from BI to BP/W (?)

[utnapistim]

Hi all,

I have searched the forum for this and couldn't find whan I'm looking for, so I thought I'd ask:

What are the improvements one can expect when switching from back-inflated BC (in my case the ScubaL Orion) to BP/W?

I (think I) know about better fit and maybe durability but other than that ...

Anyone who did this switch, care to share?

 

[Kray_Z]

I think the best pet would be the customization. I just have the hog harness so if i want a certain pocket somewhere, I add it where ever i want. I just always hated have the little armrests in the way and the almost imposible to use pockets because they are so far back(unless im just sitting on the surface chilling, but who does that :14: ) besideds that i would just say as you did the fit. also perfect trim is nowhere near as hard to attain as a jacket(or back inflate) because you can put weights almost anywhere.

Either way you go enjoy. mine comes in today!

 

[Dive-aholic]

Less bulk, more stability, personal customization, better streamlining.

 

[OE2X]

I can't say that I'm familiar with the Scubal Orion. From the looks of it on their site though it looks to be a soft pack - no back plate.

I had two back inflate bcd's and neither works that well for me. My Oxycheq BPW is awesome.

The BP will keep the tank secure and won't allow it to move around on your back. The issue that I have always had with non back plated systems is that you can experience tank roll from side to side.

As has been pointed out by both Kray-Z and Dive-aholic removing the cumberbun pockets etc will allow for better streamlining. I wouldn't want to have to sling a deco bottle on anything besided a BPW.

Weighting is also a big thing for the style of diving I do. I dive in drysuit 12 months a year. Having a good portion of my weight over my lungs allows me to have excellent horizontal trim. This allows me to move through the water column more efficiently, thus lowering my gas use.

Failure points - The BPW doesn't have plastic buckles that can be broken by having a tank set down on top them. If something goes wrong or breaks then I can usually fix it between dives. Also D-rings can be custom placed wherever you need them. Not sure what the Orion uses for D-rings but many manufactures use rings that lay flat on the webbing. This is a PITA in my opinion.

 

[BabyDuck]

i think lack of padding to try & sink. i like not having to compensate for the fluff!

 

[Kray_Z]

fluff yes.. no fluff!

 

[daniel f aleman]

What are the improvements one can expect when switching from back-inflated BC (in my case the ScubaL Orion) to BP/W?

You turn into a diving God!

 

[artek]

You turn into a diving God!

That’s the attitude I like to see here.:05:

 

[BabyDuck]

You turn into a diving God!

or goddess, baby. or goddess.

 

[dherbman]

You turn into a diving God!

What if you were a diving God pre BP/W?