Should I buy or rent BC for my 15 y/o

[EuphoriaII]

My 15 y/o son is interested in taking scuba lessons (my 17 y/o is already PADI AOW) and I'm trying to decide if it's worthwhile to buy a BC for a growing kid.
<DIV>Realistically, my oldest son is too big for his Scubapro Equator (sixe M-L) and I would like to see my youngest in that one. But we tried it on the 15 y/o in the pool yesterday and even adjusted to the smallest size, it's just too big for him. Considering his busy schedule, he will probably only dive a couple times a year on vacation. Should I just plan on using a rental BC for an occasional diver until he grows into his brother's BC?</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>No matter what, I plan on buying him a new regulator as i wouldrather have him using gear I know has been maintained and know it's history.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Thanks</DIV>

[frankc420]

There is no right answer to your question, it's a matter of preference really.

If the vacation spots you go to have a size that will fit him, I don't see any reason to, it would just be a waste of $$ when he's a growing boy. But, if the vacation spot does not have his size, you'll wish you had bought him one. That's how I would look at it and determine whether or not I wanted to buy one.

Another thing to look at is convenience, how convenient is it for you to run to the dive shop to rent one everytime you want to go diving?

[EuphoriaII]

Originally Posted by frankc420

There is no right answer to your question, it's a matter of preference really.

Another thing to look at is convenience, how convenient is it for you to run to the dive shop to rent one everytime you want to go diving?

<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Thats a good point. I'm not too big on diving the local muddy lakes but when I do, it's always on Sundays when the LDS is headed there as a group and I would be renting tanks from them anyway.</DIV>

[jacewindu]

i would say rent for now, or possibly consider an easily adjustable bc. i rented for a while, and it was good for trying out different types - now i know what i like and have my own.

[FishFood]

A salesman was talking to me about his new BC. He said he could safely put it on a 50lb kid, then take it off and he could wear it. He said it was perfect for those not done growing. But damn if I can't remember the name.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I know it was an Ocean Reed salesman, but OceanReef doesnt make BCs... Hmmm. </DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>EDIT:</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Here ya go, the company is SeaSoft Scuba. Look at the BCs on their website. </DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>http://seasoftscuba.com/index2.php</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>EDIT2:</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Just re-read your post. Didn't see hed only be diving a couple times a year. Deffinetly rent.</DIV>

[ertechsg]

Some LDS(scubatoys) sell thier class equipment cheap. Iasked one time I think they were about $125.Might look into used.

[cummings66]

I would rent any gear needed for a 15 year old. At that age they're not sure what end is up let alone if they'll like something.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Buy after you know they're enjoying the sport.</DIV>

[ScubaJW]

Get a bp/w (backplate and wing), guaranteed that it will fit him for the rest of his life. It's very adjustable in everything. I suggest you to check it out and research on that.

[Judestudio]

Originally Posted by ScubaJW

Get a bp/w (backplate and wing), guaranteed that it will fit him for the rest of his life. It's very adjustable in everything. I suggest you to check it out and research on that.

Second to that. All you need is a $10 harness when he out-grown the original one. Not only will it fit him for the rest of his life, it'll probably last forever as well. Unless he manage to break the stainless steel plate...[img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

Another option is to go with a Zeagle BC, like the Brigade or Stilleto. They're modular, so you can change over shoulder and vest sizes if he ever need new ones. Quality is top notch, customer service is also second to none.

[EuphoriaII]

Originally Posted by Judestudio

Second to that. All you need is a $10 harness when he out-grown the original one. Not only will it fit him for the rest of his life, it'll probably last forever as well. Unless he manage to break the stainless steel plate...[img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

Another option is to go with a Zeagle BC, like the Brigade or Stilleto. They're modular, so you can change over shoulder and vest sizes if he ever need new ones. Quality is top notch, customer service is also second to none.

<DIV>Now there's an idea (BP/W). Or even the Zeagle. Somthing that could be adjusted to work for him. WIth that, he could grow into the Scubapro Equator or my Knighthawk and I could use the BP/W myself later on.</DIV>