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

[ElectricZombie]

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 find a BP/Wing to be more comfortable than a jacket or "tech" BC. I'm willing to bet that the LDS you mention does not sell BP/Wing setups, and simply want to persuade you into buying whatever they sell. Most of the time, LDS's do not have your best interest in mind when they suggest gear; it's all about sales.

The best thing you can do is actually try out a BP/Wing for yourself. Make sure it is fitted properly (You can find info on how to fit the BP/Wing here on ScubaBoard) and go dive it. People can immediately tell a difference.

I prefer the BP/Wing for many reasons. Better trim, less drag, less clutter, durability, versitility, simplicity......the list goes on. I'm 100% sold on the BP/Wing setup and will not dive anything else. Try it out and you will like it.

 

[sbloomer]

The problem is, in South Africa where I live BP/Wing setups haven't taken off AT ALL, which is why so I know so little about them. Most back inflation BC's are available though and they do seem to be the rage... So I suppose my question should have been whether there are any objective discussions on back-inflation? That being said I have basically narrowed down my choice to the Pro QD+ and the Malibu RDS - which one to go for? The only thing I have against the Malibu is that it looks a little flimsy, and lacks pockets, but it is somewhat cheaper....

 

[Monkee Boy]

Gaday Yanks (and tame Yarpie) -

After 150 dives on my Sherwood rear inflate, I have about 15 dives up on my new BP&W set-up.

My findings to date...

The good -

Better (tighter) fit.
Cheaper.
More even weight distribution.
More stable at 5 metre safety stop (I'm not sure why though).
Girl divers seem drawn to assist me with the crotch strap.
Will piss-off your LDS.

The 'bad' -

Takes a while to do the initial set-up (MB took 3 hours)*.
Less convenient/fewer storage options*.
Will piss-off your LDS.

*These can be overcome.


Overall, I'm pretty happy with BP&W set-up, but I don't think it's as dive-life changing as others may suggest. A 100cf tank and a dive computer changed my dive-life signifcantly more than a BP&W set-up.

I'd just do it though. There's heaps of good info available on this site and plenty of willing helpers as well.

Price wise you Yarpies get screwed big time on dive gear, so I'd consider using LeisurePro, particularly now that the yank dollar is a bit more realistic.

Good luck with your new adventure...MB.

 

[DutchDown]

and loves it. They are pretty popular in Holland for singles. I prefer my Balance, but I think the Pro-QD is a fine jacket style bc.

HTH

Phil

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

MechDiver once bubbled...


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.

The LDS has done fine for me. I believe you are correct that they don't give enough credit to BP/Wings as they probably should but it has had little bearing on how much I already enjoy diving without knowing what I'm missing. I'm not going to turn my back on them for not offering/recommending an item that they don't already have in stock - they are a business and they do want to make money. Like I said, I have no complaints with the Jacket BCs I have - ignorance is bliss I suppose.

ElectricZombie once bubbled...
I find a BP/Wing to be more comfortable than a jacket or "tech" BC. I'm willing to bet that the LDS you mention does not sell BP/Wing setups, and simply want to persuade you into buying whatever they sell. Most of the time, LDS's do not have your best interest in mind when they suggest gear; it's all about sales.

Actually that was mentioned in my original reply.

ElectricZombie once bubbled...
The best thing you can do is actually try out a BP/Wing for yourself. Make sure it is fitted properly (You can find info on how to fit the BP/Wing here on ScubaBoard) and go dive it. People can immediately tell a difference.

Easier said than done. The LDSs in the area don't rent them out and I have no aquaintances that run the setups - so trying a BP/Wing setup out is not as easy as you suggest. I mentioned this in my original reply as well. I don't mind people commenting on my replies(otherwise I wouldn't be on an internet forum), but suggesting leads that I've already checked and noted is rather annoying.

 

[Northeastwrecks]

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 find my BP&W's (singles and doubles) to be completely comfortable. The rig is very adjustable. The weight of the tanks is distributed across your back and shoulders.

There are a couple of members here who found them to be less comfortable when diving in a thin suit. I haven't noticed any issues with my 3mm.

 

[ppilot]

I'm just wondering why you're so eager to trade in something that you're happy with?

 

[sbloomer]

ppilot once bubbled...
I'm just wondering why you're so eager to trade in something that you're happy with?

I think the point was that while it was trusty, it was old and didn't fit properly, and having done over 300 dives in it, it was time to retire it.

Anyway, that being said I think I have scrapped the Aqualung Malibu RDS idea so now the choice is between the SQ Pro QD+ and the SQ Balance. But, does anyone know if the either the Malibu or Balance are adaptable for twins? I can't find anything that says it is possible.

Ta

 

[paulwlee]

sbloomer once bubbled...


But, does anyone know if the either the Malibu or Balance are adaptable for twins? I can't find anything that says it is possible.

Ta

I am 99% sure that the Balance is not. Besides, the lift is anywhere between 30~40 unless you go with the XL, and this will not be enough for doubles in most cases.
Looks like the Seaquest Raider and Black Diamond can both be used for doubles tanks.

I don't dive with doubles yet, (the components for my first set is on order..) but my impression is if you are diving doubles, the consensus is that BP/wing is the best way to go.