Back Inflate Vs Bp/w ?

[DYOUNGER]

I have been a warm water diver wearing the typical jacket style BC with single tanks. I have tried and own back inflate bcs but cannot see a real benefit when diving wet (other than less clutter). I have started diving dry and do like the fit, feel and trim of the back inflate bc and can appreciate its function with the dry suit. Beacuse of my location I do not have access to a variety of bcs to try and have only seen one guy usig a bp/w. Since I cannot see or dive for a comparison between the BI bc and the bp/w, I ask for your help. What is the physical and more important the dynamic difference between the two? Maybe I'm too simplistic but aren't they both the same in that both have a bladder on your back. In other words, if I did not know what you had put on my back during a buddy suit-up, how could I tell whether I had a back inflate or a bp/w in terms of stability, trim and feel?

I hope not to create a redundant thread but I have explored hours of threads in search of an answer.

Thanks!

 

[Doc Intrepid]

In other words, if I did not know what you had put on my back during a buddy suit-up, how could I tell whether I had a back inflate or a bp/w in terms of stability, trim and feel?

In terms of stability and trim, for basic recreational diving you probably couldn't tell the difference. Some wings offer slightly different trim characteristics than others, but you tend to get used to whatever you have pretty quickly.

In terms of feel it would depend on the manufacturer and model of the back inflate BC. If you look at a bp/wing, the things that are in front of you consist of about maybe 6-7 feet of 2" wide nylon webbing, a buckle, and maybe three D rings.

In contrast, depending again on which back inflate you're looking at, you could have all sorts of nylon jacketry, detachable weight-pouch pockets with little handles in the front, velcro cumberbunds, little plastic or metal rings or attachment points, velcro straps to hold your corregated hose, little pull things to dump your BC, small weight pockets for non-ditchable weight, and assorted gizmos and doodads like whistles and noisemakers, pockets for octopus second stages, pockets for your folding snorkel, little zipper pouches to put all sorts of stuff in, rolled up 'safety sausages' clipped here and there, and padding so the thing looks comfy.

I'm betting you'd be able to feel the difference.

 

[scubadobadoo]

In contrast, depending again on which back inflate you're looking at, you could have all sorts of nylon jacketry, detachable weight-pouch pockets with little handles in the front, velcro cumberbunds, little plastic or metal rings or attachment points, velcro straps to hold your corregated hose, little pull things to dump your BC, small weight pockets for non-ditchable weight, and assorted gizmos and doodads like whistles and noisemakers, pockets for octopus second stages, pockets for your folding snorkel, little zipper pouches to put all sorts of stuff in, rolled up 'safety sausages' clipped here and there, and padding so the thing looks comfy.

I'm betting you'd be able to feel the difference.

I agree. See my post in the thread above this one about the Black Diamond BC. Just the type Doc is talking about.http://www.scubaboard.com/t92742-best-overall-bc-made-period.html

 

[herman]

I have had the opportunity to dive both a BP/wing (35lb) and my 2 back inflate BC's (35lb & 45lb bladders). I found very little difference between any of them when properly weighted and trimmed. Trim, swimming effort and overall buoyancy control were close to even. My BCs are more comfortable above water, with little difference under water. I was wearing a 5mm top, I may have felt different with just a skin on. From my experience the difference boils down to what you want and what you intend to use the BC for. For tech diving with twin tanks, the BP wins hands down. They are the stronger of the 2. Otherwise it's up to you. For my style of diving, I choose not to give up my shoulder pads, (easily)adjustable shoulder straps and intergrated weights. I don't need the extra strength of the BP.

 

[wunat]

I choose not to give up my shoulder pads, (easily)adjustable shoulder straps and intergrated weights.

These features are available in BP+Wing setup too..................except for extra bucks.

 

[RICHinNC]

wunat....not sure there are extra bucks involved everytime. My rig is a DiveRite Transplate and it came (optional) with padded shoulder straps.......adjustable....and....quick releases. As for integrated weights....I did have to get weight pockets and attach to waist belt....but a small thing to me.

I paid way under $500 for the whole rig to include the wing. They even assembled it for me ready to dive.....all I had to do was tweek it a little.

Try www.northeastscubasupply.com and ask John for the TransPlate deal. (No i dont work there....just a satisfied customer)

 

[herman]

These features are available in BP+Wing setup too..................except for extra bucks.

Well, yes and no.
I know you can get/add them but to keep in the true spirit of a BP vs BC debate IMO the BP needs to be in the DIR (for lack of a better discription) style- no pads, quick releases and the like, otherwise it's just another back inflate BC that happens to have a metal tank support.

 

[scubadobadoo]

Well, yes and no.
I know you can get/add them but to keep in the true spirit of a BP vs BC debate IMO the BP needs to be in the DIR (for lack of a better discription) style- no pads, quick releases and the like, otherwise it's just another back inflate BC that happens to have a metal tank support.

I agree Herman but not when comparing to a back inflate like the Black Diamond.

 

[jonnythan]

Well, yes and no.
I know you can get/add them but to keep in the true spirit of a BP vs BC debate IMO the BP needs to be in the DIR (for lack of a better discription) style- no pads, quick releases and the like, otherwise it's just another back inflate BC that happens to have a metal tank support.

Actually there is a better term: Hogarthian.

 

[TechBlack]

I own both a Zeagle Ranger and a BP/W setup for my doubles. don't get me wrong, I love my Zeagle, in my opinion, it's one of the best, if not the best, designed/consrtructed integreated rear inflate bc's out there. But with the BP/W rigged hogarthian style, there is a difference in feel. I find it easier to better trim myself with the BP/W, and it feels more stable. If in any way it's possible, I would suggest trying the bp to see what you think. it is significantly less cluttered too if you rig it hogarthian style, and i find it easier to swin with my doubles and a stage bottle that it is with my ranger and a single tank... just a thought....