More BP/W questions...

[mmadiver]

I was in the market for a new BCD, but from my research it seems like more and more people are moving towards DIR BP/W systems (At least more of the technical/avid divers are). I dive in Maine: mostly night, light salvage and scallop diving. Was thinking about getting into some ice diving this winter just for kicks. I wear a viking suit and have been using an older BC for quite some time now. I like the simplicity of the older style BC's, I suppose because I learned to dive on old school Navy equipment. Seeing people lumber around with their 900 pound super BCD looks very unattractive to me. The BP/W systems are definatly my style and I think I will invest in one.
Anyway, to my question!
I'm looking for a solid all around system to learn with. I'm not scared to admit that relative to most of you I'm a novice. I need a system that I can grow with. Nothing to fancy, but functional and sturdy in the cold. Seems like estimating the proper lift is the biggest issue in these systems. I'm 6'0 180lbs and I dive dry, I thought the 36 lb. Pioneer MC System w/ SS Backplate shown HERE looked promising.

Any inputs? Any other concerns I should be addressing here? Feel free to break it down barney style for me:06: , my pride can take it.

Thanks for the help

 

[The Kraken]

MM,
First of all, may I give you a hearty WELCOME ! ! ! to the ScubaBoard?
I hope you will become an active and contributing member to the board.

I think you are making a very good decision with respect to the direction in which you seem to want to take your diving.

The BP/W combination is the simplest form of buoyancy compensation device that can be had. Its modular composition guarantees that it can be modified and adapted to meet any type of diving environment. It also insures that you will incur no extravagant expense if a part of the system becomes defective in any manner.

You will find that there is an infinite pool of opinions of different setups among the members of the board. I prefer not to get into discussions of specific brands of gear.

Your lift requirements will be based upon the type of thermal protection you are diving along with the type of tank or tanks that you will be diving.

One of the most often made mistakes made by divers, in my opinion, is that the BP/W rig is for "technical" divers. The BP/W rig is simply the purest form of buoyancy compensator.

I know this post doesn't address many of the questions that you will ultimately ask, but I hope that it, at the least, assuages some of your anxieties.

Welcome . . .

Safe dives . . . . . .
. . . safer ascents

the K

 

[mmadiver]

Thanks for the welcome.

For thermal protection I wear a DUI Thinsulate body suit rated for 50-35f. I currently dive single 80 alum tanks. However, diving dual tanks does interest me because I usally go through 4-5 tanks on a job, and dive no deeper than 30-45 feet. Althought, I figured it would be best to stick with a single tank setup for right now. (baby steps, baby steps).

 

[fishb0y]

I'm sure you'll see this a couple of more times, but take a look at DEEP SEA SUPPLY. Not only is the price nice, but the quality and craftmanship is outstanding

 

[PfcAJ]

I have the 36lb Pioneer with with SS backplate. I am so glad I got it. In my opinion, Halcyon's stuff is top notch. 36lb is a good size, not too large, but big enough to get the job done with a little to spare. I too, mostly dive Al80's.

Moving to a bp/w was the single best equipment purchase I've made. At first, it felt strange, but after a little bit, i felt way mroe comfortable. You won't be dissapointed with the Pioneer 36. Depending on how you like your weight, check out he trim pockets. They're a good addition, helps with trim too.

 

[wunat]

Welcome on board!!!

DiveRite also makes some good products. Check out these sites:

www.diverite.com

www.diveriteexpress.com

Ciao,

 

[Adobo]

I'm looking for a solid all around system to learn with. I'm not scared to admit that relative to most of you I'm a novice.

Not when compared to me. :14:

Seems like estimating the proper lift is the biggest issue in these systems. I'm 6'0 180lbs and I dive dry, I thought the 36 lb. Pioneer MC System w/ SS Backplate shown HERE looked promising.

I'm 5'7" and 175 lbs. I wear a drysuit with diving concepts thinsulte extreme for undergarments. Since I am new, I still wear a bunch of weight which on my last dive was 14 lbs. I have that same pioneer system with 36lbs of lift and it seems to be more than adequate. I figure that from here on out, I will just wind up taking away weight.

Again, be aware that I am probably newer than you so you should keep an eye out for the gotchas that the veterans may shed light on.

BTW, those prices are absolutely great. If you are gonna make the switch, you should jump all over those sale prices.

 

[mmadiver]

Alright Ive got a choice here. The Pioneer MC System w/ SS Backplate wich is a 36 wing or the DDS single system wich is only a 30 wing. Will the 30 be enough lift. Also with the DDS system, the Pro harness or the Hog style? From what Ive read about on here the hogarthian is the way to go. I've heard nothing but good things about both systems. Feal free to share your opinion. You guys have been alot of help.

 

[halocline]

Unless you dive with alot of weight, 30 lbs is probably enough lift. Someone will chime in with a way for calculating your lift needs. The guy that make the DSS stuff, tobin, is a frequent poster on this forum and will answer questions honestly and without trying to sell you something.

If you look around, you'll find a raging discussion about the virtues of the hog harness vs one with quick releases and a sternum strap. If I were buying another harness, I'd get a hog set up with one quick release on the left shoulder strap, positioned fairly low on the strap, underneath the D ring. I'm sure lots of very experienced divers would disagree with that...I just find it's much easier to get out of the harness, especially in the water, with a quick release.