superhelix
Registered
I started a thread a few days ago about what would be the best BC to purchase (I said that I was considering vest vs. back-inflate and leaning to the latter) given that I was moving to Thailand (equals light BC that travels well) and that I was going to be taking my Divemaster course in Koh Tao (did I need to wait until I got my marching orders from the LDS that would then employ me before I bought something).
I went into the LDS and tried on a few BCs after having researched them, and found Seaquest to be a solid company making both the quality Pro QD vest BC that has received excellent reviews on these boards, as well as the super-adjustable and durable back-inflate Raider, which weighed a ton but really looked like a super quality deal if you didn't mind shelling out the extra dough.
Then some other kind souls suggested a few other back-inflate BCs that would be lighter than the Raider and thus more applicable to travel and warm waters.
But Uncle Pug kept on tugging at my subconscious...I have been dreaming about streamlined scuba gear - I have never been one to do as others do simply because they were in the majority, and I never encountered either the term/concept DIR or the BP/W setup before I joined this wonderful board.....
But something strange is happening to me...I can't help it...it is taking over...I am becoming............slowly.......assimilated! There are too many BP/W fanatics, are you all DIR?
Lost Yooper wrote in a previous thread regarding which gear people start and end up with:
***
The only reasons a recreational diver might want a BP/wing are:
- If you wanted the ultimate in simplicity and reliability.
- If you wanted the ultimate in efficiency and streamlining.
- If you wanted the ultimate in adaptability.
- If you want the ultimate in comfort underwater.
- If you want a system that helps facilitate proper horizontal trim in the water.
- If you're interested in purchasing the last BC for a really long time.
- If you're interested in spending less money than many other recreational and "tech" BC's on the market.
Other than those few minor things, a BP/wing may not be the best choice for you....
***
Well, combined, I think that Uncle Pug and LY have convinced me to make my FIRST BC purchase a BP/W setup.
I still have a few reservations; namely that I am not "experienced enough" for this purchase, having only 25 dives under my belt, and that I will be a divemaster with radically different gear than those I wish to help out (notice I did not call them "students" ;-)
But, I am sold. The positives clearly outweigh the negatives, and I really like the fact that this purchase could be both economical and practical, as I will be lugging this gear halfway around the world.
There is only one problem. As a newbie, I am by nature confused about all the things I must purchase and configure.
I have my ATX200 regulator, and ATX40 octopus coming in the mail. Am I screwed because my hoses are not long enough? Will I be able to attach my octopus to my gear, and where do I get a necklace for it if that is indeed the only answer?
I think I want to buy the 27lb. Pioneer Wings setup with a Halcyon aluminum backplate and harness. Should this work for me considering my warm water recreational diving on a 6 foot 3 frame and 200 pounds? If I can recall I used to dive with about 14 pounds of weight on my belt.
What weighting system should I get? I prefer the simpler the better. Should I purchase trim weights? Do I need any other weights?
What I guess I am really hoping for is a sympathetic description of what a complete BP/W startup kit should contain, a laundry list. Is converting another soul to BP/W a worthy enough cause for providing the BP/W 101 Intro Course?
I went into the LDS and tried on a few BCs after having researched them, and found Seaquest to be a solid company making both the quality Pro QD vest BC that has received excellent reviews on these boards, as well as the super-adjustable and durable back-inflate Raider, which weighed a ton but really looked like a super quality deal if you didn't mind shelling out the extra dough.
Then some other kind souls suggested a few other back-inflate BCs that would be lighter than the Raider and thus more applicable to travel and warm waters.
But Uncle Pug kept on tugging at my subconscious...I have been dreaming about streamlined scuba gear - I have never been one to do as others do simply because they were in the majority, and I never encountered either the term/concept DIR or the BP/W setup before I joined this wonderful board.....
But something strange is happening to me...I can't help it...it is taking over...I am becoming............slowly.......assimilated! There are too many BP/W fanatics, are you all DIR?
Lost Yooper wrote in a previous thread regarding which gear people start and end up with:
***
The only reasons a recreational diver might want a BP/wing are:
- If you wanted the ultimate in simplicity and reliability.
- If you wanted the ultimate in efficiency and streamlining.
- If you wanted the ultimate in adaptability.
- If you want the ultimate in comfort underwater.
- If you want a system that helps facilitate proper horizontal trim in the water.
- If you're interested in purchasing the last BC for a really long time.
- If you're interested in spending less money than many other recreational and "tech" BC's on the market.
Other than those few minor things, a BP/wing may not be the best choice for you....
***
Well, combined, I think that Uncle Pug and LY have convinced me to make my FIRST BC purchase a BP/W setup.
I still have a few reservations; namely that I am not "experienced enough" for this purchase, having only 25 dives under my belt, and that I will be a divemaster with radically different gear than those I wish to help out (notice I did not call them "students" ;-)
But, I am sold. The positives clearly outweigh the negatives, and I really like the fact that this purchase could be both economical and practical, as I will be lugging this gear halfway around the world.
There is only one problem. As a newbie, I am by nature confused about all the things I must purchase and configure.
I have my ATX200 regulator, and ATX40 octopus coming in the mail. Am I screwed because my hoses are not long enough? Will I be able to attach my octopus to my gear, and where do I get a necklace for it if that is indeed the only answer?
I think I want to buy the 27lb. Pioneer Wings setup with a Halcyon aluminum backplate and harness. Should this work for me considering my warm water recreational diving on a 6 foot 3 frame and 200 pounds? If I can recall I used to dive with about 14 pounds of weight on my belt.
What weighting system should I get? I prefer the simpler the better. Should I purchase trim weights? Do I need any other weights?
What I guess I am really hoping for is a sympathetic description of what a complete BP/W startup kit should contain, a laundry list. Is converting another soul to BP/W a worthy enough cause for providing the BP/W 101 Intro Course?