BPW to Jacket or Back Inflate

[Straegen]

Anyone ever go from a BPW back to a jacket or back inflate BC? I know a lot of people move to a BPW but wondering if and why someone would move back.

 

[Walter]

Some folks don't like the BP/wing and have switched to another type of BC. Seriously, the type is not nearly as important as the design. I've used all types, a well designed vest works as well as any other, a poorly designed vest sucks. The same goes for the other types. Most BCs on the market are poorly designed. BP/Wings have fewer models with really bad design flaws, but as they become more main stream, more crap is showing up in them as well.

 

[Tortuga68]

Anyone ever go from a BPW back to a jacket...?

I know this isn't what you're getting at, but yes I have - when I've used rental equipment (due to not wanting to take my own gear with me)

Couldn't wait to get back into my BPW though

 

[Straegen]

BP/Wings have fewer models with really bad design flaws, but as they become more main stream, more crap is showing up in them as well.

Would you elaborate on that statement? I am curious as to what flaws and manufactorers that you have seen/heard about.

As a side question, are the "THE" Walter that does some private instruction near Cape Coral? I get down in that are at least once a year and I am would be interested in advancing my knowledge.

Thanks, Cameron.

 

[rstofer]

I am a recent convert to the BP/W and somewhat of an evangelist. I really believe it is the way to go. However, I have a very old SeaQuest ADVi jacket BC that I plan to keep around. I like the way if floats me higher in the water and holds me vertical. I like the pockets on both sides (no integrated weights). In fact, I like everything about it. And, no, squeeze isn't an issue. The side bladders are suspended from an inner harness such that squeeze is minimized. Oh, and the actual bladder is separate from and covered by the Cordura fabric.

Would I change back? No! I like my BP/W. It is streamlined and should offer a lot less drag. This is important at my age! But I do miss the pockets and have yet to come up with a solution that is as satisfying as that old BC. I think the right answer is thigh pockets on a drysuit; neither of which I have.

If I were to change back, and I am not going to, it would be to a jacket style BC without integrated weights - if I could find such a thing. I know! This is not in keeping with modern thought. I can live with that...

Richard

 

[Nemrod]

I would never change back because I never was anything but a BP/wing diver. Never owned a poodle jacket.

My progression:

No stink'n BC (1966ish) --------->( Mae West sometimes (1968ish))-------->horsecollar BC (1974ish)--------> wing/BP (1976ish)---------> No Stink'n BC (2002ish).

N, don't need no stink'n BC

 

[kneptoon]

One of my resolutions for 2009 is to go back to a jacket bcd. I've had 2 years of a BI and that's it. All of these gear selections are really personal choice. My wife loves her BI, I don't. I gave it a good try (100+ dives). It's just not working for me.

 

[Nemrod]

Just from observation, a BI has all of the disadvantages of both a jacket and a BP/wing and few of the advantages of either.

N

 

[cool_hardware52]

Just from observation, a BI has all of the disadvantages of both a jacket and a BP/wing and few of the advantages of either.

N

I agree.

Tobin

 

[maged_mmh]

I would never change back because I never was anything but a BP/wing diver. Never owned a poodle jacket.

My progression:

No stink'n BC (1966ish) --------->( Mae West sometimes (1968ish))-------->horsecollar BC (1974ish)--------> wing/BP (1976ish)---------> No Stink'n BC (2002ish).

N, don't need no stink'n BC

I was born in the horsecollar era