BP/W use dependent on level of diving expertise????? Help.

[Quarrior]

I got my C card last March. After renting some various BCs, I purchased my BP/W in May. So, the answer to the question is, there is NO experience level required to use a BP/W. Just some common sense, which you seem to have, that your LDS is blowing smoke at you. Glad you asked the question.

 

[TekDiveGirl]

Right after I had started my technical training my bp/harness was attached to my doubles and I was called last minute to DM a class. I did not have time to take it off so I ran out of the door and grabbed my old jacket BC. I figured no big deal I had dove it tons of times - boy was that a big mistake. I hated it!!! It felt so floppy and inadequite compared to the comforat and stability of my bp/w. After that I sold my old jacket on eBay so I would never make that mistake again.

Do any of the shops in San Diego rent bp/w so you can try it out to see if you like it? SD Divers supply maybe? There are some shops who teach with bp/w from open water so using a bp/w is for sure not dependant on level of diving experience.

Kimber

 

[gr8white]

May I suggest something else?

Try the Orion from www.triple-l.biz
http://store.triple-l.biz/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=60

It is escentially a bp/w configuration but with an integrated weight pockets.
You can use the integrated weight pockets or you can remove it to have a more streamline harness.

And get this, the whole setup is less than $150 !!!!

This is a nice transition from full body bcd to bp/w setup.

Again, it is a wing setup so you have the effect of the wing. You can try it and once get efficient in this setup, go get the real bp/w.

I bought the Orion and loving it.
Charles

Sorry, can't agree with this being "essentially" a bp/w. It looks like a back inflated BC which is a complete other creature (unless I've missed seeing the bp/w) - and that yellow/orange/red BC looks like something out of a craker jack box. ;>)

BP/W has nothing to do with experience. In fact, the sooner you go BP/W the better. Changing from jacket to wings for me was like heaven. The simplicity and the fit is incredible. The bouyancy control is pehnomenal. (This is where you may not notice it if you are somewhat of a new diver.) I learned my lesson well. Diving is not a sport in which to cut corners on costs with items like the BD and reg. Go with wings!

 

[darkstar]

IMO, It depends more on what kind of diving you do than your level of skill.

BP systems are great for divers who dive in lots of different conditions. Strap a big bladder on and your diving double steel tanks in a dry suit. Mount a smaller wing and some cam straps and your good to go for a single tank dive in Cozumel. You don’t have to be a techie to use one, but you should think about things like, single or double tanks, exposure suit, current and drag, gear attachment (pony bottles, cameras, etc). There are costs to all that versatility.

BP systems are less useful for divers who dive with single tanks and want to be more streamline. Having a 90lb lift bladder sticking out the side may not seem like such a smart idea when you’re trying to climb a rocky beach in heavy surf. After you’ve done all that thinking, try one in a pool or on a dive.

You may also want to look at some more substantial back inflation BC’s. I bought Zeagle soon after certification and after more than 100 dives in everything from Cozumel to a half frozen river, I still love mine. I’m just now moving to a BP system, and only because I’m diving doubles with a need for a lot of gear attachment points.

There are lots of good choices on the market now, and many of the back inflation BC systems are customisable with lots of add-ons and component choices. Once you have some choices, I’m sure the good folks of Scubaboard would tell you about their opinions. Don’t trust just one LDS to tell you what to buy. An LDS is an OK source of information, but only on the brands they carry.

I’ve only used a jacket style BC on my initial cert course. I have no use for them in the water, but they do may pretty good pillows if you’re trying to catch some Zs on the diveboat.

 

[Quarrior]

BP systems are less useful for divers who dive with single tanks and want to be more streamline. Having a 90lb lift bladder sticking out the side may not seem like such a smart idea when you’re trying to climb a rocky beach in heavy surf. After you’ve done all that thinking, try one in a pool or on a dive.

You should use a singles wing for single tanks and a doubles wing for double tanks. Consequently the 90lb lift bladder is non-existent on a single tank. I dive a the Oxycheq Signature 45 singles wing and love it. Very streamlined.

You may also want to look at some more substantial back inflation BC’s. I bought Zeagle soon after certification and after more than 100 dives in everything from Cozumel to a half frozen river, I still love mine. I’m just now moving to a BP system, and only because I’m diving doubles with a need for a lot of gear attachment points.

Zeagles are great alternative if you don't want a BP/W. Awesome BCs.

 

[Henryville]

We teach divers from the beginning using BP/W. Should not be a problem for you. One thing, though is that adjustment/fitting is critical. Make sure your LDS can really fit you correctly into this rig or you won't get the benefits and won't like it. If you get it, you will also need to think about pockets/storage as you won't have them from your BC any more.

 

[Potapko]

I am usually not one to toe the party line but I also love my bp/w. Your lds is probably reacting (same as mine did) to the false idea that bp/w are only for tech and/or experienced divers. There is however a learning curve to getting used to the bp/w on the surface. Many lds's still push the fear that you will not be able to float upright on the surface because the bp/w will "force you" on you face in the water. The first time I tried one I found this to be the case. However, after learning I didn't need to fully inflate the wing, and after it was properly tuned in for trim, this problem "disappeared". Under water with my jacket I found it difficult to maintain neutral boyancy. especially near the surface. Now, with the bp/w it is incredibly better. I can hover 6 inches below the surface without breaking out.

I have only 40 dives but would already never go back to a regular jacket. If you asked that question in a poll. Many, many go to a bp/w, I don't know any who have gone the other way.

Have fun

 

[RDP]

BP & W are really great in the water. They aren't always as comfortable out of water. I would say it is hard to go wrong with a properly fit BP&W setup no matter what level of diving you do.

Also, don't miss looking at the Jet Harness BP&W setups. They custom fit each harness setup to your measurements. And they only cost $320-$360.

http://www.jetharness.com/index.cfm

 

[gr8white]

BP systems are less useful for divers who dive with single tanks and want to be more streamline. Having a 90lb lift bladder sticking out the side may not seem like such a smart idea when you’re trying to climb a rocky beach in heavy surf. After you’ve done all that thinking, try one in a pool or on a dive.
QUOTE]

Couldn't agree less. A BP wing is more streamlined than any jacket or back inflate. No one would put a 90lb lift on a single. Halcyon Pioneer is a 27# lift bladder with low low profile but plenty of lift. You don't need to go Halcyon but stay with a 30# or less. The nice thing with Halcyon is that you can use the same plate to add a larger bladder if you want to go double tanks.

 

[gr8white]

Many lds's still push the fear that you will not be able to float upright on the surface because the bp/w will "force you" on you face in the water. The first time I tried one I found this to be the case. However, after learning I didn't need to fully inflate the wing, and after it was properly tuned in for trim, this problem "disappeared". Under water with my jacket I found it difficult to maintain neutral boyancy. especially near the surface. Now, with the bp/w it is incredibly better. I can hover 6 inches below the surface without breaking out.
Have fun

I bought two $7 weight pouches, attached them to tank strap, added 2# weight in each and had perfect trim underwater and floated face up at the surface. Also, bring your knees us just slightly at the surface and it will keep you upright.