BP/W for first BC?

[TheBeak]

seems many here prefer the BP/W setup. how about for a first timer.

i hate buying things twice.

my dive friend sems to think not to many folks use the BP/W.

should i get something more familiar to the folks around here (zeagle ranger or similar) of go with a BP/W.

i really like the simplistic approach of the BP/W, but dont want to get something "odd" if that makes sence.

 

[Saskia]

i would say go out and try anything and everything you can, and see what FEELS right for you. A 'traditional' bc might be more comfortable, or you might be with the group that feels that bp/w is the best thing since sliced bread. It is all a matter of preference, and dont' let anyone convince you one is better then the other, and who cares if it's odd? if it good for you, then it will never be odd

 

[TSandM]

Well, if nobody you know dives one, then you would sort of by definition be "odd".

Really, a BP/W is just a BC. There is no reason not to dive one from the beginning, if that is what you want. It works like any other BC -- Put air in to counteract negative buoyancy, vent air to counteract positive.

There are some issues relating to setup and adjustment (if you go with a Hogarthian harness) which are easier to deal with if you have access to someone who has done it before. But I suspect there are divers in the Tampa area who have similar rigs, and you could probably find them by posting on Scubaboard.

At the end of the day, what you buy and use for gear shouldn't depend on a desire to fit in (or be different, for that matter!) It should depend on what fits you, what you are comfortable using, and what works for your style of diving.

 

[theatis]

Well, if the question is whether YOU should get a BP/W the answer is: it depends. There are many factors such as the type of diving you expect to do now and in the future. For example, if you see yourself going into doubles or any type of tech diving further on, then a BP/W is preferable (for some a necessity) especially since you don't want to buy things twice.

If the question is whether it's possible, then the answer is: sure it is. I did it and so did many others without regretting the choice.

As you've already been told and you'll be told again i'm sure, trying is the best way to settle your own preferences.

 

[cool_hardware52]

seems many here prefer the BP/W setup. how about for a first timer.

i hate buying things twice.

my dive friend sems to think not to many folks use the BP/W.

should i get something more familiar to the folks around here (zeagle ranger or similar) of go with a BP/W.

i really like the simplistic approach of the BP/W, but dont want to get something "odd" if that makes sence.

You have recieved very good advice here already.

I am of course biased a bit in favor of BP&W's, given that I biuld and sell them.

It is quite possible to start with a BP&W. I know many that have. More than one local instructor here in SoCal starts his BOW students in a BP&W.

I would guess that the bigest hurdle for you, if you elect to go BP&W will be acceptance by some instructors / dive shops. Given your location you should be able to find BP&W friendly divers / instructors / shops.

Good luck,


Tobin

 

[DanBMW]

Lots of stores in the Tampa area that sell BP/W configuration. I don't have an interest in any of them and wish I had started that way. PM me and I'll give you several names. They are all in the local directories too.

 

[red_infinity]

I started with a BP/W. I see more and more people using it now though, but still, even if it looks different from normal BCs it doesn't really matter once you're down under, right?

Try one if you can and see if you like it. I know I did

 

[offroaddiver]

BP/W set up is what i decided on after seeing how expensive it is to find a bc that fits right with me. I'm goin to buy a pad to protect my back when carrying it down the ramp to the quarries... that was a bit aggrivating. plus you can put the lead on your back instead of on a belt.

plus you can arrange everything the way you want it. You put a few d-ring here and one or two there and you have yourself rigged up for holding your tools to change that prop, or the accesories while taking photos .... the possibilities are alot more open. Or you can go an interesting route and buy the army surplus harness bags and have some pockets.

 

[rockhound13]

I did my check out dives using a jacket style BC and felt very awkward. I used a borrowed back inflation BC for about 20 dives after that, better, but still felt like it was work to get it to move with me without shifting, and you have to carry more weight because most if not all of them are positively buoyant. Bought a BP/W, dove it twice with the deluxe harness, and then scrapped the harness webbing for a single piece of webbing and used the hardware to make a hog harness and absolutely love it. Very comfortable, dropped 10 lbs. of lead from my belt (Nothing to do with the harness), and it feels seamless when moving around, even in crappy surf conditions. Theatis hit the bullseye though, what type of diving you find yourself interested in may influence your decision, or not, I know two rec divers that have no interest in tech diving that use aluminum plates and single wings because they travel nice and can seperate into two pieces if needed. Good luck. Cliff

 

[H2Andy]

*I* wish i had started diving with a BP/Wings

but then again, i would have had nothing to compare my bp/wings with, so i wouldn't have been so pleased when i found out how great it dove

there are many advantages to a bp/wings combo: they are infinetly adjustable, they are light and streamlined, they assist you with trim and bouyancy rather than fighting you, and they are modular, so yo can mix and match components