Back inflate BCD

[David Novo]

I am not able to think of a dive that I would not prefer to do with a BPW but that can be due to lack of experience.

If i want to dive twins, I can just change the wing. If i want less weight, I can change the BP and so on.

I strongly doubt that if given the option I will go back to a BCD (I would say never again but let's play on the safe side), specially a jacket one...

 

[lexvil]

I’ve just started using a Hydros, liking it a lot, have an outlaw for travel. Been using bp/w for some time, freedom plate , no complaints with any of them all are modular for easy repair if needed. I try to never get into to much of a rut, try different things.

 

[Lorenzoid]

What a shame, there are several out there that are very comfortable, stable, versatile, pack very compact and light and very durable.

I am not trying to start an argument either. I am merely pointing out that one needs to keep their options open and not dismiss anything out right. I own BP/W, Jackets, backinflate and I use each one of them for different purposes. I have one specific SP jacket that is very sturdy, stable and durable for diving when I am swimming out from shore for longer distances, it is the best for this purpose compared with other options.

I'm sure you're right. It's just that I would rather not have to try out a number of different rigs to see what works best for what purposes. That could be expensive and time-consuming. Some people might enjoy the experimentation and not be put off by the time and expense. I'm not like that. I find that a BP/W is a good compromise. It may not be the best I could have found for each of a number of different purposes, but it works well enough for all those purposes. That compromise leaves me with only a few minor choices for the various kinds of diving I do: wing size and steel vs. aluminum plate. So I own two wings and two plates. I like the simplicity.

 

[rmssetc]

What is the best back inflate BCD with integrated weight currently available (excluding an actual BPW)? Scubapro Hydros Pro, Apeks Black Ice, other?

What do you mean by "best"?

Do you mean -- greatest lift capacity, lowest cost, fastest drying, most compact for travel, most accessory attachments, most adjustable fit for a 4' 9" woman or for a 6' 4" man, greatest integrated weight capacity, etc., etc., etc?

There is no "best" BCD, but there are a lot of quality options.

Give us some more details about what qualities you value and you'll get more worthwhile responses....otherwise, you'll just get opinionated, meaningless, well-intentioned answers. Oh, wait. It's scubaboard....you'll get that anyway.

 

[David Novo]

What do you mean by "best"?

Do you mean -- greatest lift capacity, lowest cost, fastest drying, most compact for travel, most accessory attachments, most adjustable fit for a 4' 9" woman or for a 6' 4" man, greatest integrated weight capacity, etc., etc., etc?

There is no "best" BCD, but there are a lot of quality options.

Give us some more details about what qualities you value and you'll get more worthwhile responses....otherwise, you'll just get opinionated, meaningless, well-intentioned answers. Oh, wait. It's scubaboard....you'll get that anyway.

Well, you mean now or 4 years ago when that question was written?