BP/W really OK for a newbie

[Azza]

to answer your question - Yes a newbie can dive a BPW. My wife has dived in one since dive 5. She hated jacket style BCD's during her course and as soon as she tried a BPW she loved it, bought it and never once looked back. (ok her Rescue Instructor tried to make her wear one on her rescue course to make his life easier, she wore it once then refused to wear it again)

As for buying one... No Offence but if you are really only going to dive 3-4 times a year, don't bother buying anything. Waste of money really. Just hire all the way...
See one of the reasons people buy gear is so they are used to diving one configuration and their skills improve because they are familiar with their equipment and know how to work it to maximum effect.
To dive 3-4 times a year you are probably never going to get too flash at diving nor ever feel comfortable in any equipment so save your dosh.

As for this whole BPW vs Jacket war. Ignore it. I dive a BPW and wouldnt dive anything else, but I couldnt care less if my dive buddy dives in one or not. Wear what you feel comfortable in.
Different strokes for different folks

 

[eandiver]

I started out diving with a Mares Frontier X BC and enjoyed it and as I have progressed to a BP/W I now prefer that.

Occassionally I dive where a BP/W and steel doubles are not needed and end up using a friends ScubaPro Classic(?) and a single al80 with no difficulty. Different feeling but no problem switching back and forth.

Sort of like riding my Honda CBR1100 and my wifes EX500.......both are bikes that I can drag a knee with but different characteristics.

 

[djanni]

bashing of non bp/w. Duh!

Would you mind reading throught the posts again. No one is bashing bp/w's.

In fact it's the other way around.., the bp/w crowd bashes BC's.

 

[King Kong Matt]

the bp/w crowd bashes BC's.

Eh...I'm not sure that's true either. Both sides have their advocates and their over-zealous advocates around here. I have seen people bash BP/W just as hard as the other way around (which admittedly does exist), insinuating some pretty stupid and asinine things.

At the end of the day, the point of diving is to have fun. Most people have more fun when they are more comfortable so the question really isn't which system is "better". The question is which system provides you with more comfort and thus makes diving more enjoyable for you. That's a personal decision that you have to make.
















and if you choose a bp/w you got the answer right...

 

[SangP]

Would you mind reading throught the posts again. No one is bashing bp/w's.

In fact it's the other way around.., the bp/w crowd bashes BC's.

I think you might want to read MY post again... the bashing of NON BP/W which means the bashing of BC's by the BP/W crowd... sigh

 

[LavaSurfer]

still haven't passed my OW cert but I want to buy a BC and I've been reading about this new trend (i think) BP/W. IS this really a good idea for a new diver whose never used one and I don't think my LDS stocks them. I've used the seaquest pro QD and really like it because it had integrated weights, easy on/off power inflator, easy adjustments, lots of D rings. Can I find all these features in a BP/W unit for a lower price?

Where can I purchase a BP/W if they are a better option, remember I'm a newbie but I plan to dive at least 3-5 times a year for the next 20+ years (thats the plan at least)

Personally I love my BP/W
Am I glad I bought a BC first, YES! I appriciate the wing more.
What size BC would you need, any Idea?
I have an Extra Large good quality BC I would let go cheap and you can use it to get started then decide down the road. Its had only about 30ish dives on it and its like brand new.

Not a pressure sale but an offer. Its collecting dust and It wants to get wet.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

I think you might want to read MY post again... the bashing of NON BP/W which means the bashing of BC's by the BP/W crowd... sigh

I think we need a third faction. How about the Horse Collar crowd?

 

[djanni]

I think you might want to read MY post again... the bashing of NON BP/W which means the bashing of BC's by the BP/W crowd... sigh

I've read through all your posts again and I'm sorry but we have a failure to communicate.

I thought it was pretty clear when you said: "Regular bcs are.... but not really that fun to drive."

It's okay though...

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I think we need a third faction. How about the Horse Collar crowd?

Oh ... we've got some of that crowd here too. They just come at it from the other end ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[LavaSurfer]

my buoyancy control at the moment isn't the greatest with anything

I think this is the key statement here, Your new and your inexperienced.
Getting into the fray of Vest Style vs. BP/W Style BC is really a mute point until you get certified and experience some time underwater.

Honestly, if you want to buy a BP/W, there is no issue with that and if you decide you want the luxury of pockets, bells and whistles, that’s OK too. You can always sell your equipment and upgrade or downgrade later.

If I were you I would get a good reg and start there. The thought of renting a reg is like renting a wetsuit, it makes my skin crawl. Who knows who puked through the Rental Reg or pee’d in the rental wetsuit? Argh!

All BC's, well almost all BC's, will fit your need at this stage of the game. But a good Reg will last you a lifetime and give you the biggest bang for your buck now.

After renting a few BC’s and getting some experience, you will have a better idea of what you want and need.