Is Weight integration evil? The first thing a BP user may discover is that they need one of them there weight belts! IMO weight belts are a PITA. I dive one with a BP, but I like my stiletto better in the weight integration department. One has to purchase a weight system or weight belt, and pockets (if desired).
At a minimum a BP/W diver generally needs a weight belt. That means two pieces of gear to one compared to a weight integrated BC.
Ron, is there any particular reason you choose not to use integrated weights with your BP/W? It's super easy to do, if that's what you prefer. Why you think a weight belt is any more necessary with a BP than with any other BC is a complete mystery to me. If you want integrated weights, put on integrated weights. I don't think weight integration makes any sense for my diving, but I don't see it as a BP/W vs. Jacket issue at all. Either system can have weight integration or not. Obviously weight integration isn't "evil", but I find it amusing that someone using such a provocative term would wonder why this is such an emotional debate.
Do BP/W's fix trim? Anyone who instantly says that a BP fixes trim is confusing weight placement, and tank placement with a particular type of equipment.
True, but I don't think anyone is saying that. What they are saying is that the default weight placement of a BP is more advantageous than the trim characteristics of a typical jacket BC. It may still need adjustment, but it often does not.
Does A BP/W system makes one a better diver? The only thing that makes someone a better diver is diving. Good equipment selection can help, but does nothing magical.
No kidding. Who claimed otherwise, and what does such an outrageous claim have to do with the real pros and cons of the gear?
When is a BP/W a good choice? If one wants to do doubles, there is no better solution. If one wants must carry a lot of weight (Drysuit diving/cold water diving) a steel Back Plate and STA can take 12lbs+ off the belt, and distribute it evenly across the back.
These are two good reasons for making the choice, but there are many others as well.
Ironically a good number of recreational dives on SB are VERY strong advocates of the BP/W system. Many with less than 100 dives (often 50) are VERY opinionated on the subject, and honestly, I have no idea why? Many/Most of these folks have very little experience with more than one BC.
I'm not sure I see the irony, but in any case there are also lots of BP/W fans that have decades of diving experience, and lots of experience with a variety of gear. Nothing about a novice liking a sensible system makes the system less sensible.
Why is this such emotional subject?
Partly because people insist on posting their sometimes spurious opinions as though they were fact, and partly because people constantly resurrect crazy fringe arguments instead of discussing meaningful pros and cons logically. It raises the hackles of people on both sides who have well thought out and valid reasons for their choices. I believe there are real and tangible benefits to the system I prefer, especially when I'm diving in cold local waters (as you pointed out), but when push comes to shove it doesn't make much difference for most recreational dives in warm water. As always, I recommend using what YOU like. If you ask my opinion though, I'll tell you what I like and why. If that causes you to reconsider your preferences, great. If it doesn't, that's also great.
