Cheizz
Contributor
I switched from a hybrid BCD with integrated weights to BP/W recently. In terms of what I am taking underwater: never very much. No pockets needed, really.
As for weights and trim: I dive in my 6mm wetsuit with only 2 kg of weight in trim pouches (1 kg each) on my tank in freshwater (the rest of the weight is in the 3 kg steel backplate). In saltwater I use 2 more kg of lead, in two trim pouches on the other camband.
For travel, I could take the BC apart and pack it all quite flat. For air travel, I consider buying a separate aluminum backplate and harness to save some weight. This will mean adding another 2 kg of lead somewhere, though.
My point being: BP/W for recreational dives only (maybe some tech stuff in the future, I only have to get another wing for doubles). But as far as the packing goes, the lead that I need, and the (lack of) 'stuff' around my waist - BP/W is it for me. The essentials of the system are not very different from any other BC. I dive with people I never met before sometimes, and they do understand it. Just no ditchable weights. I dive a balanced rig.
For € 400, you can get a BP/W set (XDEEP Zeos Standard Set - buy now - XDEEP Zeos Standard Set) or you can shop for a hybrid model, like the Cressi.
Lead needed: BP/W has less padding (potential buoyancy) and it has an alu or steel backplate. Weight could be in trim pouches (better for trim), or on added pouches on the waist strap, even ditchable ones. That would add 40-60 € or so (or find a set that already has them, like the Tecline travel set).
Ruggedness: BP/W are tough as nails. And the bonus: if one component would fail, you can easily replace that one component. That's the beauty of the modular setup. Not just for maintenance purposes though, also for (literally) adding features and stuff you feel you need.
Travel/packing: the weight of the backplate (especially steel) is a consideration. On the other hand: the stability and placement of that backplate weight in the water is what I find so great about a BP/W. If you take the wing off the backplate, it can be packed quite small.
Pockets: you can add cargo pockets if you like. Or just add one or two additional D-rings to clip stuff onto. For me, that's enough. I don't take much on most dives (back-up light on left-hand shoulder D-ring, spool & DSMB on butt D-ring). I also have a big leg pocket on my thigh. That mostly is empty on a quick Saturday morning dive. But that could hold wetnotes, spare mask, etc. But like I said, you can get an easy to put on/off cargo pocket for that. Something like this: Mares XR-Line Cargo Pocket bij sublub
For ocean cleaning missions, I would personally take a mesh bag or something.
PS: I am aware this is all written down from a BP/W point of view. I suppose you can make your own considerations with a hybrid-style back-inflate BC in mind.
As for weights and trim: I dive in my 6mm wetsuit with only 2 kg of weight in trim pouches (1 kg each) on my tank in freshwater (the rest of the weight is in the 3 kg steel backplate). In saltwater I use 2 more kg of lead, in two trim pouches on the other camband.
For travel, I could take the BC apart and pack it all quite flat. For air travel, I consider buying a separate aluminum backplate and harness to save some weight. This will mean adding another 2 kg of lead somewhere, though.
My point being: BP/W for recreational dives only (maybe some tech stuff in the future, I only have to get another wing for doubles). But as far as the packing goes, the lead that I need, and the (lack of) 'stuff' around my waist - BP/W is it for me. The essentials of the system are not very different from any other BC. I dive with people I never met before sometimes, and they do understand it. Just no ditchable weights. I dive a balanced rig.
For € 400, you can get a BP/W set (XDEEP Zeos Standard Set - buy now - XDEEP Zeos Standard Set) or you can shop for a hybrid model, like the Cressi.
Lead needed: BP/W has less padding (potential buoyancy) and it has an alu or steel backplate. Weight could be in trim pouches (better for trim), or on added pouches on the waist strap, even ditchable ones. That would add 40-60 € or so (or find a set that already has them, like the Tecline travel set).
Ruggedness: BP/W are tough as nails. And the bonus: if one component would fail, you can easily replace that one component. That's the beauty of the modular setup. Not just for maintenance purposes though, also for (literally) adding features and stuff you feel you need.
Travel/packing: the weight of the backplate (especially steel) is a consideration. On the other hand: the stability and placement of that backplate weight in the water is what I find so great about a BP/W. If you take the wing off the backplate, it can be packed quite small.
Pockets: you can add cargo pockets if you like. Or just add one or two additional D-rings to clip stuff onto. For me, that's enough. I don't take much on most dives (back-up light on left-hand shoulder D-ring, spool & DSMB on butt D-ring). I also have a big leg pocket on my thigh. That mostly is empty on a quick Saturday morning dive. But that could hold wetnotes, spare mask, etc. But like I said, you can get an easy to put on/off cargo pocket for that. Something like this: Mares XR-Line Cargo Pocket bij sublub
For ocean cleaning missions, I would personally take a mesh bag or something.
PS: I am aware this is all written down from a BP/W point of view. I suppose you can make your own considerations with a hybrid-style back-inflate BC in mind.
