Genesis RECON BCD

[John Henry]

Hello,

I am a newly certified diver. During the course, I was using a TUSA BCD. Standard inflation type. I have found an ad for a used Genesis RECON, but it has the back-mounted air cell.

WHat are the pros and cons of such? Is this style good for a new diver?

[CompuDude]

The Recon is a decent BC. Knock off stying trying for the pseudo-military look like the Zeagle Rangers, but cheaper. Still, don't pay more than $250 even if in pristine shape.

Back-inflate BCs are not as nice on the surface as jacket-style, but most find them superior underwater, as the air bubble is on your back, which helps you get into the correct horizontal trim position. Underwater performance trumps surface performance, to my mind.

The little pocket in the front of the cummerbund is both useless and annoying. And the D-rings are smaller than they should be, IMO. But other that those nit-picks, it's fairly decent. My buddy used to dive one until he moved to a backplate and wing.

[snagel]

My dive buddy has one and seems to like it. He actually likes the front pocket, but to each their own. I would suggest looking at the back inflate vs. jacket style. I've got the Genesis Cobra 2 (jacket style). I wish I had a back inflate. Some say the back inflates push your head in the water at the surface, but those I've talked too that use them say this really isn't an issue and the better buoyancy you get with the back inflate is worth it.

My next BCD will either be a back inflate or a backpack / wing setup.

S. Nagel

[John Henry]

thanks for the replies. He is asking 260, but I am sure it is negotiable. I will take a look at it.