BDSC
Contributor
I know I can use the jacket BCD with a single tank
And depending on the brand of jacket BC, you can also dive doubles.
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I know I can use the jacket BCD with a single tank
Perhaps you have a different definition of "simple". I hate weight belts. The jacket BCD takes care of that, your BP/W doesn't. I also like pockets, again the jacket BCD takes care of that, your BP/W doesn't. I know I can use the jacket BCD with a single tank, can I use your BP/W with that or do I need an adapter? What kind of backplate is that, will it be too heavy to travel with? etc...
While the BP/W may well be the best thing since sliced bread it seems like it is more of a Scubaboard phenom than a reality for divers who go on vacation 2 or 3 times a year to dive, like I do. Oh, and I have been on 2 live aboards and did not see a BP/W on either of them.
Perhaps you have a different definition of "simple". I hate weight belts. The jacket BCD takes care of that, your BP/W doesn't. I also like pockets, again the jacket BCD takes care of that, your BP/W doesn't. I know I can use the jacket BCD with a single tank, can I use your BP/W with that or do I need an adapter? What kind of backplate is that, will it be too heavy to travel with? etc...
1) What features are better in Jacket BC's than in BP/W
2) in what kind of diving Jacket works better, why?
3) How would one experienced and familiar with both styles end up buying&recommending a jacket. What arguments and reasons lead to the decision?
It's been a few years since I was the only BP/W diver on a trip, whether liveaboard or dive resort. I don't see them being as rare as some of you guys are making them out to be. There were four on my last Aggressor trip, and half a dozen at CCV this Spring.
These seem to be the prevailing stories.Regarding input from more novice divers about jacket-style BCDs vs. BP/W...
I'm relatively new to diving (96 logged dives) and have not done any tech diving as I still do not have enough experience.
When I first started out, I dove the jacket-style BCDs because I had to rent and that's all my LDS had.
When it was time for me to get a BCD, I asked my instructor for recommendations and he suggested I try a BP/W before spending hundreds of dollars.
He had a DiveRite TravelPac that he thought I might like (since we're in warm, tropical waters and I don't like to have much weight on) and so I tried it out.
Front that point on, I have never even considered diving with a jacket-style BCD.
My 15-year-old had the same experience: learning with a jacket-style BCD and then trying a BP/W before purchasing one.
She also opted for the BP/W saying: "There is no comparison. There is no way I'm getting a jacket."
I now have a DiveRite Voyager XT wing with a 5-pound steel backplate and a basic hog harness setup.
I love this configuration since I don't need any weights (even if diving an aluminum cylinder), it's streamlined, and I can poke around inside of wrecks with great trim/pitch.
If I want to penetrate a little deeper (nothing too hardcore because, like I said, I'm not a tech diver) then I can strap on a steel 100 without any trouble.
Of my handful of friends who are also relatively new divers, they have all purchased BP/W setups even though they initially started with jackets.
We all seem to agree that overall the BP/W is just a better fit.
But that's just us...