BP/W: I officially don't get it

[StreetDoctor]

I just flew to Bonaire with two complete sets of gear including two stainless steel backplates all packed into one bag (minus regulators those are carry on) and my bag weighed 50.2lbs Didn't get charged any extra for the 0.2lbs, so it can be done.

 

[peterbj7]

Yes, it can be done if that's all you want to carry. When I fly I usually have a laptop and extensive camera gear, plus my dive gear and anything else I need. SS backplates are certainly off the menu.

 

[timegan]

....

" It's cheaper to fix... a replacement wing or bladder is far cheaper than a new BC of good or better quality. A new webbing is what? $15 max? Want to dive doubles?? Just go get another wing for once again, HALF of the cost of a traditional BC. Plus, I generally don't even know my SS BP is there".

Bingo!! thats the best thing about a BP/W....it's complete versatility. Jackets are/is what it is. Bladder failure(severe) toss it! Me, I'll get a new wing. Going warm...plastic or no BP at all. Cold with doubles? change out the wing and BP to accommodate. Want a shorter filler hose? No problem...off the shelf. My point is ONE BC can do it all. just seems like a "no brainer"......my 2psi

 

[halocline]

That said, it's easy to attach weights to a backplate and the best travel solution, if you must use a backplate, is probably a resin one (that doesn't set off all the alarms at airports) that you attach weights to (at top and bottom) on arrival.

Why would you say "if you must use a backplate?" They're every bit as easy, actually easier, to travel with than standard BCs, and you get the benefit of coupling a round object (the tank) to a sort-of-flat surface (your back) in a very stable and comfortable way that is impossible to replicate using a standard BC.

Regarding "setting off the alarms" at the airport, well, ummm, if it's your intention to get rid of metal dive gear in luggage then you have a problem. How about regulator, D rings, buckles, cutting tool, etc. There's absolutely no reason not to travel with a metal backplate, AL or steel. Sure, AL is lighter, but it's not like you're hauling gear on your back up a mountain, you just want to stay within the baggage weight limits and in most cases a steel vs AL plate will not make the difference. If it does, fine, use a AL plate and attach camband weights. It's still not as good as a steel plate IMO if you need the ballast.

 

[peterbj7]

I meant exactly what I said. I don't see the need for a backplate and I probably wouldn't take one, but I know others are far more attached to the things. Didn't mean to be disparaging.

 

[redacted]

My travel BP/W (Oxycheq UL plate and 18# travel wing) with metal waist buckle, D-rings, and cam buckles weighs in at 4.5 pounds. I add 4 to 6 pounds on a cam strap at destination and it is ready to dive.

 

[djanni]

Hey, thanks, is that all it is? I thought it would've been a little more. Where did you get that figure from, did you measure yourself? I've always been meaning to but have just never gotten around to it.

Two places... Zeagle said 2 lbs and when I tested it with a BP/W it was a 2 lb difference.

That little is hardly worth mentioning.

 

[djanni]

Bingo!! thats the best thing about a BP/W....it's complete versatility. Jackets are/is what it is. Bladder failure(severe) toss it! Me, I'll get a new wing. Going warm...plastic or no BP at all. Cold with doubles? change out the wing and BP to accommodate. Want a shorter filler hose? No problem...off the shelf. My point is ONE BC can do it all. just seems like a "no brainer"......my 2psi

Kinda like a Swiss Army knife... Trys to be everything to everyone but doesn't fit the pocket very well. I'm absolutely not dissing bp/w's for they have their place in the lineup.

Most of us don't want to do it all. Those who do want to do it all find the bp/w a really good option and I'm glad for them.

 

[ShakaZulu]

Don't you guys think this was a troll....the OP hasn't responded to any of the posts?

First of all, if he did read all the "sturm and drang" on this board for years, then he wouldn't have bought Halcyon BP/W set-up

Secondly, if he didn't recognize a significant difference, then maybe he's buoyancy was so bad to start with that nothing will help

I think you are right, apparently these guys don't even read the posts either

 

[Julian55]

without sounding like a complete idiot(don't respond to that please) why would someone not buy a Halcyon BP/W? I haven't heard anything bad about them other than cost. I looked into a BP/W here in Canada and an Oxycheck was $895 and a Halcyon was $910, both complete identical setups, seemed to me they were both expensive?