Is a Backplate/wing worth it?

[super7]

Me and my wife both dive a BP/W, and haven't had any issues.
Just make sure the "Technical" BP/W has the properly sized wings for your dives, because the word "Technical" just might be pointing to a doubles wing. (I'm speculating you'll be diving singles)

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Go for it. There are few things out there that feel as secure, durable or as streamline as a bp/w

SangP

So my question for you is why do you think few things feel as streamlined as a BP/W?

Could you point to any studies or measurements that prove what you feel?

 

[eelpout]

The the OP. I would suggest that you spend sometime with somebody who can show and metor you on a BP/wing. I would suggest the LDS you are buying it from would have somebody there to show you, I hope. All this direction people are giving you won't mean anything if it is not adjusted right, and you fully understand what they mean by balance, your trim. position of weight, secure, streamline etc.

Just my 2 Cents,
Jim

 

[fire_diver]

I can't belive how often this exact subject is posted. There are days worth of reading if you do a search. I love my Bp/W but it's a tool. Use what you want, nothing is a magic carpet that will make you dive like a pro (unless you are already a pro).

 

[diver 85]

If so, you'll adapt to it.....

 

[Scubaru_Steve]

I just got back from my LDS to pick up my tanks, I talked to the one guy for over an hour. He showed me both vests, BP/W, vests with a wing, and his own personal stuff. Showed me a lot of options and what I could get away with. Honestly it comes down to what I can find at a better price and at a good fit.

Vest:
- Familiar to me
- Can find one for a fair price
- Fits my general style of diving

BP/W:
- Unfamiliar
- Very Customizable
- Can change with me as I grow into the sport

So it just comes down to finding a set up in my price range (Around $300), and pretty simple/versatile. My LDS only has one BP/W (used), but said they can order. I am looking around online so if anyone knows of any simple set ups, with a single tank bracket/wing, let me know

 

[fnfalman]

I have two different backplate systems: Dive Rite & Halcyon.

Even when I purposely inflate my wings to their maxes, they still don't push me forward. So, I really don't understand where this pushing-face-down thing comes from.

Not only the BPW helps improve my mobility underwater, but it also helps improve my mobility at the surface as well. Face down, snorkeling style, is easy. Face up, on the back swim is also easy.

It doesn't float me higher out of the water than a jacket BC would, but that's why Jacques Cousteau invented the regulator that I keep in my mouth. Or the snorkel.

 

[Rhone Man]

For me, the biggest knock on a BP/W is cost. If you care enough about your gear to pay the extra expense, it is pretty much all upside after that. Otherwise, go for a cheap jacket style BCD and have fun.

 

[DiverBeth]

I dive with a bp/w and a back inflate bcd. I love the both of them. The only time I've ever head a problem with a face plant is if I inflated them to their limits. The couple of times that happened I just let out a little air and I was fine. I've been known to wait on the surface by lying on my back and all I do is layback with no effort.

 

[hypertech]

I just got back from my LDS to pick up my tanks, I talked to the one guy for over an hour. He showed me both vests, BP/W, vests with a wing, and his own personal stuff. Showed me a lot of options and what I could get away with. Honestly it comes down to what I can find at a better price and at a good fit.

Vest:
- Familiar to me
- Can find one for a fair price
- Fits my general style of diving

BP/W:
- Unfamiliar
- Very Customizable
- Can change with me as I grow into the sport

So it just comes down to finding a set up in my price range (Around $300), and pretty simple/versatile. My LDS only has one BP/W (used), but said they can order. I am looking around online so if anyone knows of any simple set ups, with a single tank bracket/wing, let me know

At that price point, I'd think about Golem Gear. They have a decent reputation around here, and I think you can get a full single tank setup for $360.