Opinions Requested

[bcda]

xnight,
everyones ideas are going to be different depending upon who you ask and what experiences they have with equipment. Yes, you may have over purchased on your gear. However, my recommendation is to go back to the store (assuming you purchased your gear from a store) and work with them. Even if it means paying $10 for a night in the stores pool to work out your rig for comfort, do that. It will allow the store people see you in your rig in a wet envirornment. They could than size you up/down properly for what you really need in gear.
Never stop asking questions, and you will always learn something new.

I dive because I love it.
I love it so I dive.

bh

 

[DA Aquamaster]

can anybody tell me if its ok for a novice to start with a BP and wing setup?

Yes...I started diving with a Scubapro back inflate BC in the early 80's. It was a 45 lb wing on a conventional hardpack and was in essence an early version of a backplate and wing.

I think a wing makes proper level or slightly head down trim easier to achieve and it is defintely more streamlined.

I do agree that 100 lbs of lift is overkill. In my opinion, maximum wing size for a single tank should be 45 lbs in cold water, 30 lbs in warm water, and possibly 60 lbs in cold water with a set of doubles.

 

[Under Michael]

Hi Elevatorguy2, I'm an AOW with 75 dives. New to the scuba scene I was certified late last year and did all of my logged dives this year. My experience is somewhat limited compared to many but here is what I have learned.

I had used about 6 different jacket style BC's in the water and didn't like any of them. If they weren't too restrictive (most were) they squeezed at depth or required adjustment during the dive.

Early this year I purchased a back inflate BC. No squeeze and no adjustment required after initial rigging but I still felt restricted and it wasn't too comfortable out of the water.

Then I learned of the Seaquest Pro Unlimited BC. I compared comfort and features of this unit with several others in the store. This BC was just so comfortable I forgot I had it on. It's considerably more expensive than many others but the comfort was unmatched by anything I've ever tried then or since. I purchased this BC and used it for most of this year. Finally a jacket style BC that was comfortable for me.

The Seaquest Pro Unlimited has an internal bladder that is mainly on the back. It does inflate on the side but because of the design provides very little squeeze.

Now for a twist... last Saturday I had the pleasure of using a back plate and wing for the first time. Now I AM WRECKED!!! In 15 short minutes, with an almost empty AL80, very under weighted and swimming in current I was able to easily maintain a horizontal position without much effort. The weight felt centered above me and not restricting my mobility.

In conclusion IMO if you're looking for comfort try locating a Pro Unlimited or something similar. If you're more interested in maintaining a horizontal position in the water column during ever changing conditions; current, depth changes, during task loading circumstances then you may want to look at a BP and wing.

Keeping in mind that with more diving experience you may be able to work wonders with a jacket style BC. I'm sold on the BP/wing myself and bought one the next day. It just feels right for me.

I think the bottom line is try before you buy. It's even worth a rental fee if necessary, that way you'll invest once and be happy.

If you'd care to discuss this any further please feel free to send me a PM. I may have a cost savings lead for you regardless of which direction interests you. Happy diving everyone,
UM

 

[Under Michael]

Switching to a steel tank, a halcyon BP system with intergrated wieghts will do the trick quite nice.

Tom

I'm now using a Halcyon SS back plate (6#'s) weighted single tank adapter (6#'s) and an Eclipse wing with ditchable weight pockets. O yes, also a steel PST E8-130 tank (6#'s removed from weight required for a AL-80 tank).

The ditchable weight pockets are attached to the back plate and hang at your side, as opposed to being wrapped around you and hanging in front like a jacket. Maintaining horizontal trim is a snap. I've also ditched my ankle weights, no longer required. 2 sets of ankle weights for sale. 1 pr regular, 1 pr of long.

I was forced to add 6 #'s to the weight pockets today while using an AL-80 and the change was noticable. Having the weight on your back (steel tank) makes a very big difference in controlling trim.

Yesterdays dive was 69 min, 61' max. Todays dive was 44 min, 43 max. From these two dives I have determined that I will most likely never use a jacket BC again. In fact it may also be time to replace my AL-80's with steel. Anyone interested in a size ML Seaquest Pro Unlimited BC? The best jacket BC I could find.

BP and wing ROCK!

 

[FreeFloat]

BP and wing ROCK!

What he said.

I'm also a newbie - just cert 26 Oct this year, but 15 logged dives now post-cert.

I've been diving a jacket BC - not only a jacket, but THE smallest jacket BC I could rent - and it was still too big. I literally dangled from the armpits. I've dived this particular BC for most of my 15 dives; add to that the fact that the cummerbund liked to undo itself on the descent. Not exactly what you'd call comfortable. Still I managed to stay horizontal (most of the time) and conduct silly maneuvers like barrel rolls and somersaults.

However, as deeply obsessed with diving as I've become, naturally when my Sig Other asked what I'd like for Christmas I had a list already made up. On it was a backplate and 35# wing, and a LP80 steel tank.

Dived my first dive today with this setup. Quite simply, I adore it. From the time I first waded in the water deep enough for my feet to no longer touch down and flipped onto my back to wait for buddy, I was hooked. A tiny person like me is a very hard size to fit - except with a harness system. Total (for me) freedom of movement, snug but not restrictive. The rig did not shift a bit even throughout my rolling and somersaulting maneuvers (although the air burping from one side of the wing to the other during a roll might take a little getting used to). And my trim settled automatically into where I wanted it without my usual tugging, adjusting and contorting. I also noted that I didn't get that cramp in my lower back from swimming against/fighting my BC (like I did with the jacket).

For my next dive however I will need to lose some lead. My buddy said because I was overweighted, my wing was inflated more than it probably should have been and that was interfering with my trim as well as making me less streamlined. Mind you taking lead off was one of my goals this year anyhow.

Conclusion of long story: I like the BP and Wing and am glad I've chosen to go that route. I now know what people say when they talk about diving and almost forgetting that they're wearing a BC at all.

PS: Michael:

I've also ditched my ankle weights, no longer required.

No offence, but you really needed to lose the ankle weights. I'm happy for you that you are able to.