Future Caver with questions about a BP/W

[OneBrightGator]

There's nothing wrong with the Dive Rite stuff... or any of the other brands mentioned here.

If you have a good shop, you'll be able to get the Dive Rite stuff repaired locally, or at the very least have them handle shipping/repair work under warranty through the parent company.

Exactly. For a new diver, local support is much more important then what brand you buy, just make sure they actually know what they're talking about (i.e. actually dive the stuff).

 

[scubafool]

If you really want to go all the way, you can knock off the cash at the local girl scout cookie stand

I tried that, but the sweet little angel working the stand beat the everlovin' dog snot out of me. If you elect to do this, make sure that she doesn't have the karate merit badge.

 

[charlieo]

I have three dive rite wings, tech, rec and classic. Also have four other BCD's of which only the Zeagle Ranger is worth a damn. If you never plan to use doubles then get the Zeagle Ranger and move on. Most people are not disapointed with the ranger.
On the other hand I feel the only reason everyone doesn't dive a BP/W is that the LDS's don't sell/promote them. Considering that ALL wreck and cave divers use a
BP/W why would anyone think there is something better? Consider we are dealing with divers who spend $1,000 for a set of doubles (and you need two sets) why would they skimp on a BCD
setup?
My advise is to start with the BP/W and never look back.

 

[Dive-aholic]

If your LDS is the one on the Mill Pond, then I must agree.

None other...

 

[jimdiverman]

I have three dive rite wings, tech, rec and classic. Also have four other BCD's of which only the Zeagle Ranger is worth a damn. If you never plan to use doubles then get the Zeagle Ranger and move on. Most people are not disapointed with the ranger.
On the other hand I feel the only reason everyone doesn't dive a BP/W is that the LDS's don't sell/promote them. Considering that ALL wreck and cave divers use a
BP/W why would anyone think there is something better? Consider we are dealing with divers who spend $1,000 for a set of doubles (and you need two sets) why would they skimp on a BCD
setup?
My advise is to start with the BP/W and never look back.

There is another emerging option here... and many of us are choosing to dive side mount, and ditch the BP&W and never look back... for the sake of our backs....

 

[icestac]

There is another emerging option here... and many of us are choosing to dive side mount, and ditch the BP&W and never look back... for the sake of our backs....

Gotta love it, but he really should dive backmount yet so he can FULLY appreciate not having to carry all that weight on his back

Also, once you stop carrying the weight on your back, then you have the added expense of the sherpa or the rugged cart to carry the tanks down to the site for you

I am in the process of breaking down my doubles in favor of sidemount -- I have not dove them in over 9 months. Unfortunately, they are filled with mix. So I am waiting until I don't care or it can be used before breaking them down.

~Jeff

 

[jimdiverman]

Gotta love it, but he really should dive backmount yet so he can FULLY appreciate not having to carry all that weight on his back

Also, once you stop carrying the weight on your back, then you have the added expense of the sherpa or the rugged cart to carry the tanks down to the site for you

I am in the process of breaking down my doubles in favor of sidemount -- I have not dove them in over 9 months. Unfortunately, they are filled with mix. So I am waiting until I don't care or it can be used before breaking them down.

~Jeff

My E8-130s have a June 2003 hydro date, so they are in the process of getting broken down during hydro/VIP to get reconfigured for SM. I have a set of AL80s now for SM that frankly don't give me enough penetration time.

The only additional gear change I need to make is to add a redundant wing to my Nomad since I am diving wet.

 

[JCDdiver]

Or better yet, take Tobin's advice...

ditto

 

[JCDdiver]

The reason I have only mentioned the dive rite systems is because that's what my LDS sells. I am big into supporting the LDS istead of online stores. They just started to sell the BP/W systems because of the SSI extend reach program that just came out. I will ask why they only sell dive rite and see what I come up with. They also only sell oceanic bcds and regulators and automic aquatics regulators. I think I asked them why before but I forgot what they said.

Thanks Again

I have a Venture wing on my singles set-up (SS) and a dual Classic on my doubles set-up (AL). I prefer to support my LDS who is a Dive-Rite dealer. All of the manufactures make great products. It is more about what you like and how convenient it is to get.

 

[stairman]

Maybe the reason i like my setup is because I havent tried many others wings,backplates etc.I got used to it and it serves me well.I put my recomendation out and it wasent with the majorty.So what!Opinions are like.....well tou know.Now quit cyberdiving and get wet.