BCD Whining

[diversteve]

Zeagle Express sells the ET with optional bladders up to the 35# Stiletto. Also there's a 30# donut. Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe Kit scuba diving gear at Zeagle Express

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Suggest to him that he get the basic BP/W and pick up some Irikonji Classic Shorts for $99 (or less on ebay, I just snagged an extra pair for $70). Dive the shorts as trunks in the tropics, and over a wet suit anywhere he needs one... much better than having a BCD with pockets for stuff. Heck, I'm considering using the shorts with my drysuit even though the Fusion Bullet pockets are pretty good.

 

[kelemvor]

The diverite TransPac harness might be a good choice as a compromise. It's a bp/w harness but comes with some padding and clips to disconnect the shoulder straps. Then it's only a few bucks for webbing if he later wants to switch to hogarthian. It's going to be more expensive than a few feet of webbing and some d rings and a buckle, though.

You can get various pocket systems to attach to webbing if you're so inclined. Also, glue on or strap on pouches for storing "stuff". I have a strap on that I keep a spare mask, smb, whistle, and light in.

 

[ams511]

One of the disadvantages of a BP/W is that you do not have much space to mount items. You can add weight integration or pockets to the harness but you usually cannot add both. If your husband does not need much weight then a weight belt is the solution. You can purchase inexpensive pockets from here.

 

[Colliam7]

I've never seen a Zeagle Ripcord drop weights accidentally. I've had one for 10 years, my buddy for 8.

It is very easy for weights to accidentally drop from a Zeagle Ripcord system. All you have to do is a) forget to zip close the weight pocket after you put the softweight pouch in it, and b) go inverted in order to take a really cool picture. That works almost every time - out comes the weight pouch and away you go (up).

 

[fbk]

+1 on the pocket shorts, tons more room than in any BC. The pockets velcro flat when not in use, I have Highland neoprene ones they are great. Then he can get a BPW or Hollis Ride and mount some weight pockets directly on the waist strap. Comfy as.

 

[Damselfish]

Your husband sounds a bit like mine. He's a photographer and not all that interested in the rest of his gear. If he hasn't used it or I haven't suggested it, he will be completely unaware of it. He has bought his own BCs though and what he's been using for a long time is an Aqualung Wave (which is a very simple jacket, often found in rental fleets.) It's a place to hang a tank and it has big pockets to put his stuff in. He doesn't seem to be fond of stuff attached outside. So one possible issue I see with a BPW for someone who doesn't care much, is that you need to pay more attention to setting things up just right and figuring out where to put things. Rather than just buying it and putting it on. I think setting things up is best done by the person diving it, especially if YOU don't want another hobby tinkering with his gear.

My husband has never shown interest in integrated weights, though I love them. Maybe because they would make his rig too heavy, or maybe it's just part of his no interest in non-camera gear. Either way, I wouldn't write them off because they kept dropping from some rental gear. Some are designed better than others, and older designs where the weights are held in by velcro are trouble. Especially anything in rental that has been used a lot, the velcro wears. There are systems that work well though - just check reviews to see which ones work.

 

[Diving Dubai]

I'm a BP/W convert and a camera guy too.

I put a post on the board a while ago with my experiences of moving from a jacket to a wing so I won't go there again. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...nging-jacket-wing-hope-helps.html#post6670758

If you dive a BCD you tend to buy one that meets your needs (and budget) - get a size that kinda fits and has the bits and pieces you want. because they are what they are you tend to compromise.

With a wing you can tinker to get what you really want, and change as your diving and experience increases and perceptions change.

My case in point - I started with integrated weight pouches. As my diving improved my weight went down and what little weight I carried went to trim pouches ( I dive a heavy steel tank) thus my additional weight is in the summer only 2lbs. So the Integrated pockets went

I put D rings where I wanted them on the shoulder straps and on the waist belt. I have pockets on the wast belt that are right for me (I looked hard for the right zip opening type with the right size for me) I have a place on my back plate for my lift bag I come across anchors once every couple of months and my camera has its lanyard clipped to where is suits me.

What I'm saying is that the wing is customised to me, my gear and the way i want to dive rather than me changing to the way a BC is laid out. The big plus of course is the my wing will always fit no matter what size I am (weight went down with lots of diving) and what exposure suit I'm wearing which can be between a 3mm and a 7mm. Where as a jacket may be loose or tight at different times and you deal with it.

What did you get on Black Friday in the end?

 

[diverjen]

Thank you all for your helpful responses. He decided BPW after reading all of the recommended posts, etc.

Hubby scored pretty well this year on Black Friday:

New Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer from Leisure Pro
New HOG 32lb Single tank BPW package with plastic cam buckles from UDM Aquatics
New Gopro Hero 3 Black Edition $239.99 with free shipping from Amazon

Its a good thing our dive trip is not until May so we can recover - yikes!