Back Inflate BC vs. BP Wings??????

[Bill Fisher]

Scubaboard members…

I am looking for opinions regarding the back inflate BCD versus BP Wings set-up.

(example: Zeagle Ranger versus a custom built BP wing set-up)

I have found much information in this forum regarding back inflate versus jacket style BC…

But I am looking more specifically for the differences between the two back inflatable styles.

What are your likes and dislikes when comparing the 2 set-ups?

What are the major advantages and disadvantages of one over the other?

All information, thoughts or opinions are highly appreciated.

If this has been discussed already, please let me know…

Thanks,
Bill

 

[IzzyTahil]

Simply put, alot of people have switched from Rangers to a b/p wing, and fewer still theother way around. The ranger is a classic and is a great bc from what i know. A b/p/wing setup imo is a "cleaner" than the zeagle. Do a search, theres been quite a few comparisons on this board

 

[Soggy]

There have been countless threads on this subject. Please use the search feature.

 

[Don Burke]

Bill Fisher once bubbled... Scubaboard members…

I am looking for opinions regarding the back inflate BCD versus BP Wings set-up.

(example: Zeagle Ranger versus a custom built BP wing set-up)

I have found much information in this forum regarding back inflate versus jacket style BC…

But I am looking more specifically for the differences between the two back inflatable styles.

What are your likes and dislikes when comparing the 2 set-ups?

What are the major advantages and disadvantages of one over the other?

All information, thoughts or opinions are highly appreciated.

If this has been discussed already, please let me know…

Thanks,
Bill

For me, the big advantage to the backplate system is that it is modular. The components aren't custom and can be changed as needed. Now that I have my harness adjusted, all I have to do is switch wings to get different amounts of lift.

I expect my plate to outlive me and the webbing is replaced by weightbelt web. The wing is the only part that I need the manufacturer for and several outfits are making wings with eleven inch spacing.

Some people are more comfortable with the Ranger out of the water. I rarely dive without an exposure suit, so that isn't an issue for me. Perhaps I'd have a different view if I lived in the Bahamas.

 

[Bill Fisher]

So basically the only difference is that you can change the components on a BP wing set-up and you can't on a back infalte BCD?

Soggy...
I searched through past threads using "Back Inflate versus BPwings" and nothing came up?????????????????

The two seem very similar to me and I am trying to find out what I am missing as far as what the main difference between the two set-ups are.
Thanks for your replys...
Bill

 

[Don Burke]

Bill Fisher once bubbled... So basically the only difference is that you can change the components on a BP wing set-up and you can't on a back infalte BCD?

Soggy...
I searched through past threads using "Back Inflate versus BPwings" and nothing came up?????????????????

The two seem very similar to me and I am trying to find out what I am missing as far as what the main difference between the two set-ups are.
Thanks for your replys...
Bill

Bill,

You're right, they are pretty similar in many respects.

I'm told that there are some back-inflates that you can change the wings on. Some back-inflate BCDs have pockets. Some have padding so that they feel better in the shop. Some have a buttload of D-rings.

For about the same money as a mid-grade jacket BCD, I bought Halcyon. I'm pretty sure I would be as happy with the Oxycheq or FredT version.

My backplate will do anything I want to do. If I buy another, it will be as buddy gear, not a replacement.

Like many divers, I have a pile of crap I don't use any more. It feels good to own something that will outlast me.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Bill,

In terms of bouyancy and trim, they function reasonably similar.

It could be argued that their differences are mostly cosmetic or - in terms of how they do what they do - largely subjective. Some guys will prefer one, some the other, they do basically the same thing.

I think a more important question is what type of diving do YOU want to do? While its feasible to use nearly anything to do nearly anything, that doesn't mean its optimal to do so.

IF you desire to pursue technical diving, you will likely find that you'll be better served with backplate and wings. Over time, they have been found to be more nearly optimal by a larger percentage of technical divers. To some extent, if you want to do this sort of diving, because you will be part of a team - which is only as strong as its weakest member - you'll be expected to meet team norms. If you screw the pooch, especially due to some equipment glitch, the whole team now aborts and has to respond to your situation.

If you have no desire to pursue technical diving, of course, then this is all entirely academic. Wear whichever feels best to you.

Regards,

Doc

 

[Bill Fisher]

I think you have cleared up my confusion.
Bill Fisher

 

[Bill Fisher]

I appreciate your input!
Bill

 

[GoBlue!]

Bill-

While the thread you initiated frequently gets responses such as "use the search feature," I appreciate you asking the question & am sure many others do as well. Personally, I think the search engine here leaves MUCH to be desired, especially when you're searching for terms that can be found in what seems like 90% of posts!

I've been trying to compare bp/w & back-inflate BC as well, and the modular nature as the posts above mention seem to be a major difference, giving the ability for one to acquire a couple backplates/couple wings/etc. over time & be able to customize the setup no matter what conditions you're going diving in (cold w/ dry suit; warm w/ wet suit; salt vs. fresh, etc.). Using a bp/w, the diver-gear interface is always the same....same D-rings, same distance to tank valve, same everything. It's only the little details of weight of plate/lift of wing that changes, and that's not going to impact your interface w/ your equipment.

Jim