BP/W Opinions

[prthd9]

I am getting ready to purchase a new BP/W and wanted to tap into the wealth of knowledge you all have.

What are you preference as far as the design of the wing as they pertain to whether the bladder full circle or not?

Can you see any disadvantage to a full circle?

What are the advantages of a non-full circle over a full-circle.

 

[Jasonmh]

I have an eaiser time using the butt dump on the full-circle wings, because it was easier to migrate the air over to the left side. Just my opinion.

 

[prthd9]

Thanks I forgot about that.

 

[Jasonmh]

Many people will tell you that either is ok, and they are right. The horseshoe design works just fine, it just take a slightly different technique. I just find the donut shape slightly easier.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I have an eaiser time using the butt dump on the full-circle wings, because it was easier to migrate the air over to the left side. Just my opinion.

Jason,

Have you used both? Can you describe the technique you use for both?


Tobin

 

[prthd9]

I have used both, but I never had any problems with air distribution in the horshoe as far as buyoncy. I did however think the donut shape was much easier to dump air. With the Horshoe I would have to transfer air to the dump valves side every so often, but it was rare that I had to do that.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I have used both, but I never had any problems with air distribution in the horshoe as far as buyoncy. I did however think the donut shape was much easier to dump air. With the Horshoe I would have to transfer air to the dump valves side every so often, but it was rare that I had to do that.

Just curious, If you have long experience with both styles why are you seeking opinions here?


Tobin

 

[Jasonmh]

Jason,

Have you used both? Can you describe the technique you use for both?


Tobin

Yes. The technique I use when using the donut is, from a horizontal position, I go slightly butt up, and lean slightly to the right (or butt up, right shoulder down) and vent. When using the horseshoe I tip head up slightly before rotating slightly to the right and going butt up. When using the inflator/deflator to dump I find no difference.
If I am horizonal with a horseshoe shaped bladder, with air on both sides, and go directly to a but up position, it traps some air at the bottom of the right side of the wing. It is not a big deal or a big difference, but it is a slight difference. But I don't claim to be an expert at it. In your experience, do you see no difference in technique at all when using the two types?

 

[*Floater*]

I am getting ready to purchase a new BP/W and wanted to tap into the wealth of knowledge you all have.

What are you preference as far as the design of the wing as they pertain to whether the bladder full circle or not?

Can you see any disadvantage to a full circle?

What are the advantages of a non-full circle over a full-circle.

- a good design makes venting easier regardless of whether it's a horseshoe or donut

- with horseshoes I always had to use the power inflator/deflator for the initial descent whereas with my donuts I just pull the butt dump to descend

- with horseshoes I always had to resort to the power inflator/deflator on the final ascent when my wing was almost empty, or alternatively do some sort of seesaw dance to get that last bit of gas to the left side where I could rear dump it, whereas with donuts I just tilt head down a little more to rear vent the gas, or I can use the power inflator/deflator too if I want

- with donuts you can get a little bit of extra lift out of the rear arc when necessary whereas with horseshoes that area is wasted if you will

- with horseshoes you can trap more gas on one side, but I've always been able to trap enough even with donuts

So my personal preference is for donuts, but I know many others love horseshoes and think they work just as well or better. To each his own.

 

[Jarrett]

Just curious, If you have long experience with both styles why are you seeking opinions here?

Tobin, I don't know if it matters to you, but I thought I'd offer a perspective just in case. You obviously make very cool dive gear, but everytime I see you pick at people like this on the site, it makes you come off as a bit of a bully and makes me personally not want to buy anything from you. Same goes for fighting with other gear makers in public.

If you are going for the "I don't care what everyone thinks" business model, then this is probably fine. But if you are trying to gain new customers from the site, you have to consider what the lurkers are seeing in your actions.