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MSD FORUMS - GENERAL EQUIPMENT DISCUSSIONS |
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TOPIC:
Top 5 list for bc's
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tender
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Joined on
3/12/2006
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The thread on regulators seemed to generate a lot of participation. I really appreciated the information on regulators! I am in the market for a new BC. I know someone is going to ask "what criteria" I really don't care! I am just interested in what the subscribers think are the top 5 bc's. I will give you a little backround: I have always used a jacket style, but could be persuaded to switch over to a back inflate. I am looking for heavy duty construction, weight integrated and at least 30 pounds of lift. I am a recreational diver who may be interested in technical certifications at a later date. Should I have two bc's?
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hammerhead
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Joined on
3/13/2006
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www.cdnn.info/ check out the articles here!!! 12 year old drowns while taking a padi course!!!! also some great info on equip. recalls
It's okay, just show us on the doll where the P.A.D.I. instructor touched you.
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coustyj
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Joined on
5/30/2006
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My first BC was a jacket style from USDivers whicjh I really liked but could not replace with another that fit comfortably.
I now use a Deep Outdoors back inflate ((45 lift) I also have a gigantic -never used - 65 lb lift) w/o a steel plate. It came with the 65 lb way to much and big. I use an ABS tank hookup - with straps - from Diverite to attach the tank. Being a back inflate I use tank weights (non-ditchable) to from putting my face in water when inflated - and releasable (ditchable) front wieghts. I use this for diving locally. For traveling I purchased a DUI jacket style. I prefer (personal preferance only) the Deep Outdoors because I think it is easier to adjust trim and buoyancy - for me and am looking for a "small travel" bladder. I am an underwater photgrapher - when I dive - so buoyancy to me is critical. I rarley use the DUI.
Again as with regs - try it you might like it (it being whatever works and feels best for you.
Borrow some BC's to try them out for a dive or two.
Jim
J Couston
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MgicTwnger
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Joined on
6/1/2006
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My first choice is a backplate/wings, but for a standard BC i would suggest two things: back inflate and weight-integrated. I have a Seaquest Balance that I have been very satisfied with.
I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.
Carmella Soprano
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PDSLTD
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Joined on
6/28/2006
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Zeagle all the way.
Ranger for all around local diving.
I also have the Escape for travel.
When I travel I bring the weight pouches and fill them with sand
rather than lead (only need 7 pounds in SW) since most resorts
don'thave soft weights. If you have worn a Zeaagle and dove it
there is no comparison to any others on the market. Not only is
it a great product, but when I had a customer with a 54 inch waist
Zeagle was the only one willing to build a BCD to fit the Guy.
To Error on the side of Safety,
is to Live and Dive Again.
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tender
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Joined on
3/12/2006
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Hammerhead, I appreciate your forum replies over the last year. In some cases I even find them entertaining. If I would have wanted info about bc's from scubaboard I would have logged on there. I and some other divers are trying to support and grow this website and online community! Midwest Scuba Diving is focussing on the midwest scuba diving community. When I have tried on scubaboard to post something about this website it has been erased. You didn't even answer my question just gave us a link to two different sites. I really would like recommendations.
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captdarrick
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Joined on
1/10/2006
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I have used a Recon BC by Genesis for the last 7 years. Just recently switched to a Zeagle Ranger LTD. It fits like a glove
Captain Darrick Lorenzen
captdarrick@midwestscubadiving.com
www.divemaxscuba.com
773-732-8972
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markv
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Joined on
1/13/2006
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A guy with a 54 inch waist is not fit to dive.
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hammerhead
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Joined on
3/13/2006
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Well, I like the Oceanmaster Knight Pro / www.oceanmaster.com
back inflation weight integrated hard core and wellbuilt. I also like XS scuba Advantage BC, it too back inflation and weight integrated, for the money a really durable BC. A good choice for the cheap a$$ scuba-do the u.s. diver Wave, jacket style. Ya after Tech gear? OMS has a build your own BC program outstanding equipment, anything else is a cheap knock-off. I also love the FENZY horse collar ( old but,cool) I too would like to see this site grow. It's been pretty dead!!!! I have a suggestion,I think you need a separate password protected forum for instructors, shop owners etc. Folks new to this sport shouldnt see crybaby posts about the sorry state of training, or I aint making enough money type conversations, I would be discouraged if I were new (might even take up snowboarding instead).
It's okay, just show us on the doll where the P.A.D.I. instructor touched you.
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coustyj
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Joined on
5/30/2006
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I think if you make this web site "elite" by keeping US regular divers out of the loop it would be wrong. The reason I visit this site is to gather information. I am not any of "those" (instructor, owner, etc.) - just a recreational diver - and I have enough brains to figure out the things wrong with the industry - maybe I do not get ALL the facts, which is what makes come to this site. The more information I get - the better opinion / decision I can make and possible be a better diver. Start discriminating against those who buy from the local shops will only encourage the internet sales. Since the local shop I did go to closed, I have gone to the other shops in the area trying to find one and do not quite trust them.I live in the Northern suburbs and drive all the way to Racine, WI - because I TRUST him and I beleive he would never lead me wrong.
J Couston
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captdarrick
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Joined on
1/10/2006
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I agree, we can't make this site elitist. If a shop owner wants to complain so be it. The diving public should here about training issues so they can make an informed decision about their training expereince.
MSD has an admin. application which tracks traffic on the site. Posts in the online forums, over the last 90 days, has been slower. We saw this anomaly occur over the last two years. Website posts are the slowest in April and October for some reason. In the last 14 days participation has dramatically increased. Website hits and unique visitors to the site have increased all Summer and Fall. We encourage the participation of both divers and dive shops.
For a weight integrated jacket style BC, I like the Sherwood Avid.
Captain Darrick Lorenzen
captdarrick@midwestscubadiving.com
www.divemaxscuba.com
773-732-8972
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PDSLTD
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Joined on
6/28/2006
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April = Cabin/Spring Fever......getting warmer time to dive not surf.
October = Winter closing in, need to get more dives, before cold sets in = less surfing....
To Error on the side of Safety,
is to Live and Dive Again.
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