Just got my BP/W, is there a gear configuration primer?

[Malpaso]

Just got my BP/W (thank you Tobin) and was wondering if there's a gear configuration primer anywhere. For instance, what goes on what D-ring, under what inner tube band, etc. Only one other person I know uses a BP/W, and I don't see him that often, and I'm not sure he follows DIR/GUE. I'm only a recreational diver at this point, but I want to start with things the right way and not have to re-learn them as I progress. Also, I'm better with pictures than descriptions

 

[robertarak]

This may be of some help to you: Equipment Configuration | Global Underwater Explorers
If you have specific questions, I would be happy to help.

Robert

 

[tracydr]

Just got my BP/W (thank you Tobin) and was wondering if there's a gear configuration primer anywhere. For instance, what goes on what D-ring, under what inner tube band, etc. Only one other person I know uses a BP/W, and I don't see him that often, and I'm not sure he follows DIR/GUE. I'm only a recreational diver at this point, but I want to start with things the right way and not have to re-learn them as I progress. Also, I'm better with pictures than descriptions

I found the book " Dress For Success" which you can buy form the GUE website to be very helpful.

 

[Lorenzoid]

You're taking the opposite route that I did. I took the GUE Primer course mainly so I could learn about the gear configuration, and now I'm going to buy a BP/W. (And I'm leaning toward DSS, too.) I know what goes on what ring, what kind of weighting works for me, etc., but I haven't ordered a BP/W yet.

 

[Malpaso]

You're taking the opposite route that I did.

Since I'm a basic recreational diver, the gear, at this point, was secondary. I tried a bp/w once, and felt that it was that much better for my buoyancy, trim, etc. Doing the gear the right way will be gravy for me for now.

 

[nimoh]

Since I'm a basic recreational diver, the gear, at this point, was secondary. I tried a bp/w once, and felt that it was that much better for my buoyancy, trim, etc. Doing the gear the right way will be gravy for me for now.

As a basic recreational diver, it is fine to just treat the BP/W as any other BC and use it with the same gear configuration you were taught with (other than the weight change you might get if you have a steel backplate). I think it is preferable to not change too much between dives, and get used to things before making more changes.

However this doesn't apply to everything about DIR gear configuration. For example, if you are also switching to a long hose, you need to be careful of what you clip to your right d-ring as it may trap your long hose making it difficult to share gas.

The link posted by robertarak is a great reference for reading ahead to see what other changes you might make when moving toward a DIR configuration. The book "Dress for Success" is a very detailed description of DIR and is also a great reference, but a little outdated and some things in DIR have evolved a bit...but not much.

 

[cozumelkeith]

If you can swing it, I would definitely recommend taking the GUE Primer course. You'll cover a lot more than just gear setup. Most instructors should be able to rent you whatever you need for the class. I'm pretty new to GUE/DIR and in the Boston area. Happy to chat/answer whatever questions I can.

Good luck!

Keith

 

[Lorenzoid]

If you can swing it, I would definitely recommend taking the GUE Primer course. You'll cover a lot more than just gear setup. Most instructors should be able to rent you whatever you need for the class. I'm pretty new to GUE/DIR and in the Boston area. Happy to chat/answer whatever questions I can.

Good luck!

Keith

Not that I think the OP went about it the wrong way (just the opposite way from me) but I was strongly encouraged by GUE folks to NOT buy any gear until I had taken Primer and tried different things out to see what suited me. But as it turned out, although my Primer class packed a lot into two days, we just didn't have time to dwell on gear configuration to an extent that would help me significantly in selecting gear to buy. So in the end I am going to buy pretty much what I had thought before Primer I was going to buy--and probably from DSS just like the OP. (Was this a useless post or what! )

 

[Malpaso]

(Was this a useless post or what! )

Not at all, at least from my perspective.

 

[chrpai]

I did the switch pretty much on my own based on what I found on the web. I did find a local instructor who did a "tweak dive" pool session with video feedback. That helped make sure I wasn't missing anything. One of these days I'll take primer or fundies.