"That slick tec back plate looks ultracool, but it’s not a great choice for a new diver. It’s best to keep your kit simple and suitable for your abilities, then upgrade as your skills and capabilities increase."
This makes no sense to me. As a PADI professional and a firm believer in keeping my kit as simple and streamlined as possible, I have ultimately settled on a backplate and wing style device, with a single-piece harness.
This has a number of advantages for the new diver, and should absolutely not be dismissed out of hand.
- It is streamlined.
- It encourages a horizontal posture.
- It allows for a 100% custom fit for every diver.
- It provides a degree of choice in BC features that simple cannot be matched by "conventional" manufactured BCs. Individual divers may choose to add/remove integrated weight pockets, add/remove padding, choose D-ring placement, purchase only a lighter plate for travel, place more weight over the lungs by using a heavier plate, etc.
- It does not require the use of a chest strap, which can provide significantly enhanced fit and comfort for women, and eliminates drysuit inflation valve overlaps.
- It is easy to replace component-by-component as time passes, as compared to a "conventional" BC.
- It is often a less expensive option.
- It provides a platform that can grow with the diver, wherever their diving interests may go in the future.