Disadvantages to BP/W ... if any?

[HenrikBP]

I've searched and gone through the archives but didn't find any clear answers to this question. I've read lots (... and lots ) of arguments *for* using a BP/W set-up. But even a thread asking for disadvantages didn't really come up with any.

So has anyone used a BP/W and later decided it didn't work out for them? If so, what were the downsides that made you switch, and what did you switch to?

Or, and other way to ask a similar question; is anyone using both BC and BP/W but for different types of diving? If so, why does each rig work better/worse for the different types of diving?

I'll be doing recreational diving, but the simplicity of a harness and the interchangeability of the wings appeals to me - the idea at least, having not tried it yet. My LDS (not surprisingly - really) commented that a BP/W was fine "if I wanted to do *that kind* of diving." They're even trying to steer me away from an SP Nighthawk because it's back inflate: "it's a technical BC and it'll push you forward at the surface" ... from my reading here I realize that's not the case. Another local shop owner told me his daughter has been diving BP/W since age 10 with no problems.

Anyway; I've read all the comments for and advantages to BP/W but would like to hear some downsides as well, just to complete the picture.

Thanks

Henrik

 

[ekewaka]

I don't think there are any disadvantages to a BP/W. The lds probably just wants to sell two BCs. He wants to sell you a jacket style bc now, and then a BP/W after you decide that the jacket BC s no good. I have used a jacket BC, back inflate, and BP/2, and I have never been pushed forward at the surface by any of them. The BP/W is the best for any type of diving IMO.

 

[CMAN]

No Pockets. Slightly harder to don when changing suit thickness because the shoulder straps are "pre-set". That said, I still prefer BP/W.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

My shoulder straps are adjustable. Pockets can be added. I can't think of any disadvantages.

I also don't have a backplate. I dive the Dive-Rite TransPacII, and require 10 lbs in saltwater. 10 lbs isn't that much weight to add to a dive bag.

 

[HybridDiver]

I love mine, Little harder to get into at times but that being sad I love my golem gear.
Chris

 

[fppf]

Heavy to travel with to remote places.
You don't use a hammer to put a screw in, you use a screw driver for that.

Same thing, eveyone I know has at least a BC and there BP/W.
Just like everyone has a hammer for nails and a screw driver for screws.

 

[johnnyseko]

The addition of a weight belt, I felt was a disadvantage after diving integrated. That feeling didn't last long at all. I much prefer a 10-12# weight belt, rather than 25# in the pockets of a BC!

The loss of pockets, but the ones on a BC are pretty much useless anyway. I got x-shorts to make up for that, or you can get glue on pockets as I don't think x-shorts are available anymore.

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

doesn't come in pink

I love mine. Still getting used to it in the water. Even while working out the bugs, weighting, trim etc, I still so free it in and love mine.

 

[DiveTub]

The addition of a weight belt, I felt was a disadvantage after diving integrated.

many companies make weight pouches for BP&W', why would you want to go anywhere near a weight belt

Cheers
Chriso

 

[PerroneFord]

I could see pockets being an issue in some rare cases, but honestly, most people are carrying things in there they really don't need.

Where I think the tradional BP/W falls down is in using for something other than backmounted tanks. Nearly everything about it is optimized for backmount. If you're wearing tanks on your back, this is really the way to go. If you're carrying them sidemount, this is really not the hot setup.