Question From jacket to BP and Wing

[Flgrizzy]

Those 2 things (weight distribution, and not trying to float super high in the water) should work out. Some people dive conditions where they really want to be able to float with their whole head and neck out of the water, and those people find BPW unsuitable. As others mentioned, it is all about what works for you. When you get it in hand, make sure the waist strap is snug and the crotch strap doesn't have much slop in it. Shoulder straps can be a little loose. Then try floating with different amounts of air.... many can fully inflate the wing while laying back at a steep angle. I typically put just enough in mine at the surface to put my mouth and nose just out of the water. Play with it and see what works best for you. Aluminum tanks are light and contribute to the "too much weight forward" issues for some, but with a steel plate in fresh water and thin wetsuit, a steel tank may have you overweighted (I use an aluminum plate, steel tank, newer 3mm fullsuit, and 0-2 lb of lead... warm freshwater I wear a shorty for the buoyancy so I'm not over weighted).

Respectfully,

James

Thanks James. I’ll more than likely be using the Aluminum 80 that I kept. Then I may rent a steel tank to try out. ?

 

[Flgrizzy]

What James79 said.
The beauty of a BPW system to me is the ability to cutomise it to your type(s) of diving.
You can put the weights on your waist, upper or lower back and fine tune your rig.
The lack of bulk and only one buckle make it so streamlined and simple.

Talked with a diver that experienced the face down at surface, he wasn't using the crotch strap. Whole rig was up by his head. We got him sorted out, strap and weights on lower cam band and he is a happy diver.

Also find the BPW a lot more comfortable and stable on the surface as well, the tank doesn't drop down like it does with my jacket.

Awesome, thank you.

 

[Flgrizzy]

Those pics you posted have some doo hickeys that I don’t think are necessary, you don’t need the padding on the shoulder unless you’re diving without a shirt on. I also think the back pad is unnecessary, looks like book screws are holding the weight pockets on, not sure why they’re not on the waist stra

I’ll have it in about a week (and I’m sure I’ll have a couple of questions)… Does it necessarily mean I should remove ALL of that padding ?? I did figure on trying weights by the tank and ????? Thanks again and I appreciate the advice front you guys ! SO GLAD I FOUND THIS SITE !

 

[Flgrizzy]

it felt sooo much nicer with a BP/W. doesn't ride up like a jacket, actually feels secure on your body. weights can be positioned on the center of your body rather than side pockets.

Thank you…. With your experience, do you have any other tips / advice ?

 

[Flgrizzy]

Nope, not at all. The crotch strap allows the shoulder straps to be adjusted properly and is used to snug the unit up. It also keeps it from riding up around your ears on the surface. I have installed them on several jacket BCs over the years for this exact reason. Jacket BC fit is crappy enough as it is for a number of people. Adding a crotch strap solves that issue.
The crotch strap is also extra insurance against accidentally losing a weight belt since it goes on under the strap.

Ok- I HAVE TO ASK - Doesn’t snug / tight crotch strap Smash THE BOYS down there ?? Or make em very uncomfortable ??

 

[James79]

Thanks James. I’ll more than likely be using the Aluminum 80 that I kept. Then I may rent a steel tank to try out. ?

If you're ever in the panhandle, I go to Morrison or Vortex springs fairly often... Welcome to dive one of my old school 72s.
And I run my crotch strap just to the side of my junk.... No crushing or pinching involved!

 

[Flgrizzy]

If you're ever in the panhandle, I go to Morrison or Vortex springs fairly often... Welcome to dive one of my old school 72s.
And I run my crotch strap just to the side of my junk.... No crushing or pinching involved!

No junk worries.. Whew !!! Thank you !!… And let me know if you come around the Central Florida area … I’m game for fresh or salt diving !

 

[kaylee_ann]

Thank you…. With your experience, do you have any other tips / advice ?

It can take a while to find your fit. For me it took about an hour and a half in the pool. Just keep at it and you’ll love it
Btw, there may not be a shoulder dump on your BPW as there are with some jacket BCs- that took me a bit to get used to.

 

[Flgrizzy]

It can take a while to find your fit. For me it took about an hour and a half in the pool. Just keep at it and you’ll love it
Btw, there may not be a shoulder dump on your BPW as there are with some jacket BCs- that took me a bit to get used to.

Oooooh, great point on the shoulder dump !! I’m going to find out about that ASAP !

 

[Thunder Struck]

Thank you…. With your experience, do you have any other tips / advice ?

Here’s some info on how to set it up and adjust it. Ryan @ Aqui setup mine in his shop just this way and it has been great.