72 replies to this topic

[Bahamasita]

Also, I seem to have trouble securing the tank to the BC -- it seems tight, but then it slips over time in the water. I don't want this to happen when I'm in the OW!

Are you wetting the tank strap of the BC before putting it on the tank?

No, I'm not, now that you mention it. No one even told me to do that! >

[cmt489]

Unlike Walter, I LOVE my weight integrated BC since I hate the feeling of a weight belt on my hips. I dive with a Scubapro Ladyhawk and only have good things to say about it. Mind you, this is because it fits me so well. Obviously, different body styles are going to have different fits with each BC. All I know is that it is much nicer for me to dive in than a Scubapro Classic which seems to be more developed for the male torso.

I was able to find a wetsuit off the rack that fits me near perfectly, but again, this will all depend on body shape and size and whether or not the particular wetsuit manufacturer that the wetsuit is made by had a model of a similar shape and size to you...

I have one of those "traditional" single hose regulators and have no intention to change. My dive computer is a Suunoto Cobra which is set up for both Air and Nitrox. I have enjoyed diving with it but then again, horror of horrors, I do dive with split fins so really, you must take everything I say about my experiences with a grain of salt!

Oh yeah, and by the way, welcome to the board! Hope you enjoy yourself here!

Michelle

[chinacat46]

Also, I seem to have trouble securing the tank to the BC -- it seems tight, but then it slips over time in the water. I don't want this to happen when I'm in the OW!

Are you wetting the tank strap of the BC before putting it on the tank?

No, I'm not, now that you mention it. No one even told me to do that! >

You definitely need to wet it first. It stretches when wet which is why it seems tight and then comes loose in the water. Your instructor should have taught you that in the pool sessions when setting up your gear.

[Bahamasita]

Weight integrated BCs are a PITA to deal with with the weights in them. I also think it's a PITA to take out the weights before switching tanks and replacing them after. A weight belt is much easier for me.

Look for a BC without padding and cummerbunds. That merely adds drag. I personally use a Scubapro Classic Sport. It's streamlined, doesn't trap air, tank strap won't slip and is not weight integrated.

ScubaPro Classic Sport, huh? All the ones in my local dive shop have cummerbunds, I think, and they all definitely have integrated weights. I think they are SeaQuest or something. They give a good deal if you buy all your stuff as a package there ($100 store credit, $150 off package price, and $100 credit toward trips). However, I want to get gear I can live with for a while. I saw one instructor had a BC with double straps. Is this any more secure? Who makes them?

I am still torn between weight belts and integrated weights with a BC. I like the idea of soft weight packets. I've worn the weight belt for my first dives in Nassau. They weren't so bad, but that's just another piece of gear I'm going to have to remember, right?

[Bahamasita]

Unlike Walter, I LOVE my weight integrated BC since I hate the feeling of a weight belt on my hips.  I dive with a Scubapro Ladyhawk and only have good things to say about it.  Mind you, this is because it fits me so well.  Obviously, different body styles are going to have different fits with each BC.  All I know is that it is much nicer for me to dive in than a Scubapro Classic which seems to be more developed for the male torso.

I was able to find a wetsuit off the rack that fits me near perfectly, but again, this will all depend on body shape and size and whether or not the particular wetsuit manufacturer that the wetsuit is made by had a model of a similar shape and size to you...  

I have one of those "traditional" single hose regulators and have no intention to change.  My dive computer is a Suunoto Cobra which is set up for both Air and Nitrox.  I have enjoyed diving with it but then again, horror of horrors, I do dive with split fins so really, you must take everything I say about my experiences with a grain of salt!

Oh yeah, and by the way, welcome to the board!  Hope you enjoy yourself here!

Michelle

Thanks Michelle! Nice to hear a female viewpoint. I sometimes forget that women are equal to men -- not identical! (I'm sure I'll hear colorful commentary on this point! )

I, too, have splitfins. Is that taboo b/c it's not hardcore diving gear or some machismo thing? I actually really like my fins -- I was the only one in my class who didn't get leg cramps! I guess I'm going to have to find some shop around here that sells ScubaPro so I can see what they are like! Thanks for the lead!

[Bahamasita]

You definitely need to wet it first. It stretches when wet which is why it seems tight and then comes loose in the water. Your instructor should have taught you that in the pool sessions when setting up your gear.

Nope....not a word! Sigh! I'm glad I have you guys for the extra info!!!!

[cmt489]

Yes, some of those hard core divers out there (who shall remain anoyomous), do tend to be critical of diving with split fins... Actually, I think most will agree that as long as you are comfortable and happy with the gear you are diving with then it is right for YOU!

[Walter]

All I know is that it is much nicer for me to dive in than a Scubapro Classic which seems to be more developed for the male torso.

Not the Classic, darlin', the Classic Sport.

[cmt489]

Walter, anyway you look at it, the facts are simple - I have breasts and men don't. I much prefer a BC with those breasts in mind...

[Walter]

Walter, anyway you look at it, the facts are simple - I have breasts

Well darlin', if you insist, I'll look.

[cmt489]

Somehow, Walter, I have no doubt...

[drdiver]

Somehow, Walter, I have no doubt... 

That's the problem these days, nobody has any trust--everyone wants verification!!!

[RichardB]

Weight integrated BCs are a PITA to deal with with the weights in them. I also think it's a PITA to take out the weights before switching tanks and replacing them after. A weight belt is much easier for me.

Look for a BC without padding and cummerbunds. That merely adds drag. I personally use a Scubapro Classic Sport. It's streamlined, doesn't trap air, tank strap won't slip and is not weight integrated.

GREAT ADVICE!!!

I have a weight integrated and wish I did not! It's a PITA. But it is a SP and the tank won't slip!

[Marion1336]

Here's another female perspective....

I LOVE my weight integrated TUSA Selene BC. I wish it had a double strap for the tank but I do wet the strap before fastening and have not had any slippage problems. Since the topic of the thread is Regulators, I will also mention that I enjoy diving with my Sherwood Maximus as well.

Good luck with finding gear that works well for you!!!

[Diverbrian]

Weight integrated BCs are a PITA to deal with with the weights in them.  I also think it's a PITA to take out the weights before switching tanks and replacing them after.  A weight belt is much easier for me.

Look for a BC without padding and cummerbunds.  That merely adds drag.  I personally use a Scubapro Classic Sport.  It's streamlined, doesn't trap air, tank strap won't slip and is not weight integrated.

ScubaPro Classic Sport, huh? All the ones in my local dive shop have cummerbunds, I think, and they all definitely have integrated weights. I think they are SeaQuest or something. They give a good deal if you buy all your stuff as a package there ($100 store credit, $150 off package price, and $100 credit toward trips). However, I want to get gear I can live with for a while. I saw one instructor had a BC with double straps. Is this any more secure? Who makes them?

I am still torn between weight belts and integrated weights with a BC. I like the idea of soft weight packets. I've worn the weight belt for my first dives in Nassau. They weren't so bad, but that's just another piece of gear I'm going to have to remember, right?

I can practically guarantee that they sell Seaquest as they sell Suunto computers. Aqualung is the distributor for both. Let me guess (looking at your avatar), they are likely to try to sell you a Diva LX. This is a good BC for females (a female actually designed from what I understand).

The Suunto computers are a good line as well. They are very reliable and conservative (which is a good thing IMHO if you are flying to and from your diving desination).

I just had to buy a new recreational BC (as my Labrador chewed a hole in the old one and they don't patch well, LOL). The new integrated weight system does appear to be vastly improved from the old velcro that I bought in 2002.

Having said that, shop around for gear and buy what works for you! Just because someone else likes it doesn't mean that you will. Enjoy the shopping!