JustinW
Contributor
what it seems to be about the BP/W evangelicals is that they really think that their 1 piece crotch strap and bladder is the cats meow. All of the arguments they give bash jacket style BC's. Born again divers, remember there is more than one configuration of BC.
Seems to me the main difference between your BP/W and a back inflate BC is the cheap 1 piece strap and an overpriced stamped plate that can be made of various materials.
Personally, I dive a back inflate BC, a Scubapro Knighthawk and really like it. I was trained in a jacket style, thought i liked it in class but tried a few others and ended up with the Knighthawk. IMHO, I get all the great features of a BC and the conveinence of a more comfortable strapping ststem that for me doesn't creep or move. a HP steel tank balances me perfectly on he surface and helps me drop lead. Now if someone asks me about it, I will tell them I like it, but then I also won't bash a jacket style or the BP/W. I may however tell them to stay away from certain models of BC's or to stay away from the righteous attitude of some of the BP/W guys, and perhaps warn someone that they may be confused with those jerks if they wear one. All in all there is just so much to consider when choosing a rig. It is unfortunate that atitude is a consideration, the stigma of a BP/W is bad enough to keep some willing experimenters from wanting to use it.
Why is it that occurance of BP/W users is so much heavier here than on the beach? Because the real divers get out and do it, they aren't so worried about making sure they have the latest and greatest. Just a simple psychographic difference.
Seems to me the main difference between your BP/W and a back inflate BC is the cheap 1 piece strap and an overpriced stamped plate that can be made of various materials.
Personally, I dive a back inflate BC, a Scubapro Knighthawk and really like it. I was trained in a jacket style, thought i liked it in class but tried a few others and ended up with the Knighthawk. IMHO, I get all the great features of a BC and the conveinence of a more comfortable strapping ststem that for me doesn't creep or move. a HP steel tank balances me perfectly on he surface and helps me drop lead. Now if someone asks me about it, I will tell them I like it, but then I also won't bash a jacket style or the BP/W. I may however tell them to stay away from certain models of BC's or to stay away from the righteous attitude of some of the BP/W guys, and perhaps warn someone that they may be confused with those jerks if they wear one. All in all there is just so much to consider when choosing a rig. It is unfortunate that atitude is a consideration, the stigma of a BP/W is bad enough to keep some willing experimenters from wanting to use it.
Why is it that occurance of BP/W users is so much heavier here than on the beach? Because the real divers get out and do it, they aren't so worried about making sure they have the latest and greatest. Just a simple psychographic difference.
