Do instructors not like to sell BP/W?

[WeldonDowd]

My girlfriend and I just completed our OW certification and were considering our options on BC equipment. We both thought the BCD's we used during the course were too much equipment and looking for something simpler. I have a buddy who let us try on a BP/W that I liked very much and have come to the conclusion that I want to dive in that. My girlfriend wants the Transpac or the QPac by OMS. Either way both our choices seem unconventional when we tell our LDS what we want in equipment.

So i was wondering why both the Scuba Shops in my town don't want to sell us this equipment or want us to take a tech diving class to use this equipment. And if I buy elsewhere will I have trouble using a BP/W or any Winged BC like the transpac on dive trips with these particular instructors?

I just don't understand why these instructors want us in a jacket style BCD so bad.

 

[tfsails]

Probably because it's all they sell? BP/W, which I've never used, seems like a good choice. I use a Zeagle BC which is not BP/W, but is mighty close to being one, and I love it. It's your money; spend it the way YOU want to. If the LDS doesn't like it, get another LDS.

 

[SteveAD]

Most people will recommend what they are familiar with. Your instructors are abviously not familiar with bp/w.

 

[Teamcasa]

First, you won't won't have any issue with your gear when diving on vacations. Second, most shops as dealers for the equipment they sell have a vested interest in keeping you in their gear. It's no surprise that they would frown on you buying something they don't sell.

Buy what you like, they will eventually get over it.

Take the classes, they will only make you a better diver.

 

[fnfalman]

You don't need a "tech diving" class to use backplate or Transpac. You just need to make sure that you get one with a harness that fits you properly and then go diving.

When you go on dive trips, nobody cares what gears you have, and if somebody were to care enough to poopoo your gear, just smile and say, "thank you for your comments." then go on and do your thing. They get the message real quick.

PS My instructor used a backplate setup from day one. And his comment was, "if you're serious about doing a lot of diving, get yourself one of these." I ended up with the Transpac and later on added a hard plate rig. Love'em both.

 

[IceBergSlim]

You do not want an OMS IQ Pack.

If your girlfriend finds herself drawn to a piece of gear that absurdly large and bulky she might want to take a moment to consider why before purchasing anything.

I use a great deal of OMS gear but that thing is just silly.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

A BP/W may enable you to go onto a technical route but there is nothing inherently technical about them. Your local dive shop has to set up an account if they are going to sell from an new manufacture and typically have to guarantee a minimum number of sales. Those sorts of arrangements drive them to sell a limited range of BCs and naturally they will focus on what is most popular and sells best. Of course at some point if all you sell is jacket BCs their popularity is pre-determined at least for that one store. Locally, here in southern California, BP/W seem to be the most popular option outside of beginners. And beginners use them because that is what they used in their class. Not because they were best, but because that is what they have always used. A lot of people end up selling their jacket BC at a significant loss. The most expensive gear is the gear you have to buy twice. Do not make that mistake, just buy a good quality BP/W from the outset. OMS, Oxycheq, Dive Rite, Deep Sea Supply, Halcyon are all good suppliers.

 

[WeldonDowd]

Great info everyone. I never can understand why every time I mention a backplate or a soft harness system with a wing these instructors start talking about technical diving. To me its just gear. We do plan on furthering our certifications but in the meantime I feel better now about my choice and will adopt a "get over it attitude" if they give me any flack. Thanks and keep responding if anyone has anymore input.

 

[The Kraken]

A BP/W is about the MOST UN-technical piece of gear one can purchase.

How can something so very, very simple be "technical"?

Good advice has been given you.

Go with what you want.

the K

 

[redacted]

So i was wondering why both the Scuba Shops in my town don't want to sell us this equipment or want us to take a tech diving class to use this equipment. And if I buy elsewhere will I have trouble using a BP/W or any Winged BC like the transpac on dive trips with these particular instructors?

The shop wants your $$ and knows they will not get it based on those gear choices. As certified divers, I suggest you wean yourself of any particular instructors and shops that are inappropriately and openly critical of your sound gear choices.