Lessons BPW vs Jacket BC

[Herje8990]

As I became more serious about diving over the past few years, I delved deeply into technical diving—exploring doubles, sidemount, CCR where 90% of my dives are on my SF2 ECCR. With a "tech-oriented" mindset, I naturally gravitated toward using a backplate and wing (BPW) setup, even for single-tank rec dives.

Recently, I've come full circle and have been diving more single-tank recreational dives due to the convenience and increased dive opportunities on boats in my area.

Last week, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to use a rental jacket BCD and regulator for a dive trip. It had been over 10 years since I last used a jacket BCD. With my tech-oriented mindset, I had always been discouraged by them, but this recent dive trip made me reconsider my stance. I was perfectly weighted (I guessed the weight but nailed it on the first try), there was no more gas in my BCD than required during the dive, and I felt incredibly comfortable and perfectly in trim. There was no "squeeze" around my body during the dive and the convenience of donning and removing the gear on the boat truly humbled me and made me question my previous judgment about always recommending BPW for single tank rec dive as the only way to dive.

Looking to see if anyone else has done a full circle and has gone back to the basics.

 

[inquis]

I've been properly weighted and in trim in traditional BCs and wore out several over the decades. I wish I knew about BP/Ws then, as replacing just the wings would have been cheaper. I've also used recreational rental BCs after becoming a technical diver (no issues with weight/trim because they had trim pockets either on the BC or on the tank band). However, using my own gear removes all doubt about weighting, fit, and accessory placement (e.g., light & line cutters).

the convenience of donning and removing the gear on the boat truly humbled me

I don't quite understand this part. Getting in & out of a BP/W is no harder than a normal BC. If you really wanted to go fast on the doffing, coil up the long hose during the safety stop & flip the necklace up as you walk to the bench (or just use their reg). After sitting: release the belt, pull the left side of the belt through the crotch strap loop, slide both hands next to your ribs & you're out. 5 seconds tops.

FWIW, I vastly prefer a crotch strap -- a normal BC typically rides up while waiting for the boat at the surface.

 

[Herje8990]

After sitting: release the belt, pull the left side of the belt through the crotch strap loop, slide both hands next to your ribs & you're out. 5 seconds tops.

Where I dive there are no seats its open boat and you have to take your gear on and off straight from the deck. sometimes in rocky conditions, it takes bit of effort to find your crotch strap.

 

[inquis]

you have to take your gear on and off straight from the deck

In that case, you might try donning the BPW while seated. Conveniently, the crotch strap is easily reached.

These gals do it with doubles!

 

[happy-diver]

Exactly how I suggested my mother get out of the bathtub

 

[Celt]

As I became more serious about diving over the past few years, I delved deeply into technical diving—exploring doubles, sidemount, CCR where 90% of my dives are on my SF2 ECCR. With a "tech-oriented" mindset, I naturally gravitated toward using a backplate and wing (BPW) setup, even for single-tank rec dives.

Recently, I've come full circle and have been diving more single-tank recreational dives due to the convenience and increased dive opportunities on boats in my area.

Last week, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to use a rental jacket BCD and regulator for a dive trip. It had been over 10 years since I last used a jacket BCD. With my tech-oriented mindset, I had always been discouraged by them, but this recent dive trip made me reconsider my stance. I was perfectly weighted (I guessed the weight but nailed it on the first try), there was no more gas in my BCD than required during the dive, and I felt incredibly comfortable and perfectly in trim. There was no "squeeze" around my body during the dive and the convenience of donning and removing the gear on the boat truly humbled me and made me question my previous judgment about always recommending BPW for single tank rec dive as the only way to dive.

Looking to see if anyone else has done a full circle and has gone back to the basics.

I use jacket BCD for singles and wing for twins. BCD is perfect for me. I just use what suits me.

 

[LI-er]

I've used a rear inflate BCD for over 10 years, and about 650 dives by the time we did a liveaboard trip in Australia and didn't want to lug most of our gear across the planet (and gear was included in the cost of the charter). I dived with a jacket BCD the entire week and didn't notice a single difference between that and the rear inflate BCD.

 

[BoltSnap]

I use whatever is most convenient and approperiate for the dive (recreational diving). BP/W bc isn't superior to a jacket BC (or anything else) for the recreational single tank diver. One just have to find what fits them properly and is approperiate for the dive and the equipment they are using. Not all jacket BC's are the same just like not all dress suits, shirts, shoes or coats are the same even if they are of the same size or come from the same manufacturer. Find what fits you and is comfortable and works for you. Nothing magical about BP/W despite of the loud noises made by some here on SB. I own BP/W's, Backinflate and jacket BC's. The best BC I have used is the Scubapro Classic BC with weight integration.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I use whatever is most convenient and approperiate for the dive (recreational diving). BP/W bc isn't superior to a jacket BC (or anything else) for the recreational single tank diver. One just have to find what fits them properly and is approperiate for the dive and the equipment they are using. Not all jacket BC's are the same just like not all dress suits, shirts, shoes or coats are the same even if they are of the same size or come from the same manufacturer. Find what fits you and is comfortable and works for you. Nothing magical about BP/W despite of the loud noises made by some here on SB. I own BP/W's, Bankinflate and jacket BC's. The best BC I have used is the Scubapro Classic BC with weight integration.

I thought you said the Scubapro Hydros Pro was the best BC you ever used?

 

[BoltSnap]

I thought you said the Scubapro Hydros Pro was the best BC you ever used?

After the Classic