buying a bc

[Mtrewyn]

It is coming down to the wire and I leaning toward the Zeagle brands, most likely a ranger.

Does anyone have any thoughts, or suggestions, or alternate bc's I should look at? I have a rather limited, selection of brands to rent and try, mostly Sherwood, and aqualung, but just trying to get lots of input.

Thanks for any and all help.

[mitsuguy]

I like my Tusa BCJ6900 (Xpert) - it's similar to the smaller bladder Zeagle back inflates... just another one to throw in there...

[NitroWill]

I would say if you can give these a try: Zeagle Ranger, Zeagle Brigade, Riptide Zone, and a BP/W Setup..

See what you like and what works for you. Any of the above choices would be a pretty solid choice - it all comes down to personal preference, comfort, and type of diving.

[finflippers]

Make sure to get one that will grow with any diving you plan to do now and in the future.

Personally I love my Dive Rite Transpac. I can always change wings to fit my needs without needing to get a different BC but I chose a wing that would handle doubles and singles so I have the best of both worlds all rolled up in one.

[Goober]

As I've said in past posts, I love being in the water in the Seaquest Malibu....It gives ME a great diving experiance.

If I was going to purchase a BCD tommorow, It would most likely be a Zeagle Stiletto.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by finflippers

Personally I love my Dive Rite Transpac.

I really loved my DiveRite Transpac II as well, at least until I caved in and tried using a backplate instead. I think it's worth a look if you have the option. If not, I know a number of folks who are very happy with their Zeagle gear.

Originally Posted by finflippers

I chose a wing that would handle doubles and singles so I have the best of both worlds all rolled up in one.

Please excuse a brief off topic post, but I had a DiveRite RecWing that claims to be a one size fits all wing on mine, and I was initially pretty happy with how it compared to a stab jacket.

When I finally tried dedicated single and doubles wings though, I found that the RecWing actually only gave me a taste of both worlds, without the best of either. IMHO, it has too much capacity when used as a singles wing, and is poorly shaped for doubles. Both things cause it to perform poorly when compared to a dedicated wing for that use.

As with most things, you sacrifice performance when you opt for versatility. I once explained it to a friend by saying, "If you really want a ten speed bike and a motorcycle, buying a moped that claims to do both things probably isn't going to make you happy when doing either. It'll pedal poorly compared to any bicycle, and the cheapest motorcycle on the market will dust it on the highway." It gets it's versatility by compromising between almost incompatible requirements, not by giving you the best of both worlds... just like a RecWing.

[Duckydiver]

I dive a Sea Quest Pro QD. I like this BC, Is comfortable and user friendly.
However, If I had the chance to buy one over again I would prob. go for a BP/W of some variant like the transpack. They seem to be more flexable for different types of diving.

So I would say to buy whichever bc suits you now and in the future.Just my $0.02

[Zenagirl]

Try as many as you can then decide based on fit, features, and price.

[teog]

When the time comes for me to buy a new bc Im going with the Zeagle Brigade based on all the great reviews here. I just have to jusity spending the money on a bc when my works great.lol

[emcbride81]

At this point in the game there are so many good ones out there it is hard to go wrong with a name brand. I love my Mares Epic, and a buddy of my has the Mares with the new Trim system that allows you to vent without a corrugated hose at any level of trim (head down, head up whatever). As Zenagirl said, just try them, come back and search here for reviews, and then tag it and bag it!