New, larger diver

[Mr.Pitbull]

Definitely rent every different brand and style of BC that you can find in your size before buying one. It is amazing how many "extras & spares" that most divers have in the closet because they bought what they thought that they wanted without being able to road test any of them. Rental works good for getting a trial on various units without having to outright buy it.
Secondly, what type of diving do you plan to do and where. This will make a large difference in what would work best in the long run.
Personally, I would try out a Back Plate/Wing style BC. There is very little limits on sizes they can fit. Changing out the harness makes it easy to add for girth or trim down if needed. Also when traveling, they are fairly easy to pack flat. Even if you rent everything else while on vacation, you know that your BC is custom sized to you.  Just my 2 cents.