Black Diamond BC's

[Callahad]

Since you're in the market for a new BC, have you considered looking at backplate/wing systems? I've found a bp/wing to be much more comfortable and secure in the water, easier to stay neutral with, vastly simpler to clean, and disturbingly convenient to travel with. Oh, and they're usually extremely affordable owing to their simple and rugged construction.

That said, you do lose all the pockets and d-rings, but I never really used them for anything other than knives and lights, both of which mount easily on harnesses.

There are some other concessions (no integrated weights, it takes longer to don and doff due to the lack of shoulder releases, it doesn't like being vertical on the surface), and the sounds like a winner, but it's something to consider.