The wingnuts don't even come close to your back. As I previously stated, the only problem with a BP is that it looks uncomfortable. But it isn't.
Roak
I am one confused individual
- Thread starter netboy79
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Roak
Lost Yooper
Guest
I've wore mine plate-to-skin a lot, and you don't even know it's there. The wing nutts don't touch you at all.
Mike
Mike
wannabe
Contributor
I have never felt like my ranger was pushing me forward.
IMHO You don't buy a BC for surface performance, it is a diving (read underwater) device. Think about it how much time do you spend in the water on the surface? In my book you hit the water and decend, on the return you surface and climb back in boat or stand up on the beach.
IMHO You don't buy a BC for surface performance, it is a diving (read underwater) device. Think about it how much time do you spend in the water on the surface? In my book you hit the water and decend, on the return you surface and climb back in boat or stand up on the beach.
Research, research, research! This is a good place to start. The real issue that causes a BC to rise too high is whether it is weight integrated or not. If you have a weight belt to pull you down and your BC is trying to float your butt, then it will be a tug of war and the BC will slip higher and higher. A back plate and wings overcome this with a crotch strap. I like a crotch strap and that is probably the ONLY drawback to my Chute II. You can also minimize this by optimal weighting. An overweighted diver will really feel the "ying and yang" of their equipment.
While a back inflation makes you horizontal at the surface, that is a real plus while under water. Your attitude should be as close to horizontal as possible. As UP pointed out, the trick with a back inflation is to be horizontal on your BACK when on the surface, and the heavier tanks help to achieve this. Even with AL tanks just a little bit of balance will keep you out of the suds.
The back plates are not as evil on your body as they look. You might have some discomfort out of the water, but hey... you should buy for while you are IN the water. I own an OMS IQ, a back plate and 55# wings, an old Sherwood vest style, and the Oceanic Chute II. Each has it's place and they all work fine... with the exception of the old Sherwood... It should become an artificial reef somewhere.
Still, the best way is to try different styles and many LDSes will rent what they sell, and some even have a rent to own deal, and some just don't care. Many will try and "convert" you to their style of BC... they are not the ones who will have to live with your decision. Use your head and you will figure out what is right for YOU.
No kidding... you use your Ranger UW as a buoyancy control device?
wannabe
Contributor
Yea -- I am kind of funny like that.
For me the weighting and lift seem to balance very well and can remain in any position that I want (surface or underwater). Of all the equipment I bought when I started ~5yrs ago the Ranger is the only piece left that I use and have been happy with since day 1.
The reg I use has served me well but I wish I had spent a bit more as the primary use reg but this one will work well when I get a pony.
For me the weighting and lift seem to balance very well and can remain in any position that I want (surface or underwater). Of all the equipment I bought when I started ~5yrs ago the Ranger is the only piece left that I use and have been happy with since day 1.
The reg I use has served me well but I wish I had spent a bit more as the primary use reg but this one will work well when I get a pony.
wet & split carrying 40#
Wannabe, that must be neat , always doing boat dives in flat water and always coming up next to the boat. I wanna dive with you. Is the sun always shinning and the water always warm?
in my dreams,,,, don O
in my dreams,,,, don O
wannabe
Contributor
Who said anything of the sort-- I burn thru a lot of air trying to find that damn anchor line. I also use a 150' drift line just incase current is a bit more than I expected.
I actually like the whole man aginst the sea thing so 3' chop just means I put the drysuit on a bit sooner (like when I leave the boat launch) 40# anchor and a 21' boat I don't have much problem with the boat staying where I leave it (well except that time I tied off a piling with a rope that was already there....)
Like I said I haven't had balance issues (surface or UW). I have had to do some long surface swims (don't ever do Tolmie State park if you don't want to swim a long long ways) because of.... well stuff happens.
I actually like the whole man aginst the sea thing so 3' chop just means I put the drysuit on a bit sooner (like when I leave the boat launch) 40# anchor and a 21' boat I don't have much problem with the boat staying where I leave it (well except that time I tied off a piling with a rope that was already there....)
Like I said I haven't had balance issues (surface or UW). I have had to do some long surface swims (don't ever do Tolmie State park if you don't want to swim a long long ways) because of.... well stuff happens.
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