Looking for BCD Advice and maybe, education

[Sniper]

I'm 6'1" Tall and 215 lbs have a 35" waist and a 48" Chest. I'm not very bouyant. I just bought a Mares Isotherm 6.5 mill semi dry suit and now I'm looking for a new BCD. I've been out of the diving scene for quite awile, the last time I dove was in Grand Caymen with Rented Equipment 4 or 5 years ago with no wetsuit. I'm planning on diving quite a bit this winter as I have a new diving buddy (my boss). It has been so long since I've used my own equipment nothing fits me and I can't remember the "rules of thumbs" when it comes to lift and weights.

Questions;
Is Jacket Style or Back Inflation more desireable?
How much lift do I need?
How much weight do I need?
I've been reading great things about Zeagle, is the Brigade a good choice for me?
What size should I look at Large or XLarge?

Statements;
I don't like to settle for the "cheap stuff" quality is of utmost importance but I don't want to spend more than I need to.

Any help would be great!

Thanks,

Sniper

[NitroWill]

As you mentioned earlier, the Brigade is a very solid BC. If you give ScubaToys a call and give them all your dimensions they can get you a very custom fit! Depending on your size and diving conditions though - you might need more lift (such as the Ranger) but give ScubaToys a call and they can help yo figure this out!

[TxHockeyGuy]

Originally Posted by Sniper

I'm 6'1" Tall and 215 lbs have a 35" waist and a 48" Chest. I'm not very bouyant. I just bought a Mares Isotherm 6.5 mill semi dry suit and now I'm looking for a new BCD. I've been out of the diving scene for quite awile, the last time I dove was in Grand Caymen with Rented Equipment 4 or 5 years ago with no wetsuit. I'm planning on diving quite a bit this winter as I have a new diving buddy (my boss). It has been so long since I've used my own equipment nothing fits me and I can't remember the "rules of thumbs" when it comes to lift and weights.

Questions;
Is Jacket Style or Back Inflation more desireable?

This is a personal preference although most find they prefer back inflate after they get used to it.

Originally Posted by Sniper

How much lift do I need?

That would depend on how much lead you need to carry, but in general for a single tank BCD any on the market will work. You should have enough lift to have your BCD float, even if it isn't on you. If the BCD has integrated weights, and most do, then you can split the weights between a weight belt and the integrated if you go over what the integrated system or the bladder can handle. I don't see this as being a problem though.

Originally Posted by Sniper

How much weight do I need?

That just depends on you and the suit you're wearing.

Originally Posted by Sniper

I've been reading great things about Zeagle, is the Brigade a good choice for me?

I love it, I've dove with a 7mm farmers john with it and had plenty of lift on a single tank. I normally dive warmer waters however and I love it for that too.

Originally Posted by Sniper

What size should I look at Large or XLarge?

That's a Larry question.

Originally Posted by Sniper

Statements;
I don't like to settle for the "cheap stuff" quality is of utmost importance but I don't want to spend more than I need to.

Zeagle definitely fits this bill.

Originally Posted by Sniper

Any help would be great!

Thanks,

Sniper

[THT98]

It looks like most of your questions were answered well in the above posts. It is really about personal preference. What feels right, what you like the looks of, etc. Also, don't get too caught up in the amount of lift a BC has, especially with a single tank and mostly tropical diving. You're only trying to offset the amount of negative bouyancy you create, and with a wetsuit, tank, etc you really won't be all that negatively bouyant (hence the need for weight).

I use a ScubaPro Knight Hawk and really like it. It is a back inflate and weight integrated BC. Overall, it is a very streamlined BC, is comfortable, and travels nicely. The quality is very high as well. I dive with a group of dive professionals (myself included) and nearly all of us use either the Knight Hawk or Lady Hawk. The only exceptions are those that prefer a jacket style BCD.

Happy shopping!

[deepdiver47]

I second that, you need to search because this question is a bit old.

[creggur]

I would have to put in another plug for the Brigade. I love mine!! The quality is top-notch, and warrantied for life..The nice thing about the Brigade is that it's the heavy-duty Ranger straps with a 35lb bladder...This makes it great for travel, but if you get into diving that would require more lift, it's just a matter of putting a larger Zeagle bladder on your Brigade...Being modular makes it very nice...

Good Luck

[Zenagirl]

And if you think you might want the 44 pounds of lift, go with a Ranger.