LDS say not to go with bp/w

[Downeast Diving]

Complacency and arrogance will really kill a dive business. The competition here in Maine is similar to others; however, the difference here seems to be the attitude. While the "this is the only way" attituted is still king, the "don't like it, so what", attitude seems to be prominent. Then they use excuses and complain about the internet encroachment. Going the extra mile, and treating the customer they way you would like to be treated, is the only way.

Scuba diving is great, and that's what I want students and customers to believe as well. Yes, even with the "short season", as some would note.

I simply look at it as the warmer season and the not so warm season. Not to say there are not those days, when I question my actions and the thermostat reading.

Dennis--

 

[Peter Guy]

As a NON-BP/W person (much to wife's disgust and dismay) I'm interested in anyone who has any NEGATIVE comments about the BP/W? What would be a reason NOT to get one?

I'm doing about half of my diving in the cold PNW with the rest in warm water (and boy do I prefer warm water!) which means I'm hauling my BC here/there/and everywhere. While TSandM tells me that becoming a Scuba Diver means we'll never travel light again, does becoming a BP/W person mean you'll travel heavier?

Much has been said about how the BP adds weight on the back where it should be -- but it also adds weight to the luggage that perhaps needn't be. If the OP (or others) are looking to do a lot of their diving while travelling perhaps a BP/W isn't the answer. (Yes, of course one can always get a travel BP -- that one more piece of gear.)

Sigh -- in the not too distant future I know I'll be getting a BP/W (when 5thDX comes here to do a doubles mini) which means I'll be sucked closer to the Dark Side. BUT, there will always be a place in my luggage for my beloved Balance -- lightweight and comfy.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

As a guy who dived in just about any scenario in a horse collar BC when nothing else existed (and survived!) I don't really think you can go "horribly wrong" with whichever BC you end up choosing

Rap

 

[ScubaKimmie]

As a NON-BP/W person (much to wife's disgust and dismay) I'm interested in anyone who has any NEGATIVE comments about the BP/W? What would be a reason NOT to get one?
.

My reasoning is that with a dry suit I require weights on a belt to dive it and I don't want to wear a weight belt. I could get those ditchable weights in pockets added but then I might as well dive my BC which fits me perfectly.

Lots of straps and buckles on the bp&wing.

The BC I dive is comfortable and simple and guess what, I even dive recreationally with a short hose, imagine that

 

[Hank49]

As a NON-BP/W person (much to wife's disgust and dismay) I'm interested in anyone who has any NEGATIVE comments about the BP/W? What would be a reason NOT to get one?

.

The main reason I got a ss bp/wing is exactly what you said about placing weight on my back to make me trim out with no effort. That's my body type...leg heavy. It worked for me but if I hadn't been leg heavy, like my daughter, who is the opposite, I wouldn't have switched. I haven't really noticed the streamlining effect that many tout. My jacket bcd was mostly deflated anyway on dives. I rarely travel to dive though but if I do, the extra 6 lbs for the plate wouldn't matter much. I only take like 3 pairs of shorts, T shirts and slippers....besides dive gear.

 

[Hank49]

Lots of straps and buckles on the bp&wing.

I find it a bit easier to don the bp wing actually. Only one buckle for me. I have two snap buckles and the velcro cumberbum or whatever it's called, on my jacket.

 

[Cacia]

As a NON-BP/W person (much to wife's disgust and dismay) I'm interested in anyone who has any NEGATIVE comments about the BP/W? What would be a reason NOT to get one?

Peter, I dive Halcyon. I love their gear. Hovering with a camera, for me, is so precise when the air pocket is tightly contained and no shifting occurs. I love the simplicity and design of the eclipse. I could not do without my long hose and I use it for air shares often in different situations. We swim along tandem quite well this way.

My one complaint is that the backpack webbing cuts into my shoulders so much when walking or standing, I dislike it for shore dives. If the access is rough and involves a hike in gear, the blood supply feels impeded in my subclavian area. I have come close to fainting, something I have done more than once in non-diving situations.