Bypass a Back Inflate and go to BPW instead?

[G2fspro]

I’m looking to replace my jacket BCD with a back inflate or a BPW. I’ve tried a few back inflates like the Zeagle Stilletto but I feel like I will eventually want to a BPW. I’d rather buy once cry once as opposed to buying a back inflate now and in a few months want something else.

At this time I don’t have any plans outside of rev diving limits but I hate bulk. The items I carry don’t warrant something with tons of pockets so I’d be fine with d-rings for attaching what I do use: light, octo, SMB, whistle etc.

I was looking at the Hog model and felt like it might be a good place to start. Unfortunately, none of the LDS really carry or push any kind of backplate set ups. I’m sure it’s just not profitable enough and the clientele may be limited. Since I’m not planning to do tech, do you think it’s a wise move for me to jump into a backplate or would I be better served with a back inflate?

I’d be able to answer this myself if I could try a back plate system out but I’m limited to trying what the shops use and rent.

 

[James79]

You can always add pockets to a BPW.... you can't really remove them from a back inflate BCD. I would look into something like the DGX package, in your shoes.

Respectfully,

James

 

[broncobowsher]

Backplate and wing package is likely to cost less than a BCD

 

[Marie13]

Get the BP/W. I loathe jacket BCs. Floaty things.

 

[Centrals]

I’m looking to replace my jacket BCD with a back inflate or a BPW. I’ve tried a few back inflates like the Zeagle Stilletto but I feel like I will eventually want to a BPW. I’d rather buy once cry once as opposed to buying a back inflate now and in a few months want something else.

There is NO need to cry.

DGX Custom - DGX Gears Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package

A basic DGX backplate/wing/harness package for single tank diving at a value price.

www.divegearexpress.com

 

[Lorenzoid]

Nobody here is likely to advise back-inflate over a BP/W. I had a Zeagle Express back-inflate, which was actually more like a hybrid back-inflate and BP/W. I soon ditched it for a BP/W.

I’d rather buy once cry once as opposed to buying a back inflate now and in a few months want something else.

I think what @broncobowsher was alluding to is that the expression "buy once cry once" doesn't make sense here, as the price of the BP/W that you will only need to buy once won't make you cry at all; rather, it's LESS expensive than a traditional BC.

Maybe talk to @Jim Lapenta . He's a HOG dealer in western PA.

 

[BoltSnap]

For recreational single tank diving, I have BP/W, several backinflates, Jacket BC and the SP Stab jacket. I use them for different purposes and different locations with the BP/W as last choice that is hardly used anymore. For recreational single tank diving, nothing wrong with backinflate at all.

 

[rongoodman]

I can see no reason not to go directly to a BP/W. Setting them up isn't rocket surgery and there are all kinds of resources out there to help you along, so no need to bother dealing with the local shop.

 

[Tracy]

I’m looking to replace my jacket BCD with a back inflate or a BPW. I’ve tried a few back inflates like the Zeagle Stilletto but I feel like I will eventually want to a BPW. I’d rather buy once cry once as opposed to buying a back inflate now and in a few months want something else.

At this time I don’t have any plans outside of rev diving limits but I hate bulk. The items I carry don’t warrant something with tons of pockets so I’d be fine with d-rings for attaching what I do use: light, octo, SMB, whistle etc.

I was looking at the Hog model and felt like it might be a good place to start. Unfortunately, none of the LDS really carry or push any kind of backplate set ups. I’m sure it’s just not profitable enough and the clientele may be limited. Since I’m not planning to do tech, do you think it’s a wise move for me to jump into a backplate or would I be better served with a back inflate?

I’d be able to answer this myself if I could try a back plate system out but I’m limited to trying what the shops use and rent.

Cincinnati scuba and aquatics should have some plates and wings on hand. They could help fit you and let you try some. Ask for Mike. Tell him Tracy sent you.

 

[G2fspro]

Cincinnati scuba and aquatics should have some plates and wings on hand. They could help fit you and let you try some. Ask for Mike. Tell him Tracy sent you.

Thanks Tracy, I appreciate it. I’m newer to diving so I’m still getting to know other divers and shops.