Newbie question: Jacket vs Back Inflation

[Ishie]

Right now at diveriteexpress.com you can get an entire single tank bp/wing setup with steel plate for $415, shipping included ($331 with aluminum plate). That's a lot cheaper than a lot of BC's..

Wow, not bad. Does that include stuff like cummerbund and weight pockets? Mine was pretty reasonable ($527 for the whole set up, but got one heck of a deal) but the lowest end jacket BCs tend to be pretty cheap, from what I've seen. Starting in the 180 range for a new one?

Ishie

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Wow. The opinion here seems to be definitely BP/Wing (or a back inflation jacket). Are jacket type BC's that inflate around the sides and front just fading out at this point?

Laser, your simple physics point makes a lot of sense. Would I want to maintain bouyancy by hugging a baloon to my chest or attaching it to my back? Clearly the latter. And it doesn't sound like the surface/faceplant issue is much of an issue at all.

Ishie thanks so much for posting your experiences!

The Triple-L BP/wing BCDs seem very affordable even compared to jackets. I really want to try out a BP/Wing style now!

Thanks all!

Gregg

 

[jonnythan]

Don't confuse back inflate with bp/w. Back inflate BC's are still BC's and negate several of the advantages of bp/wing setups. A bp/wing is literally a buoyancy wing bolted to a big steel plate. Check out www.halcyon.com or http://www.diverite.com/products/bcd/bkplt_harn.htm for more details.

 

[jonnythan]

Wow, not bad. Does that include stuff like cummerbund and weight pockets?

No. A TransPac is not a backplate. You do have a wing, but you have a soft padded backpack instead of a backplate. See the links in my previous post for what a bp/wing is.

 

[ae3753]

Right now at diveriteexpress.com you can get an entire single tank bp/wing setup with steel plate for $415, shipping included ($331 with aluminum plate). That's a lot cheaper than a lot of BC's..

You still need tank strap and cam bands. That'll add $56 or $79 (if you get the STA) to the price.

 

[jaybird1028]

Hum-

My vote is definitely BP/W. Once you dive in one, you will never go back to jacket BC. There is no comparison. I personally, dive a Halcyon Pioneer wing with an aluminum backplate and harness. It is a great setup for me. As far as pockets are concerned...what all do you need to take down with you anyway? Everything you need can be effectively clipped and streamlines using d-rings and rubber bands.

 

[ae3753]

Maybe the jacket vs. back inflate vs. backplate/wing should be part of the "Frequently Asked Questions for this Group" sticky.

Here's some threads on the topic since March of 2004.

Back inflated vs Jacket

BP/W vs back-inflate BCs

AAAH! Jacket vs. BP/W

BC types / brands...confused...need advice

COMPARISON: Backplate and Wing to Stab Jacket BC

Jacket Inflate...Back Inflate...BP/Wings? Help!

Jacket or back-inflation bc?

The great back inflate vs. jacket BC debate

BP/Wings cheaper than BCD???

 

[Ishie]

No. A TransPac is not a backplate. You do have a wing, but you have a soft padded backpack instead of a backplate. See the links in my previous post for what a bp/wing is.

I know what a bp/wing is and that the Transpac isn't one. I was researching before I bought because I was also looking at some of the Halcyon systems which were BP/wing. Don't some people choose to pad them (I know the DIR divers probably don't) or do they just have the steel plate digging in their backs?

On the addition of weight pockets, I wasn't sure if they were included in the price of the harness, since many people still need extra weight, particularly if they're dragging down heavy neoprene or a dry suit. If the money is JUST for the plate and wings, then once you add the additional stuff, it comes out to be significantly more than most of your jacket BCs. I got a good deal on the TransPac, and it came with cummerbund and weight pockets, however, if you simply quote the TransPac, it should be clarified whether it is just the harness, the harness/wing, the harness/wing/weight pockets/cummerbund/crotch strap, etc, because all of those factors make a considerable difference in price. I'm assuming it's the same way for BP/wings? I've seen several quotes on the Pioneer that vary greatly depending on what is included.

Ishie

 

[jonnythan]

You still need tank strap and cam bands. That'll add $56 or $79 (if you get the STA) to the price.

Are you sure it doesn't come with any?

Lame.

 

[ShakaZulu]

Can't help you, sorry man, don't talk to peeps with such long screen names...........