New Diver - how to try BP/W?

[JohnnyOTS]

So how does a new diver try a BP/W to know if they like them? I'm in Phoenix AZ - do I just call around to my Local Dive Shops to see if anyone rents them?

 

[Joris Vd]

So how does a new diver try a BP/W to know if they like them? I'm in Phoenix AZ - do I just call around to my Local Dive Shops to see if anyone rents them?

That seems about right, or if you wanna go low risk you buy a no brand backplate and harness + wing and you could probably get the entire thing for around 300 dollars. Second hand could be an option too.

 

[Bob DBF]

That's one way, another I go on your area forum and start a similar thread there. Perhaps a diver there will have an extra rig and help you.

 

[rongoodman]

I just bought mine and started using it. It isn't rocket surgery, although you might end up fine-tuning where the D-rings sit and how loose to make the shoulder straps,

 

[SlugLife]

Are there any dive-clubs in your area? Do you have a dive-buddy who has a BP+W setup? You might potentially find someone who lets you borrow theirs, or at least try one on on-land.

I ended up with a spare BP+W setup just in the process of purchasing upgrades.

 

[JohnnyOTS]

Hi SlugMug - that spare gear situation is what I'm trying to avoid - as has been recommended repeatedly on this board I'd like to make my second purchase my first, so to speak, and get the gear that I'm at least content with earlier in the process. My dive buddies don't have BP/Ws. Phoenix AZ has a ton of everything so I'm sure there are SCUBA groups around and I need to talk to the dive shops too...

 

[SlugLife]

Hi SlugMug - that spare gear situation is what I'm trying to avoid - as has been recommended repeatedly on this board I'd like to make my second purchase my first, so to speak, and get the gear that I'm at least content with earlier in the process. My dive buddies don't have BP/Ws. Phoenix AZ has a ton of everything so I'm sure there are SCUBA groups around and I need to talk to the dive shops too...

Completely understood. I just happened to create a thread today about the topic about "spares" today. The main reason I ended up with 2x was mostly because I got some amazing deals on used equipment, and a small amount because of upgrading.

I'll share what I know about BP+W from research and some personal experience. If a "technical-diving instructor" chimes in, there is a good chance they know more than me, but this should hopefully get you started on the right path:

• Wing
  • Singles or Doubles? It's fairly quick to change a backplate setup between singles and doubles however, that impacts choice of wing. Wings are typically made for a single tank or double-tanks.
  • Technical Diving? If doing some forms of technical diving or cave-diving, you might need more lift and redundant-bouyancy. A dual-bladder wing is nice, but probably unnecessary. If you stash 2x DSMBs (or similar devices) on your backplate, those can act as redundant bouyancy.
  • Donut Wing vs Horeshoe Wing - Donut wings tend to trap air less often in the back-left or back-right . Though having dump-valves on both the back-left and back-right of a horeshoe-style is probably even better than a donut wing with a single dump valve.
  • Small Wings - Are better for most rec-divers. Big wings can trap air, be difficult to deflate, create more drag and "taco." I'd strongly recommend just starting with small ones, and if you get into tech-diving getting another bigger & better set later.
• Backplate
  • Steel - Steel backplates are superior in just about every scenario, except travel. Steel is a rigid, stable, weight meaning you don't have to add and manage as many additional weights.
  • Travel - For travel, you might prefer a lightweight setup, going for an aluminum or plastic backplate.
  • "Freedom" Backplates - There's a newer backplate style, which tends to have the shoulder-area removed, which allows you to be a little more flexible. Some people really like them. I have no experience with these.
• Harness
  • You can buy premade harnesses, but you'll probably take apart and put back your harness eventually, so why not learn and just go custom.
  • Assembly - there are lots of youtube videos (like this one). You basically just need 6 to 10 d-rings, some triglides, a buckle, and some webbing.
  • Comfort Harness - You can buy premade comfort harnesses, or just get these 2x Diving Backplate Shoulder Strap Pad Harness Cushion Backpack Accessories | eBay. One set for the shoulders is enough, but you can add a 2nd set to the waist if you really want. Add a triglide near your shoulders, and use that triglide to secure the comfort-pads at the top.
• Weights - You'll likely need to add more weights, when wearing a wetsuit or drysuit. Someone else will have to help you with that, since I'm still figuring out the idea weighting setup.
• Extras
  • Backplate pads - these are a thing, and are kinda nice. But also unnecessary if you're almost always in a wetsuit.
  • Inner Tube - 2-inch inner-tube is amazing for managing excess webbing. You might find a bike-repair shop, willing to hand you a few from their trashbin. Or buy one for about $5 new on Amazon.
  • Butt Pouch - I'm a big fan of having a "butt pouch" for storing a lot of accessories I'm not actively using. Butt pouches are very popular in side-mount. Alternatively, you can get cargo-pockets that attach to your thigh-area, over your wetsuit.
• Side-mount - The only reason I mention side-mount, is it's perhaps the only major reason I'm aware of to skip side-mount. The ideal sidemount configuration is VERY different from BP+W and jacket setups. Yes, you technically can dive sidemount using BP+W, but pretty much everyone recommends getting a dedicated sidemount setup. Ideally, find a local sidemount course, which includes sidemount equipment you could try during the course.

 

[Centrals]

Phoenix AZ has a ton of everything so I'm sure there are SCUBA groups around and I need to talk to the dive shops too...

You should contact shops that offer tec diving.
The initial set up really require someone with experience, knowledge and patience to guide you though.
It is a modular system so be careful what you buy because it might not suit your style at the end.

Good luck.

 

[JohnnyOTS]

SlugMug, I've been reading that thread of yours with great interest in my quest to try to get a little closer to what suits me on my first gear attempts. I don't anticipate doing doubles in the near future so I've been leaning towards a travel ss plate (sturdy but a little more travel friendly since my local dive options are limited) , a single donut-style wing with a smaller amount of lift (30lbs range perhaps?) I don't want to go extremely small because some of the diving I can get to is going to be fairly cold and it seems like the 20lb range is used more for lightly-geared tropical diving. (Plus I can get that 10lbs of additional lift for 1 more lb of weight and 2 more inches of wing on each side. Not a bad trade-off if I'll actually ever use it!) I was leaning towards a custom harness but some of the BP/W packages are really tempting because they already have a plate and wing I like Ex: DGX Custom - Dive Rite TransPlate Singles Package
But I'm not quite willing to drop the cash on something I've never tried, ergo this thread! (With all of the excellent suggestions - Thank you all!)

Centrals, going local seems to be the biggest recommendation - Now I just need to do it! I've been doing my lurk-y research on the Arizona area and haven't found any huge clubs or organizations that appear to be particularly active as this pandemic winds down, but as Bob DBF recommended a thread on my regional area sure can't hurt (and I might just be looking in the wrong places, who knows?) We've finally got more help at work now so there's no reason I can't call around to some dive shops during business hours too. Never know till you ask, right?

 

[SlugLife]

SlugMug, I've been reading that thread of yours with great interest in my quest to try to get a little closer to what suits me on my first gear attempts. I don't anticipate doing doubles in the near future so I've been leaning towards a travel ss plate (sturdy but a little more travel friendly since my local dive options are limited) , a single donut-style wing with a smaller amount of lift (30lbs range perhaps?) I don't want to go extremely small because some of the diving I can get to is going to be fairly cold and it seems like the 20lb range is used more for lightly-geared tropical diving. (Plus I can get that 10lbs of additional lift for 1 more lb of weight and 2 more inches of wing on each side. Not a bad trade-off if I'll actually ever use it!) I was leaning towards a custom harness but some of the BP/W packages are really tempting because they already have a plate and wing I like Ex: DGX Custom - Dive Rite TransPlate Singles Package
But I'm not quite willing to drop the cash on something I've never tried, ergo this thread! (With all of the excellent suggestions - Thank you all!)

Centrals, going local seems to be the biggest recommendation - Now I just need to do it! I've been doing my lurk-y research on the Arizona area and haven't found any huge clubs or organizations that appear to be particularly active as this pandemic winds down, but as Bob DBF recommended a thread on my regional area sure can't hurt (and I might just be looking in the wrong places, who knows?) We've finally got more help at work now so there's no reason I can't call around to some dive shops during business hours too. Never know till you ask, right?

For context, I'm very much a DIY person. I ended up being able to build each of my BP+W setups for about $175/each, but there was also a little bit more of a learning-curve.

If you're less into DIY, then I'd say get something premade and ready to go. The DGX system looks like a decent choice to me, I'd be comfortable using one of those myself. I haven't seen BP+W setups in local shops, but in your shoes I'd definitely say call around. It's possible some shops have that kind of gear "in the back" because it doesn't sell as frequently & takes more time to explain to new divers.