Beginner BC questions

[Furner]

I am doing some reasearch trying to find the right BC for me. I have somewhat decided on a BP/W setup over a jacket, it seems that many here prefer that style, but of course I will try both setups in the water before I commit.
I am confused somewhat on the BP/W setup.
First, is a "back inflate" system just a different name for BP/W setup?

On a BP/W setup, you only have the wings as bouyancy, correct?

Sorry for the questions that sound somewhat silly, but I want to make sure that I understand this type of setup correctly.
Thanks
Chris


I wont be offended if you move this to the New 2 Scuba forum.

 

[rab]

A BP/W is, in a way, a type of back-inflate system. The "inflation" is all at your back. However, not all back-inflate BCs are BP/W. I have a Zeagle Ranger which is back-inflation, but the cummerbun, shoulder straps, weight pockets, and tank bands are much more that the simple webbing of a BP/W harness. The "wing" on a BP/W is usually like a doughnut (torus) so that air cannot be "trapped" on one side. The inflation bladder on my Ranger is more horseshoe (U) shaped so if you add air while horizontal and on your side, all the air will end up on one side of your tank and will stay there until it can get around the "top" when you flatten out or go slightly head-up.

There are many good descriptions of the BP/W setup here so I won't try to go into any more details (since I don't dive one!).

-Rob

 

[RiverRat]

Furner,
I'll just state some reasons I decided on a BP/W over a standard BC.

1. The weight of the plate itself, especially a steel plate, allows you wear less weight on a belt or an integrated weight system. The benefit of this is that the weight is shifted from your hips to over top of your buoyant lung area, providing a better overall trim.

2. The BP/wing system is more streamlined. Just a one piece webbing in the front, no bulky, buoyant padding, allowing several more pounds to be shed and a very streamlined approach, less drag in the water.

3. Very modular, if you ever go to doubles, just change out the wing. If you need to replace your wing you can just do that without scrapping the whole BC.

4. Other weighting options such as P-weights, or channel weights that fit in the backplate center channel. V-weights in between the doubles etc.

5. No body squeeze some "air all around you" BC's are known for.

A less is more approach, I like it

 

[Furner]

Is there any source online that covers the BP/W setup in depth? I really think that when I get the money, ill build my own with the help of my LDS, so some sort of BP/W for newbies would be great if anyone knows of it.

Thanks for your replies members, this board is a great tool to learn alot about scuba, there arent many boards that are this accepting of new members with a ton of questions.
RiverRat, I LOVE(!!) modular, thats part of why the BP/W design appeals to me so much.

 

[RiverRat]

Is there any source online that covers the BP/W setup in depth? I really think that when I get the money, ill build my own with the help of my LDS, so some sort of BP/W for newbies would be great if anyone knows of it.

Thanks for your replies members, this board is a great tool to learn alot about scuba, there arent many boards that are this accepting of new members with a ton of questions.
RiverRat, I LOVE(!!) modular, thats part of why the BP/W design appeals to me so much.

Yes, the board is an awesome resource, here's a start:
http://dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html
http://www.gue.com

Do a search on BP/W, backplates, wings etc. and you'll find more info than you can digest at one time. I ordered my backplate from FredT here on the board, he makes great custom gear and offers mega support, he got me setup decent. Send him a PM if you're interested in his stuff, very high quality.

 

[Furner]

I got FredT's BP info last night, ill probably go with him for my plate.

Thanks for the links.
Chris