Cost of a bp/w vs a back inflate bc?

[bigtim6656]

WHat is the cost differce between a bp/w vs a vest bc say the zeagle ranger ltd.
i found the ranger in my size for 550.
Zeagle Ranger LTD BC 2008 Closout reviews and discounts, Zeagle
CAn i get a bp/w for 550 with everything i need to dive that is on the ranger.

 

[D_B]

One of Tobin's BP/W's (Deep Sea Supply) ... https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=home can be had for a similar amount (I built one for $460) and for the remaining money you could get a weight belt, pockets, ?
(I spent more than that on my back inflate BC)
The thing about a BP/W is that it can grow with your diving, no matter what direction it takes you in the future.
And Tobin is more than helpful with questions, even from a BP/W novice like me and his service is personal and outstanding, he's on the board here as cool hardware52
(a perfect example of what you can expect of Tobin ... http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/kudos/235387-another-commendation-tobin-deepseasupply.html )

 

[diver 85]

350 up on a BP/W equaling some good back inflate BCs, virtually it's a wash monetarily.......In your case(body size wise), the former being better probably....

 

[Clanggedin]

You can get the Zeagle Express Tech BP/W for around $250.

Zeagle Express Tech BCD reviews and discounts, Zeagle

You would need to buy a couple of weight pockets, but you would still be well under. $550 with this purchase.

 

[ligersandtions]

A new back inflate BC can cost up to $700 for retail price (though any good LDS will get it down in the $400 range, comparable to the online shops). My DSS backplate and wing was in the $400 range as well. At this point, it comes down to personal preference....I preferred the bp/w to the back inflate BC, so I went that route.

Of course, there are more inexpensive options....some are good, some not so much. Additionally, there are some good deals to be had in the used market scene. If you're not a common, off-the-shelf size, it will be much harder to buy a used BC than it will be to buy a used bp/w (and new webbing).

 

[imasinker]

I bought a Zeagle Stiletto BC with pouches and weights and then bought a Oms harness, S/S B/P, 60 pound Wing and single tank adapter for the same price.

 

[TSandM]

Remember that, if you are successful with your weight loss campaign, the BP/W will adjust with you.

 

[imasinker]

Remember that, if you are successful with your weight loss campaign, the BP/W will adjust with you.

Very good point....can always count on TSandM

 

[rstofer]

Not only is the BP/W the high price choice, you will still need to add a weight harness like DUI Weight & Trim "Classic" Weight Harness System

I have 3 of these and I like them a lot. I also have the SeaSoft version but it is pretty expensive. You may need to go with the Weight & Trim II to get the XX size. See sizing chart here: http://www.dui-online.com/pdf/size_chart_divewear.pdf It looks like the Classic may still be the way to go. I would call or write DUI for recommendations.

We discussed integrated weights on BCs here: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...ted-weights.html?highlight=integrated+weights In my view, they are evil. At a minimum, you will want to split the weight between the BC integrated pockets and the harness if you choose not to buy a BP/W. In any event, plan on buying a harness.

Still, the BP/W is probably the way to go. But, in a lot of ways, it's like the King's clothes. Everybody that has a BP/W only has positive things to say about them. Nobody mentions the fact that there are no pockets - something else you have to buy and manage. Perhaps the "Thigh Picket with Daisy Chain" here: Dive Rite Pockets for Slates, Weights, Masks/Utilities, and More They also don't mention that the DIR (sometimes called HOG or Hogarthian) harness doesn't have buckles in the shoulder straps to allow the BP/W to be easily removed. That's why I prefer the ProFit harness from DSS. The thing about a minimal solution like a BP/W is that it is, well, minimal. Everything else is tacked on at extra additional cost.

The BP/W is probably the best choice but it will NOT be the least expensive. In fact, it may turn out to be the most expensive. I have bought two of the DSS BP/Ws and plan to buy two more for our little herd of divers. So I must like them! But I NEED the pockets!

Richard

 

[gcbryan]

(To the OP) Before you decide that you need pockets make sure you need pockets! There are better ways to carry a backup light. If you don't plan on carrying a spare mask or slate you may not need pockets.