BP/W for a beginner

[Texas_Aggie06]

I recently completed my Open Water Certification. I absolutely loved it. I am hooked.

So, I am starting to think about what equipment I should buy. Like most people, the ultra cool jacket style bcds with a bunch of crap all over them look very appealing. But, the more I think about it the less appealing it becomes. I really don't want all that crap all over me. During my open water training, the diving instructor and the diving assistant both wore jacket style bcds. But, neither could be there for our final day of open water dives, so the lds's owner/master instructor and another master instructor taught us. Both of them wore, a backplate and wing. It just seems that as time goes on most people move to the bp/w. Why should I not just go with that set up from the beginning?

What are your thoughts?

 

[JahJahwarrior]

My thoughts are "go for it!" I've hated my jacket style BC for almost as long as I can remember. I'm now working actively to get a used BP/W.


I cannot think of a single reason to prefer a stab jacket, excpet that "it helps you float upright onthe surface."

Most of my dive is not spent on the surface. If it was, that'd be a snorkel. And back inflation would still be better for a snorkel. Also, you can lean back a bit, and the back inflation should be more comfortable then for long waits as your buddies in the stab jackets struggle to take them off to get on the boat.

 

[danktex]

I started with a BP/W first dive after open water and have never looked back. I see no reasons not to. It is a very stable platform.

 

[3ddiver]

I do not dive a bpw yet but it is only a matter of time(more like money). I saved my money to get a rear inflate black diamond for my first bc. I love it but I am still looking at a new set up. I think that if you are serious about diving and think you will stick with it you will be money ahead to do it first.

 

[Texas_Aggie06]

That's what I am thinking. Just go for it straightaway instead of wishing I had 6 months or a year down the road.

The other thing I don't understand is why most weight integrated bcds carry the weight mostly on the sides. It is my understanding from our class that most of your weights should be situated on the small of your back.

 

[RJP]

There's no reason not to go BP/W from the get go.

In the end, the most expensive equipment you can own is the stuff you bought instead of what you SHOULD have bought in the first place!

 

[nereas]

I recently completed my Open Water Certification. I absolutely loved it. I am hooked.

So, I am starting to think about what equipment I should buy. Like most people, the ultra cool jacket style bcds with a bunch of crap all over them look very appealing. But, the more I think about it the less appealing it becomes. I really don't want all that crap all over me. During my open water training, the diving instructor and the diving assistant both wore jacket style bcds. But, neither could be there for our final day of open water dives, so the lds's owner/master instructor and another master instructor taught us. Both of them wore, a backplate and wing. It just seems that as time goes on most people move to the bp/w. Why should I not just go with that set up from the beginning?

What are your thoughts?

You are incredibly perceptive. That you can see through the marketing ploys of the jacket BCD makers is unusual. Apparently the macho image of the "black diamond" type wing B/Cs have not lured you either.

For some people, jackets are better. For others, the wing style B/Cs. And for the rest, the backplate-harness-wings. You need to figure out where you fit into that continuum.

The main advantage of a backplate-harness-wing is that it is simple, comfortable, streamlined, and has no failure points. You also have infinite flexibility in adjusting the straps and belt to any length that you desire. I like to wear mine loose. Some people like theirs very tight. Modern backplates also have weight adjustment plates that fit onto them, which allow you to set them anywhere from 6 lbs (steel) to 22 lbs. This allows you to reduce your weight belt to whatever level is safe and comfortable for you.

The only disadvantage of a backplate-harness-wing that I can think of is that there are no pockets or pouches. So you may want to have some shop sew a cargo pocket or two onto your wetsuit. These usually go well onto the front or sides of the thighs. Drysuits normally come with cargo pockets already on them, or you can order them that way.

Your best immediate source of feedback would be the store owner, who dives with a backplate-harness-wing himself, apparently. See what he says. After you speak with him, and he agrees, then my recommendation would be to go with the plate. But if he disagrees for some reason, then you should listen to him. After all, it was his store, and therefore his beliefs about scuba, that taught you how to dive.

If you go with the plate, make sure you also get an STA (Single-Tank Adapter) with it. These cost an additional $100 but they are well worth it.

Those are my thoughts.

 

[Ben_ca]

It's just a BC... Won't magically make you a good diver... or will it?

This should clear things up

Jepuskar's BC vs BP&W Video

 

[nereas]

...the most expensive equipment you can own is the stuff you bought instead of what you SHOULD have bought in the first place!

This is the truest thing that has ever been said about scuba. The hard part however is finding out what you ultimately should have bought.

As a consolation, however, I was able to donate to a local (world-class) university all the early crap that I bought, and they loved it. Jacket B/C, small tanks, "octo," cheap lights, etc. That at least gave me a nice tax deduction for it all.

 

[RV]

it doesn't have to cost that much

I have an aluminum plate from hammerheadbackplates.com and have never attached the STAs that came with it...
I use a DSS wind ...