"Objective" discussions of Jacket vs BP/Wings??

[sbloomer]

Hi all

Having been diving in the chilly waters of the south-eastern Atlantic for 14 years, I thought I needed to change my trusty ol' jacket BC (I started with a horsecollar :wacko: ). I do not know much about back-inflation BC's and BP/Wing setups. What I have learnt is that just the fact that jacket and BP/Wings in the same discussion is akin to reviving WWII :fury: .

Is there anywhere I can find an "objective" discussion on the merits/demerits of each type? At least some of the post here are objective (mainly by people who use both), but I'm specifically looking for articles.

At this stage, I have in my sights for a new BC the SeaQuest Pro QD+ and the Aqualung Malibu RCD. The Pro QD+ looks way more durable, but being a bit of a minimalist, the Malibu also appeals to me. Never having dived with back inflation I don't know what to expect.

TIA ....

 

[sbloomer]

Sorry, that should have been the Malibu RDS - I was thinking of also getting a new Ikelite RCD, but that's a different story...

 

[Walter]

People do tend to get passionate on this issue.

I've used a vest for 20 years and from time to time have tried a BP/wings BC. There's no real difference in how they perform. Both are excellent choices.

I would advise against padding and cummerbunds in either, as they add drag. It's noticable in strong currents. I did see wings with padding and cummerbunds at this year's DEMA.

Personally, I use a Scubapro Classic Sport.

I hope you find a BC you like.

 

[IzzyTahil]

If minimalist appeals to you then go for a b/p and wing setup!

 

[docmartin]

i am a bp/wing convert. i do not find that it performs significantly better (if at all) than my previous bc, an oceanic chute, which is backinflate but not a bp/wing. the reasons why i love the bp/wing are rather:
1. no bulk and, therefore, a very "free" feeling when under water
2. packs very small for travel and dries quickly
3. need less weight (in a 3mm i don't need a weight belt at all)
4. grows with your diving needs
5. fewer things to break

is there no shop in your area where you can rent a bp/wing? that's obviously the best way to find out if you like it.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

There is no shop in my immediate area that offers BP/Wing setups for rental either. As far as I can tell, none of the LDSs here carry them in stock to try out.

I asked my LDS about them and they told me that they are uncomfortable and not as suited for recreational diving as a traditional BC. I'm not entirely sure how accurate that is as I've never dove a wing setup but the remarkers at this forum make me second guess my DM.

However, I do know that I am comfortable with my Classic Air Plus. I find it more comfortable than my older Classic Sport and more comfortable than the other SP BCs I've tried at the local shop which, of course, carries primarily SP gear.

I am in no way unhappy with my current BC, however, perhaps that would change with experience in a wing setup. Without an out-right ballsy purchase, which I will not risk, I don't think I'll have a chance to dive a wing anytime soon. I don't do technical diving and I don't see myself doing anything more than rec diving anytime in my diving future - I'm sure I'd still be considered young by some of you old geezers though *joking*- so maybe that will change?

 

[E-Boat]

I'm thinking about get my self a new Bc (back pack). But there one thing that i wount sure about it. Would it push my face down to the water at the surface? I alway use jacket bc. Is anybody cam give mae some advice???
Thank

 

[MechDiver]

SuPrBuGmAn once bubbled...

I asked my LDS about them and they told me that they are uncomfortable and not as suited for recreational diving as a traditional BC. I'm not entirely sure how accurate that is as I've never dove a wing setup but the remarkers at this forum make me second guess my DM.

I would hardly give your LDS any credence at this point, as they don't want to loose a sale and obviously don't know squat about backplates.

I dove SP jackets (Propak and Classic) for a number of years in the tropics with a 3mm suit. Worked fine, but I also didn't know what I was missing.

When I started coldwater diving in a drysuit, the Classic I had was too small and I had a tough time getting if off. I started looking at backplates, dove one at a shop near Seattle, and bought it on the spot. That was strickly for single tank recreational diving. I have since moved on to doubles and tech, but I also have two bp&w setups, one for singles, one for doubles.

As a matter of comparison, I was helping one of the newer divers in our dive club setup a pony bottle like a deco tank. So she could feel what it would be like to carry, I let her use my backplate. She had the bp on for a total of about 10 minutes. About a week later, she came to me and said both her and her boyfriend wanted to get backplates because she had never worn anything so stable or comfortable. Go figure...

MD

 

[ABQdiver]

E-Boat once bubbled...
I'm thinking about get my self a new Bc (back pack). But there one thing that i wount sure about it. Would it push my face down to the water at the surface? I alway use jacket bc. Is anybody cam give mae some advice???
Thank

I have a 36# Pioneer and a 45# OxyCheq, and both do NOT force you face first. If you completely filled the wing and then past out, it might. But with enough air to float you, just lay back on top of the wing and it's like sitting in a lazy chair. Actually quite comfortable.

In fact the other day my daughter and I were out diving (she's 12) and she was using the Pioneer. After the dive I got out of the water and she was farting around and blowing up the wing and letting it exhaust out the exhaust valve. Laughing the whole time because it sounding like someone farting. Silly, I know but she was not pushed face down and she doesn't weigh more than 105.

More BS from the unintiated...

 

[paulwlee]

If you are minimalist, then also look at the Seaquest Balance.

I used to dive with a jacket style BC (US Divers Cousteau) for 11 years. The BC died a few months ago, and I tried a few different BC's and then settled on a BP/wing rig because I was thinking about tec diving.

I've found that BP/wings, once adjusted right, works great underwater. (Same can be said of good BC that fits.)

Things I like
1. It has a very clean profile and is minimal.
2. It dries real fast.

Things I don't like
1. Waist strap gets in the way of the weightbelt a little.
2. When carrying it around, waist strap and crotch strap trails and gathers sand if not threaded and buckled. This is a hassle.
3. Since backplate is metal, I have to be careful when putting it on top of my car. I also can't toss it around like I would a BC because the plate may damage the wing.

As for comfort, I'd say there is no difference since I wear thick exposure protection. With a skin, it will be a little less comfortable, but some people don't mind that.