BP/W

[Luke Fosburg]

Ok,
So I am kinda sort of interested in going to a BP/W configuration when I start getting into some more technical diving in the future. Im just curious what is a good brand/model to buy for someone just getting into the BP/W. I want to make sure I am able to do doubles and take stage bottles if necessary. Again I am not at this point in my diving skill yet just looking toward the future. Thanks!

 

[tbone1004]

so I guess the question is why don't you think you're at that point yet? The first rig I ever put on was a SS Bp/W, same with all the students I work with, so no reason you can't make the switch now.

I think the best overall brand on the market is Deep Sea Supply and that is no secret. They are the only company that makes a backplate that actually fits me *I'm not that tall, but tall enough that a standard backplate is far too small*, and they have some very nice features on their plates that no one else has. Compound that with the price which is <$500 all in with wing/harness and they are on the cheap side of the market. I honestly don't believe anyone has a higher quality product on the market either so it makes it a no brainer in my mind unless you work for a shop that requires you to be in a particular brand.

Depending on your tank and exposure protection choices you can buy a singles rig now and by the time you are ready to look at doubles, just get a doubles wing and use the same harness/plate and you're good to go. Alternatively if you know you are going to doubles in the future, there really is no reason not to just buy a set of doubles and learn to dive them now. Take a day with someone who knows what they're doing with doubles and you'll be fine.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Deep Sea Supply is always mentioned on SB when someone asks this question. It's what led me to buy mine when I was in the same position as you. What's great about DSS is not only the quality but the fact that Tobin George, the owner, is a SB member and has helped many of us by phone and email decide exactly what we need for the type of diving we do. Makes it really easy for you.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I would argue that a harness is a harness (single webbing), a backplate is a backplate (though some you can attach additional weights, and they can come in different length). Bear in mind that the wing will be different for singles and doubles. There are differences in lift, strength of materials, and length/diameter of the LPI hose. Obviously if you are going to dive in wrecks or caves, you want to spend more on the strength of materials for your wing.

Sorry for not answering your question directly. Just wanted to offer some thoughts.

DeepSeaSupply seems to be frequently recommended on SB. If I was to start over, I'd probably go there first.

 

[Lorenzoid]

That's three votes for DSS in two minutes after the original post.

 

[ResortDiver850]

Just curious, how does one contend with getting pushed face forward while surfaced?

 

[savsuds]

I kinda went half-ass into it. I got a ScubaPro X-Tek Form Harness. A lot easier to set-up. Some of the same similar benefits of a BP/W with padded shoulders that I was used to.

 

[savsuds]

Just curious, how does one contend with getting pushed face forward while surfaced?

I put my feet up so I am sorta reclining back.

 

[RyanT]

Just curious, how does one contend with getting pushed face forward while surfaced?

When you surface, you need to pump your wing up just enough to float your head out of the water. If you do that, a well-configured rig won't push you face down. Alternatively, I ended up doing a long surface swim in current this summer. I wanted to get a little more buoyant, so I inflated fully and kicked over on to my back. My rig floated me comfortably on my back in a face-up position during the swim.

 

[rhwestfall]

Just curious, how does one contend with getting pushed face forward while surfaced?

proper weighting/weight placement, and proper wing use. I also like "playing otter", and rolling over on my back...