Jacket or Backpack??

[noob024]

I am new to the diving world and have been thrust into the world of public safety diving. I currently have two BCs: a Zeagle Ranger backpack style BC and an Avid jacket style BC. I have been told that the backpack style is better for the type of diving I will be performing, but I don't understand the reasoning. I hear that the backpack styles are more difficult for divers on the surface and, thus, unpopular compared to the jacket style. However, the supposed advantage of the backpack style is the ability to mount dual tanks. To get to my question...can you not mount dual tanks on a jacket style BC? I though I read somewhere that the Avid BC has the ability to mount a dual tank. Does anyone know if this is possible and how I can go about doing it? I am only familiar with the jacket style BC that held a single tank in my Open Water class. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[aquaregia]

I've heard that back-inflate and BP/W cause problems on the surface, but I actually find them easier. I've never had my wing push me over, but a fully inflated jacket squeezes my body in a very uncomfortable fashion. I find the BP/W much easier underwater as well.

Since you have both, can't you dive each and see for yourself?

 

[noob024]

I have dove both and prefer the jacket style...I guess I dont mind the squeeze. What concerns me is the supposed inability to mount dual tanks on a jacket style BC. I am curious if you can use a jacket BC in this manner and, if so, how to mount dual tanks?

 

[Chris Brown Tech]

Your Zeagle isnt really a good example of a 'backpack' or a backplate & wing stlye set up. The air cell is huge, backplate is soft and the harness doesnt differ that much from a sntandard jacket BC. Thats why you havent noticed a great deal of difference.

A backplate, whether steel or aluminum helps to consistently position the tank and air cell on the diver. The steel version helps towards a 'balanced rig' by adding 5-6lb of weight to the sytem that can be removed from the weightbelt / pockets.

A single piece of webbing harness or a well constructed quick release harness can offer total flexibility in adjustment, but more importantly, it will fit you like a glove.

Rear inflation as opposed to air being moved all around your torso in a jacket provides the best horizontal in water position and maximum lift to wing size ratio. The universal complaint of the jacket is the 'crushing feeling' when inflated plus the difficulty in getting the air out of it quickly due to air being trapped in various nooks and crannies. The single o shaped wing on the other hand, will easily vent air in any position from a single rear dump or the power inflator hose due to its oval design.

The pushing you forward on the surface argument is not a strong one. Often this is caused by overinflation at the surface and/or too large a wing coupled with a lack of general in water comfort at the surface. A properly trained diver should be perfectly comfortable (and more capable) at the surface with regulator in, and the water anywhere from chest level to eye level.

Hope this helps!

 

[Chris Brown Tech]

I have dove both and prefer the jacket style...I guess I dont mind the squeeze. What concerns me is the supposed inability to mount dual tanks on a jacket style BC. I am curious if you can use a jacket BC in this manner and, if so, how to mount dual tanks?

Correct, jackets dont do a good job at mounting doubles. You need a solid aluminum or steel backplate to do this properly in my opinion. I dont like the metal adaptors that attempt to address the problem either.

 

[BDSC]

I'm not familiar with the specific BC you use but I do know that several of the jacket and back inflate BC's from Scubapro will allow you to mount doubles. I'll try and see if I can find the link that shows what aparatus is used for that.

 

[Hallmac]

I am new to the diving world and have been thrust into the world of public safety diving.

Then get the heck out , if you have been forced into it you will never be worth a darn. Now, if you chose to go this route then get ready for a big change because what you will most likely be doing is crawling in the mud, zero visibility work with your hands, and freezing.

I currently have two BCs: a Zeagle Ranger backpack style BC and an Avid jacket style BC. I have been told that the backpack style is better for the type of diving I will be performing, but I don't understand the reasoning.

Me either.... The Ranger LDT has an accessory mounting options that the basic ranger does not. The SAR has the lift harness and the 911 was the original attempt at a PSD platform, but the truth is, for crawling in the mud with negative buoyancy in rebarb and concrete, trees and brush, rushing water and just general trash a B.C. with least amount of snag area you can find the better off you will be. None of them were smooth and sleek in my opinion. If you are a clear water PSD diver.....well you just don't count.... ...... just kidding.

I hear that the backpack styles are more difficult for divers on the surface and, thus, unpopular compared to the jacket style. However, the supposed advantage of the backpack style is the ability to mount dual tanks. To get to my question...can you not mount dual tanks on a jacket style BC? I though I read somewhere that the Avid BC has the ability to mount a dual tank. Does anyone know if this is possible and how I can go about doing it? I am only familiar with the jacket style BC that held a single tank in my Open Water class. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I think you will be better served getting the right tool for the job in PSD. Most of the time that is different B.C. for different conditions. If a one size fits all kind of approach is your goal the closest you'll get is a plate and wing.

With your safety harness, tether, com connection, back up air supply, back up mask, collection bag, dry suit you are going to have a enough snag areas to deal with alone.