriented BC that doesn't have much lift may be perfect for someone who only travels, but inadequate for cold water diving (though most BCs will have plenty of lift for the average diver.)

Pockets, WI or not, inflation style, attachment points, all sorts of stuff like that all depends what you like and what you're doing. Unless you are talking about something like the Hub, which most people will agree is full of feature that are downright stupid.

Now if you are planning to get into any sort of technical diving, that's another story altogether...

[Splitlip]

Oh, and make sure the bladder is configured so as not to trap gas.

[LBheyman]

Lot's of good info everybody thanks. It will come in useful during my hunt for a BC. I am going to look at a Scubapro Knighthawk next week. I will try it and see how it works out. Again thanks for the info.

[Crimediver]

I started diving before a BCD was a "must" . We did have snorkeling vests with CO2 bottles. They were more for surface flotation and had no pressure release valve. Later I had horsecollars and then the Scubapro stab jacket. Later I had various poodle jackets. I tended to dive more back inflates and liked the Zeagles. I had Tech harnes on a Ranger, Ranger LTD, a 911. They all have pros and cons to them. I started diving BP/W with a one piece webbing harness with various configurations of wings and backplates I have a 94 pound wing down to a 24 pound wing. With a STA and without. Aluminum and SS BP.
Seems to me the most versatile is the BP/W as it is modular and you can change up as your needs change. It is a comfortable rig and once you get used to it I suspect you will stick with it.
I still dive horsecollar in some situations but if I needed to pick one design it would be BP/W. As far as manufacturer it is pretty much a personal preference.

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by Crimediver

I started diving before a BCD was a "must" . We did have snorkeling vests with CO2 bottles. They were more for surface flotation and had no pressure release valve. Later I had horsecollars and then the Scubapro stab jacket.

Yup, me too.

[LBheyman]

So if I were to go with a BP/W set up, what is needed to make it work? Is it more expensive than a BC? I have heard a lot of people talk about this set up. Most...have liked it better. As with all things everyone has their own opinion.