Does this BC product exist?

[Calvinandhobbs]

I've been reading about the different types of BCs and I understand that many people perfer bp/wings over vest because bp/wings have less drag. However when on the surface, the bp/wings type tends push the diver's face forward , but the vest will not.

Does anyone make a BC where you can control which bladder the air goes in to?

I'm thinking something with a bladder in front and in back. The diver would fill the front bladder when at the surface, but be able to deflate it for less drag under water and only use the rear bladder for bouyency compensation.

Does this product exist?

 

[PerroneFord]

Here we go again.

 

[MSilvia]

Not that I'm aware of, but it sounds like a solution to a largely non-existant problem. IMHO, it would be better to configure the existing gear properly so that face plants don't happen than to buy gear designed to enable the root problems that cause it to occur. As far as I can tell, face plants are the result of the gear being configured/used improperly, not a problem inherent in the gear.

By way of analogy, if you can't reach the brake pedal in your car, you ought to slide the seat forward, not strap a block to the pedal so you can drive with the seat in the wrong position.

 

[Calvinandhobbs]

MSilvia, thank you for the constructive reply.

 

[Walter]

Does this product exist?

Yes, but in a much simpler and more effective form. It's called a vest. When the diver is upright in the water, the air in the bladder rises to the area around the shoulders, distributed evenly front and back. When the diver is prone, the air in the bladder rises to the back with no air in the front.

 

[kidspot]

I can't recall who makes it, but I did see one like that not too long ago - it was a back inflate, but while at the surface it had an optionally inflatible front bladder (small one on the cumberbun)


Aloha, Tim

 

[Calvinandhobbs]

The "vest" is the only BC I've used so far. I've been reading about bp/wings and the mechanical engineer in my couldn't help but wonder if it is possible to get the best of both (less drag, but no tipping problem).

 

[Wayward Son]

A back inflate, either a BC or BP/W, does not need to push you face down. if you distribute your weight & get your trim set it shouldn't.

 

[ae3753]

It does exist. The BCD Tim mentioned is the Oceanic Outrigger:

http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/p_bcs_outrigger.html

 

[Calvinandhobbs]

Darn, there goes my patent

Thank you to both of you.