BP/W phenomenon

[Canadian_Diver]

Nope. I don't care what anyone I dive with is using, either. BP/W, BI, stab jacket, split fins, force fins (I actually haven't dove with anyone with those yet), it doesn't matter to me.

Neither do I. It's all personal preference ... what works best for YOU is what matters.

 

[Don Burke]

For some reason I have noticed a lot more BP/W posts lately....is it me or is there a growing trend among recreational divers?

I got converted about 18 months or more ago....I noticed interest then, but I'm just curious if anyone else has noticed this or is just the same amount of interest?

Maybe some of the older members of the board can chime in on this....and I do mean membership old!


J

I am seeing more of them. They are not all that new, so it must be the word getting out.

My guess is that people find them easier to travel with. They are also nearly infinitely adjustable, so passing the gear through a family as interests change is a possibility.

The modular nature of a BP/W is what sold me. It has all of the good points of a backpack and horsecollar and then some.

I usually wear a jacket BCD a couple of times a week for aquarium dives. That reminds me of why I got the backplate. I can not imagine wanting to switch back for any reason.

 

[CBulla]

I made the change after diving in a few different jacket style BC's and feeling like they never fit right or "squeezed" on my abdoment or diaphram when doing surface swims. I made the switch and what a HUGE difference! It fits better, its comfortable, I've dropped my weightbelt and weights completely (no wetsuit, just bioprene!), and best of all.. I can walk around with it on for much greater distances than I ever could with a jacket style which is AWESOME with beach diving that isn't always surf side.

 

[fpsndiver]

The customization abilities of the harness, and the different size and style bladders that all work together, clean front side to avoid entanglements, and lots of places to clip gear to.........why would you want a vest?

 

[Canadian_Diver]

The customization abilities of the harness, and the different size and style bladders that all work together, clean front side to avoid entanglements, and lots of places to clip gear to.........why would you want a vest?

That's a complete contradiction in the same sentence.

What's the point of having a clean frontside if you're going to clip gear everywhere to it? :06:

 

[divinglife]

When I'm selling new gear to brand new divers (my students), I always make sure they know that a BP/wing is a viable option even for them. I have had a few students who just immediately liked the idea of a fully customized, fully interchageable system that can stay with them no matter what type of diving they decide to do. Once the choice is put out there, many more divers sway that way.

 

[String]

On an average dive charter of 12 people i see roughly 1 wing at most. Vast majority of divers are using BCs. Even those with twins and stages tend to use buddy commando BCs and rarely wings.

Wings are there but not hugely popular here around the main dive sites.

 

[kidspot]

On the boat Monday out of 13 divers, 5 were in BP/Wings ... of course we were all together still the most bp's I've seen at once here on Maui

 

[jepuskar]

I think the thing that attracted me the most was one of Extreme Exposure's pics on their website once I started my research. I mean, look at the front of a Halcyon rig....there is nothing there but a couple harness straps and a waist strap.....ok, well I admit the crotch strap is a bonus..hehe

It's a good feeling to dive with one (the BP not the crotch strap), and I certainly remember that free feeling the first time. It doesn't make me a competent diver by any means....no equipment can do that....but it does make me feel better underwater and that helps my attitude.

Initially it was a huge PIA for me to adjust the straps...took several dives before I quit hitting my head on the tank, had the rig riding up on me, or had it cutting off the circulation in my arms....now my adjustments are much quicker. I even marked the harness straps with colored marker for each of my thermal sets..3mm, 7mm, and drysuit so its even quicker now.

I'm still undecided as how I would approach it with a brand new diver....I had about 100 dives before I switched.....not sure at 30 I would have even given it a thought...not necessary at the time.

Anyways, whether the interest as peaked lately or not...I'm not sure....but their has definitely been an increase in whatever I'm trying to say....

 

[fpsndiver]

That's a complete contradiction in the same sentence.

What's the point of having a clean frontside if you're going to clip gear everywhere to it? :06:

The gear I clip to my rig comes off during penetrations, and the clean front is clean again......stages left out at the point of entry..........It is not a contradiction.