BP/W versus Jacket-Style BC

[bracdiver]

What are the differences between the BP/W and the Jacket-style BC's?

 

[RS]

They both get you into diving.

But a BP/W will get you INTO DIVING!!

They'll both get you into arguments.

 

[Colliam7]

What are the differences between the BP/W and the Jacket-style BC's?

For even more background and information, type the following - 'BP/W versus Jacket BCD' - into the 'Search' window at the right of the SB menu bar, and click, 'GO'.

 

[dschulte]

Having used and owned several configurations and brands of both I find that there is a performance difference. The BP/Wing combination, I feel, performs much better from the stand point that you can fully customize your trim and your fit; especially when you move from a dive skin in the Caribbean to a dry suit in Massachusetts in February. You can also integrate components into the setup as needed; a D-ring here, extra bungee, or pouch. With a standard BC you get what you get. Not the trade off is that there is a learning curve to BP/Wing diving and there can be a huge cost difference. If you are a new diver, try to borrow a friends, this is how I was converted and have thus converted others. I maintain a traditionally BC for quick working dives, working with students or cat fishing. The majority of the time I dive the BP/Wing.

:monkeydan

 

[RS]

Ok, I'll bite.

But>>>

before I post anytihng else here, what the hell does the link in your signature mean?

Are you a pogey *******?

 

[cool_hardware52]

What are the differences between the BP/W and the Jacket-style BC's?

The Search function will yield a lot of information, maybe too much, but try it.

I design and build and sell BP&W's.

A backplate and wing is a type of modular BC. It consists of a rigid back plate, usually either Stainless Steel, aluminum or plastic.

Attached to this back plate is a harness to connect the diver to the plate.

Between the plate and the tank is a "wing" or "bladder" or "air cell" This is the inflatable portion that allows the diver to adjust their buoyancy.

The tank or tanks are secured to the plate through openings in the wing.

The advantages to a BP&W include:

The modular construction. This allows you to pick the plate you need (size, material) and the wing your need (doubles or singles, and the proper capacity for your application) The harness is a separate component that is nearly infinitely adjustable, and inexpensive to replace. Easily to convert to other types of diving. Want to dive doubles? Keep the same plate and harness and just change the wing.

For many applications the weight of the plate is a benefit. With a SS plate you have about 6 lbs of ballast up over your buoyant lungs.

No inherent buoyancy. With no pads, or cumberbunds etc. you won't need the 2-4 lbs typically required to sink a padded BC.

Here's a picture of a wing before being mounted on a plate.

Here a link that shows how a harness is typically laced.

https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=instructions

I'd be happy to answer any other BP&W questions you have.

Tobin

 

[RS]

Don't post here until he answers about his sig.

I think he's a spammer. If I'm wrong, sorry.

Hey, why would you have a sig that says "attractwebsitetraffic.com"?

 

[DeNomad]

I actually just purchased a DSS BP/W from Tobin and have to say I am very impressed with it. With a BP/W everything is very customizable, and durable. With a nice hog harness you can choose the placement and number of D-rings, and you feel very free (not confined) when diving since no excess material presses against your body. Also since the air is all above you it is very easy to maintain a horizontal trim.

Also, I'm a big fan of the BP/W since I can take a lot of weight off my belt. A 7 lb SS plate with 8 lbs of non-dumpable weight attached more than halves the lead I need for cold water diving. If you have any more questions I'm sure Tobin will be happy to answer them.

You may want to find a diver in your area that might let you try out a BP/W. That would the best way to make up your mind.

 

[HowardE]

Don't post here until he answers about his sig.

I think he's a spammer. If I'm wrong, sorry.

Hey, why would you have a sig that says "attractwebsitetraffic.com"?

If you search this user's history, it appears as though they are new, and have posted diving related posts.

Its much friendlier to just give your honest opinion, and give the OP at least a few hours if not a day to respond.

--

I dive a BP/W now, having switched from a jacket about 200 dives ago, and I would never go back either. Love the BP/W it feels like it's more attached to you than a jacket ever feels

 

[Steve_Dives]

I have one of each. The jacket squeezes a little, so if you're new, it provides a little feedback before dragging you to the surface on a buoyant ascent. But the jacket is bulkier, harder to pack, takes longer to dry, can't move/add/subtract D-rings, and I can't add lift. My plan is to use it only in the pool.

The BP/W is much more customizable and did result in a freer feeling in the water, as earlier posters indicated. As someone who came to scuba from snorkeling, it was a difference I noticed and appreciate. First time I dove it in salt water with the BP/W I made the dive without any ballast. That was new!

I don't know if there's a great argument to go jacket style over BP/W, but they are certainly more common (not sure what value that has) and you might be able to find a jacket BC for less money (recognizing that you can never change a thing about it, and therefore might end up buying a second BC or a BP/W).