Question Teaching OW with backplate and wing from the very beginning ?

[Roger Hobden]

I'm assuming that the whole world should eventually migrate towards BP/W as the default ...
Creating a BP/W model with fast-adjusting webbing shouldn't be so hard for companies that build BC's, except maybe for their wallet ...

 

[The Chairman]

Creating a BP/W model with fast-adjusting webbing shouldn't be so hard for companies that build BC's, except maybe for their wallet ...

The Express Tech has that as a feature and many other companies have devised other solutions. All my students learned in an Express Tech, which is a hybrid BP&W. I see no need for a rigid BP unless you're carrying doubles. Sure, it can make you look and feel all techy, but that's about it.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I liked my Zeagle Express Tech but soon ditched it for a generic BP/W. I didn't like that the Express Tech was sort of a proprietary configuration. I like that a generic backplate will accommodate a generic harness, and many backplates and wings will fit each other. I suppose this is exactly why traditional BC manufacturers would be loath to transition to manufacturing more generic pieces.

 

[Roger Hobden]

I liked my Zeagle Express Tech but soon ditched it for a generic BP/W. I didn't like that the Express Tech was sort of a proprietary configuration. I like that a generic backplate will accommodate a generic harness, and many backplates and wings will fit each other. I suppose this is exactly why traditional BC manufacturers would be loath to transition to manufacturing more generic pieces.

This is my perception also.
The tail wags the dog.

It would be interesting to compare the gross revenue and profit margins of the companies that manufacture scuba gear, vs those of the dive agencies and dive schools, not to mention the average salary of a dive instructor ...
Of course, accurate figures of revenues and profits can be "hidden" easily by creative accounting.

Is there a Scubaboard forum dedicated to the overall economics of the scuba industry ? I'm curious to know more about these issues, as they play a major role in shaping the solutions (or non-solutions) to many problems.

 

[Ted Judah]

I am superficially familiar with b/w. So, how would I, for example, learn backplate and wing diving? Retake an AOW class with that in mind? Or, is this in the tech diving realm of $CUBA?

 

[Lorenzoid]

I am superficially familiar with b/w. So, how would I, for example, learn backplate and wing diving? Retake an AOW class with that in mind? Or, is this in the tech diving realm of $CUBA?

Buy a BP/W, watch a video on how to set it up and adjust it, and go diving. I am all for taking classes, but the beauty of a BP/W is that it is ridiculously simple.

 

[dmaziuk]

I am superficially familiar with b/w. So, how would I, for example, learn backplate and wing diving? Retake an AOW class with that in mind? Or, is this in the tech diving realm of $CUBA?

How would you learn to wear snickers after walking aroung in boots?

 

[The Chairman]

I'm assuming that the whole world should eventually migrate towards BP/W as the default

It was hard enough to get everyone to accept a bladder and a safe second. I dove for decades without either.

 

[johndiver999]

How would you learn to wear snickers after walking aroung in boots?

It’s been way too hot recently to wear snickers, but it might be satisfying to have all that chocolate squishing through your toes

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I am superficially familiar with b/w. So, how would I, for example, learn backplate and wing diving? Retake an AOW class with that in mind? Or, is this in the tech diving realm of $CUBA?

No, you just get one and go diving with it.
You might need to have someone show you how to set it up, or not. There are a ton of you tube videos showing set up, but it’s not rocket science. All it is is a piece of metal on your back held on with two shoulder straps and a waist strap, how complicated does it need to be?
Getting everything adjusted for the first time is perhaps the biggest thing, but after that you just throw it on and jump in.