BCD vs. BP/W

[turtlemoye]

Pardon the Newb question but what are the advantages of using a BP/W set up over a BCD? I've only used a BCD and I'm looking at buying my first but I do have a BP that someone gave me some time ago. I will likely only do about 10-20 saltwater dives per year and maybe another 20-30 fresh water dives and don't have a dry suit.

Should I continue to look for a BC or should I make use of by PB and look for a wing?

 

[deich]

 

[ScubaInChicago]

Use the backplate, find a good wing and your all set....BP/W have great resell value too....

 

[deich]

My thoughts... You have the backplate you only need 25bux worth of webbing, a used wing for 150 bux, misc hardware 10 bux, plus sta and bands (if needed)

would be chaper than an entry level BC...

 

[TSandM]

Advantages of a traditional BC:

You're used to it, because you most likely trained in it.

Integrated weights.

Pockets -- although they may not be easy to access, or convenient to get things out of.

Quick releases -- easy to get in and out of the gear.

POSSIBLY -- depending on tanks and exposure protection -- may make it easier to float upright on the surface.

Advantages of a backplate and wing:

Infinite adjustability. You can get a perfect fit FOR YOU.

Backplate becomes part of your ballast, reducing the lead you have to carry. It also puts weight up between your shoulders, which encourages horizontal trim.

Absolute stability of the tank.

Front of the body is unencumbered, for improved comfort and streamlining.

Rig is modular, so you can move from cold water to warm water to doubles and all you may need to change is the wing.

Disadvantages of a backplate system:

Need to come up with some kind of weighting system. Options are pockets for the waistband, or a weight belt, or a weight harness like the DUI Weight & Trim.

Need to come up with someplace to store incidental items. Options are pockets on your exposure protection, or X-shorts, or pockets on the waistband.

Lack of releases. Improperly adjusted harnesses can be a PITA to get in and out of.

If you already have a backplate, I'd buy a wing and put the rig together. I don't think you'll be unhappy with it.

 

[ScubaSaipan]

I am a newbie too, but if I could do it all over again (as far as buying equipment) I would start out with a BP/W. I have used numerous jacket style BCDs that I personally have not liked. I now dive a Zeagle Express Tech which I love for my type of diving. But if I were even thinking of diving with a drysuit someday I would go right to Deep Sea Supply and have them help me configure a rig. Just my opinion, but I'm sure you'll hear it all soon. Hope no one flames me for my 2 cents.

 

[Crush]

turtlemoye,

My US geography isn't great, but you are about 150 mi from salt water. Do you normally drive to your dives, or fly (as part of work, etc.). If the former, then BP/w or BC will likely serve you well. If you fly to your dive site, even occasionally, please consider that you BP/w (which is likely stainless steel) will be a pain to transport, and a light travel BC may be in order.

 

[elan]

Pardon the Newb question but what are the advantages of using a BP/W set up over a BCD? I've only used a BCD and I'm looking at buying my first but I do have a BP that someone gave me some time ago. I will likely only do about 10-20 saltwater dives per year and maybe another 20-30 fresh water dives and don't have a dry suit.

Should I continue to look for a BC or should I make use of by PB and look for a wing?

You really need to dive them both to see the difference. There is no best configuration. If you have to travel a lot to dive get what is lighter.
BP/W is more modular and gives you ability to change your wings and type of tanks. If you do tropic vacations and dive thin suit I would say just get a simple bc without all those bells and whistles hanging from it. The problem though with all the BCs I have seen they tend to put as much sh..t as possible make the BC absolutely ridiculous.

Or with the same luck you will be happy with a simple system with kydex plate and HOG or buckles type staps - whatever is more comfortable for you.
If you dive thick wetsuit the rear inflation BC or the BP/wing might work better as the bubble will be on top of you and will hold you more or less horizontal.

Try both, see what you like.

 

[elan]

If you fly to your dive site, even occasionally, please consider that you BP/w (which is likely stainless steel) will be a pain to transport, and a light travel BC may be in order.

Not exactly true. I would say the kydex BP with small 18-20lb wing would be smaller and lighter than my so called "travelers lightweight BCD" from Mares

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Please note, I think the vast majority of recreational divers are better served by VEST BC's, and this is the first and possibly only time you will see me type like this!

For starters Dolphi Graves is evidently the name of your instructor, not your certification agency. I suggest you visit the various forums at your disposal here on ScubaBoard and just read about 20-30 medium sized threads in New Divers and Basic Scuba. Notice the use of PADI, NAUI, SSI, SEI, IANTD, SDI/TDI, etc. Those are certification agencies.

If you are going to continue diving with an ex Army infantry, Citadel educated, rec & tech instructor who likes NC wrecks and Quarries and thinks he should be (or maybe is) President of the Piedmont Diving and Rescue Association, it is very likely BP/W is the way to go. If that is true you should also seriously consider a dry suit.

Do some research on the BP you have. It is very possible the Zeagle Express Tech mentioned above is a much better choice for now than patching together something with said unknown BP. Please read the following thread sometime during the other 20-30 threads you read if you take my advise.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...h-first-last-bc-most-will-ever-need-want.html