Posted by Randy Medaris on August 24, 2001 at 12:56:47:
In Reply to: What to look for in a BC posted by BadFish on August 24, 2001 at 11:24:01:
Try reading this:
"What they didn't tell you about dive gear" by Jim Hoffman
http://diver.net/seahunt/fend/f_jh.htm
It's on seahunt's web site.
I have only used Zeagle BCs and they are pretty good. The Zeagles are all back inflation type BC's, which I think almost everyone prefers. I have not tried the Backplate-wings (DIR) set-up yet, but everyone who does seems chuck their old gear and buy one. Avoid BCs with more than one dump valve, elastic or bungie straps that deflate the air bladder, excessive amount of D rings (You only need 4 but some have up to 16), and those BC-regulator things that keep the octo neatly zipped up in a pocket where you cannot get it when you need it.
Are you certified yet or in a class? If so, try out whatever you think you like in the shops pool before you buy.