BP/W really OK for a newbie

[djanni]

What "considerable qualifications" were those? I only addressed issues of proper fit and comfort, which apply regardless of what style of BCD you are wearing.

Geez Bob, Are we having fun yet?

How about the qualifications shown below in bold???

"If all you're ever gonna do is vacation dive the tropics ... and if you can find one that fits you properly ... a jacket style BCD may be a good choice. And then it's going to depend very much on user preferences."

You win Bob, you've worn me out.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I also wrote (in the same paragraph) ...

If you are going to dive more temperate climates, wearing a drysuit or thicker wetsuit ... or if you are having difficulties finding a traditional BCD that provides proper fit and comfort ... then a BP/wing may be a better choice. Again, it depends on user preferences.

See ... I applied the same qualifications both ways. At no time did I say one was inherently better than the other. But you only saw what you wanted to see, and only reproduced part of what I did say in order to justify what you wanted to believe.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[BSea]

This dog is still chasing it's tail I see... I made a vow last week never to get into one of these arguments about BP/W again, and I won't. It's pointless.

Maybe one day this dog will catch it's tail...

AMEN!

 

[TASea]

But really, a great back inflate (Ranger, Chute III, etc) is even more comfortable when you are diving a single tank. There is no issue with adjusting your trim and the pockets make it far more convenient for the average diver.

Hmm...I recently got rid of a Chute III and switched to a DSS bp/w. To me the bp/w seems more comfortable. With its wide cummerbund and straps, the Chute felt like it was restricting my flexibility. I don't really miss the pockets yet, but suppose eventually I'll add pockets to my drysuit. Never had any trim adjustment issues with the Chute or bp/w.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Don has a tough row to hoe so I think we should give him a break. The vast majority of divers on SB use a standard jacket or BI BC but they just aren't into discussing gear like us BP/wingers. As a result, discussions on BCs are usually very lop-sided in our favor. Don is just trying to keep some balance. Occasionally, he may appear to cross the line... but I don't hold it against him.

I'm sure we seem pretty obnoxious at times and I apologize to Don and all the others that like their standard BC. I never mean to imply that anyone is any less of a diver because of the choices they make regarding gear but I can see how it may seem that way ... especially when we talk about our BP/wings the way we do.

 

[djanni]

Don has a tough row to hoe so I think we should give him a break. The vast majority of divers on SB use a standard jacket or BI BC but they just aren't into discussing gear like us BP/wingers. As a result, discussions on BCs are usually very lop-sided in our favor. Don is just trying to keep some balance. Occasionally, he may appear to cross the line... but I don't hold it against him.

I'm sure we seem pretty obnoxious at times and I apologize to Don and all the others that like their standard BC. I never mean to imply that anyone is any less of a diver because of the choices they make regarding gear but I can see how it may seem that way ... especially when we talk about our BP/wings the way we do.

Stephen, Thank you for your kind words and support.

As you know I always distinguish between the confident experienced professionals such as youself (that'll be a dollar please) who are always willing to offer advice about a bp/w and those who promote bp/w for the sake of bp/w and regardless of the topic of the post or the interest of the diver.

It's not that I'm on some sort of crusade to promote one style of BC against another. I do get awfully bored reading the same stuff over and over by the same group of people. We need some new blood and fresh ideas. I like hearing about bp/w's and harnesses, plates and wings. I like hearing about BC's and the various styles and what people like and don't like about them. Same with all the equipment really.

I'm not the only one who feels this way either. I was making an equipment purchase recently and mentioned Scubaboard. The owner said something like "you want get any help there unless you want a backplate."

There's a new post titled "Mares Dragon" and as I write this there have been 7 positive replies by people trying to answer the question and not a single "GET A BP/W" reply. That's got to be a Scubaboard world record. So maybe more people will start speaking up.

Thanks again Stephen,

Don

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I tend to agree that if someone asks about a traditional BCD, then it can be annoying when people start talking about backplates.

On the other hand, the creator of this thread specifically asked for information regarding the backplate ... so I don't understand why someone would object to posters attempting to respond to the OP's question ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Sideband]

I plan to dive at least 3-5 times a year for the next 20+ years (thats the plan at least)

For that amount of diving I think I would just rent.

Joe

 

[Sideband]

There's a new post titled "Mares Dragon" and as I write this there have been 7 positive replies by people trying to answer the question and not a single "GET A BP/W" reply. That's got to be a Scubaboard world record. So maybe more people will start speaking up.

Thanks again Stephen,

Don

Quick! Someone jump into that thread and correct this oversight. Let the floggings begin!

Joe

 

[LavaSurfer]

There's a new post titled "Mares Dragon" and as I write this there have been 7 positive replies by people trying to answer the question and not a single "GET A BP/W" reply. That's got to be a Scubaboard world record. So maybe more people will start speaking up.
Don

Why would someone bring up a BP/W in that thread?
Its about the "Mares Dragon" and thats not a BP/W.

Had they asked something like "I am thinking about buying a Mares Dragon but I am open to opinions as to any other ideas" then it would be a ligitimate post.

Your way too sensitive but understandably so, you have opened yourself up and taken a few good blows in this thread.

We should all go get narc'd and blow a group bubble ring! :wave-smil