Back inflate or wrap around BCD??

[urbaneve71]

No, it doesn't. I hate the squeeze of the jacket style.

I agree I just got a back inflate recently and I will never go back to a jacket style. I hate the squeeze feeling. It took me a bit too get used to it and it will take a few more dives to have perfect buoyancy but the positives outweigh the negative for me

It always comes down to personal preference

 

[RayfromTX]

Diver after diver posts on this site that after diving a BP/W that they wouldn't want to dive a wrap around jacket again and yet they routinely get accused of being in a cult if they enthusiastically recommend them to new divers that are looking for gear suggestions. I love my DSS BP/W. We are opening the box for my wife's new rig this evening.

 

[Marie13]

Diver after diver posts on this site that after diving a BP/W that they wouldn't want to dive a wrap around jacket again and yet they routinely get accused of being in a cult if they enthusiastically recommend them to new divers that are looking for gear suggestions. I love my DSS BP/W. We are opening the box for my wife's new rig this evening.

Ooh, have fun!

 

[USMC CPL.]

I love mine too. Still working the bugs out but love the freedom. For mine from dgx and will go back to them for a bigger wing when I start tech training.

 

[BDSC]

Diver after diver posts on this site that after diving a BP/W that they wouldn't want to dive a wrap around jacket again and yet they routinely get accused of being in a cult if they enthusiastically recommend them to new divers that are looking for gear suggestions.

I think it's great when someone comes on SB asking for BC suggestions and they get all kinds of opinions of various types. However, I've seen some folks come on here saying that they are looking for jacket style BC suggestions and that's what they are comfortable with diving and then comes the same old, "You really don't want a jacket BC, you just think you do. What you really want is a BP/W but you don't know it yet". I've even seen folks say no to that and they want a jacket BC and then the BP/W folks want to challenge them on it.

The three best divers I have ever been in the water with had crummy old worn out jacket BC's.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I think it's great when someone comes on SB asking for BC suggestions and they get all kinds of opinions of various types. However, I've seen some folks come on here saying that they are looking for jacket style BC suggestions and that's what they are comfortable with diving and then comes the same old, "You really don't want a jacket BC, you just think you do. What you really want is a BP/W but you don't know it yet". I've even seen folks say no to that and they want a jacket BC and then the BP/W folks want to challenge them on it.

The three best divers I have ever been in the water with had crummy old worn out jacket BC's.

I am not in a BP/W now but would love to try one. (I have a back inflate Scubapro Ladyhawk.) Often times, folks ask for jacket because that is what they trained with because that is what is part of the rental fleet at shops that they dive with for certification and travel. That becomes what they are familiar with and I don't blame them for not wanting to stray from familiarity. I do think it is nice to suggest alternatives that they explore and try, but I agree with you, that it isn't for everyone, despite how strongly one believes it may be. We can and should only offer suggestions and guidance. If the person does not want it, we shouldn't push it onto them. It's kind of like religion - but I won't go there past that comment.

 

[Centrals]

I have no preference on the topic. But have been diving with back inflated bc since took up tec dive in 1998. However, if I am given a jacket bc I am pretty sure I won't blink an eye and go diving.
What I can't really stand is the condescending attitude shown by some BP/W divers over jacket user!!!

 

[RayfromTX]

I just love my scubaboard family. If you come here and don't see all sides represented, you aren't looking hard enough.

The first time someone tried to talk me into a bp/w with a crotch strap I was brand spanking new and it sounded strange and unlike anything I had seen in the dive shop I had learned from. Anybody want to buy the Zuma I bought from them because the first time I heard about the bp/w I wasn't buying it. It took a few more enthusiastic endorsements before I stepped over to the dark side.

 

[ezadel]

Ok. so here is a prespective from a brand new diver. last week I only had 2 dives beyond my OW ( all in jacket BC). I wanted to go diving fpr the weekend but local LDS rental prices were a bit high so i decided to pull the trigger and buy a scuba package online. I ended up with a hog BP/W stainless steel plate with hog d3 reg (diver supply whole package 800 bucks)..
last weekend I did an additonal 5 dives sat/sun and I love my BC boyancy improved so much and i went from 14 lbs of weights to 4.. additionally, I did not experience any face down issues at the surface, I was able to lay back and relax even with BC fully inflated. So IMHO dont waste money on jacket BC , you can be on BP/W from day one (at least that is my experience)

 

[Coztick]

I just love my scubaboard family. If you come here and don't see all sides represented, you aren't looking hard enough.

The first time someone tried to talk me into a bp/w with a crotch strap I was brand spanking new and it sounded strange and unlike anything I had seen in the dive shop I had learned from. Anybody want to buy the Zuma I bought from them because the first time I heard about the bp/w I wasn't buying it. It took a few more enthusiastic endorsements before I stepped over to the dark side.

Pst. SM