Good BC for around $300

[PaulR]

I am debating on weather to sell my sub & amp in my car (for about $500) and get a high quality bc. What would you reccomend if I were to sell "my system"?

I looked at the zeagle ranger, and it is around $370 (I think) at leisurepro.com. I might be able to get my parents to pay for some. But I would really like to spend $300 at the most, but will go more for something I like better.

Thanks guys
Paul

[BluewaterRocket]

Paul,

I know a lot of guys that swear by Zeagle - they seem to be high quality (and expensive as well). I'm partial to SeaQuest BCs - good build quality, comfortable, and innovative features. I've got the pro-unlimited - it is a heavy BC, but has all the features I need plus some extras: lots of large pockets, plenty of metal d-rings, built-in retractor, 3 dump valves.

[f94gator]

Check out Ebay. You can probably find a Ranger for around the price you're looking. I've seen some new ones sell for $275-$300.

[PaulR]

http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/stores/leisurepro/images/full/CSBAQL.JPG
Cressi sub aqualight $230

http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/stores/leisurepro/images/full/DCRFC.jpg
Dacor falcon $275

http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/stores/leisurepro/images/full/tbtj38.jpg
Tusa Platina Evolution $280

http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/stores/leisurepro/images/full/ZGLRN.jpg
Zeagle ranger $390

All from www.leisurepro.com .

They go from the bottom line, to the top.

[PaulR]

Right now, I am leaning toward the tusa. Anyone have any experiance with it?

[markZ]

The BackPlate Harness system is the original, and still the best way to secure a tank to your back. You can put one together for less than $400.

[SPEARIT]

What size BC do you need? I've got some Seaquest and Zeagle in excellent condition.

[fizisition]

Dont buy the tusa it can not handle 60lb tanks.I had one, the problem is these cheap bc's are only designed for alum 80's they really cant handle the extra weight of the larger steel tanks.So I am telling you I have one for sale if you plan on using 80's I will sell it for cheap.If you are going to use 120's you need to get a ranger or a backplate.

[dagodiver]

Back plate and harness for sure with the big steels.
I like the Dive Rite Trans Plate, or the TPII.
I dive them with singles and doubles with deco gas
and have no problems with 150#s of tanks...
Dago

[jfg]

PualR,
I am still pretty new to scuba so my answer may not be of a lot of value but,
I was given a Tusa Platina and I am planning on buying something else. I think the integrated weight system is to hard to deal with if you needed to dump weights fast. To much velcro and it took me two hands to deal with it one time. Not my idea of friendly.

I looked at the Scuba Pro series recently, liked the weight system, liked the buckle system holding the tanks. beats any belt system I've seen so far. Just my .02 FWIW.

[PaulR]

Ok, I will take your advice and stay away from the tusa. I am going to go by the LDS's today and check out what they have, and try some on.

I am either a medium, or a large depending on which company.

Spearit- PM your way

[TGuthrie]

Try a Halcyon BC with an 30lb wing, you will love it. It is one of the most streamlined BC's on the market. The bladders are circular so your trim in the water is excelent,and you won't have huge air shifts when you move, and are made from 1680 denier on the outer shell and the replacable bladder inside is made from 400 denier. Between you and the backplate you can store a lift bag or a large surface marker in a pouch on the backplate. THe stainless cam buckles are some of the best on the market and are guaranteed for life. You have the ability to put d-rings any place on the webbing you need and there are several storage pockets and weighting systems to chose from if you need them.

[OceanEd]

PaulR:

If you can try before you buy it might help you. I can arrange for you to get in a pool with a new Zeagle and a new Scubapro if you want, no problem. Let me know and I will set it up with your LDS. If you can find other places that will let you do the same with other brands, then you can get a good comparison.

[Doyle]

I picked up a slightly used Oceanic Probe (old style weight drop system) on Ebay for $170 with shipping. That in itself wouldn't have been a steal, but it also came with an Oceanic Alpha Reg/Octo/Console and he threw in a dive light for free. Can you say "EXCELENT DEAL"?

[Reef Raider]

Do you think it might be a good idea to have the REGs serviced?

[TGuthrie]

For sure!

[barnacle]

I've been thinking about a new BC, as well. My buddy has the ranger and loves it. I've been thinking about the Cressi S111. Anyone familiar with that?