|
|
Can some of you divers out there explain to me why there is such a predominance of jacket style BC"s versus Back inflate among recreational divers? I have always prefered a back inflate BC they have more lift and seem to give me better bouyancy control and less roll. Can you guys list some of your favorite BC's and the reasons why you like them?
|
|
|
Jacket style BC's put the buoyancy high on the torso. That, combined with integrated weights a weightbelt on the waist, hips or even lower gives the diver a near vertical trim. Since we humans walk upright naturally this is a very comfortable orientation for newer divers.
Of course, we all know that the most effecient and environmentally friendly position for diving is horizontal. Unfortunately, most entry-level scuba training emphasizes vertical orientation with exercises done kneeling on the bottom or standing next to or swimming vertically while holding on to a descent/ascent line. Even buoyancy-control hovering exercises are typically done in a vertical orientation.
Once divers begin to learn that diving and underwater swimming is easier in a horizontal position, they begin to try to adjust their trim to make it easier to achieve. That is typically when they start to realize the inherient superiority of a backplate and wings.
|