Poll: I tried a BackPlate/Wing and...

[kidspot]

Ok in the vein of a couple of other recent posts/polls I have a question for those who have at least "tried" a Backplate and Wing rig. Primarily this is focussed at Single Tank Divers - most seem to agree that for doubles, weather you like it or not a BP/W is the way to go.

Did you like it and continue to use it (even if it took a few dives to get used to it)
Did not like it and went back to a Jacket or Back Inflate BC (I guess you could vote this way even if you kept using it, but then the question would be "why?")

Aloha, Tim

 

[Corigan]

I have recently made the switch over to the BP/W and love it. It did take a few dives to get everything adjusted perfectly (for when it's wet), but after that it fit like a glove. I trim out much easier with the BP/W. I generally have easier dives and have noticed my SAC rate has been dropping since using one. Of course everyones mileage may vary.

Matt

 

[Mandy3206]

I only use singles, and won't go back to jacket style BCs.

The stability of the rig is is the feature I like the most, multiple attachement points is in second and the feeling of not wearing anything when underwater gets the third point.

All in all, I regret not getting one 200 dives before I did!!!

 

[Diver0001]

Ok in the vein of a couple of other recent posts/polls I have a question for those who have at least "tried" a Backplate and Wing rig. Primarily this is focussed at Single Tank Divers - most seem to agree that for doubles, weather you like it or not a BP/W is the way to go.

Did you like it and continue to use it (even if it took a few dives to get used to it)
Did not like it and went back to a Jacket or Back Inflate BC (I guess you could vote this way even if you kept using it, but then the question would be "why?")

Aloha, Tim

I think it depends on the rest of your gear, especially tanks. For light singles like an AL-80 I think the whole bp/wing thing is much adieu about nothing. For heavy singles or doubles it makes a big difference in how stable you are in the water. Some people claim that it radically improves their trim but that would require your trim in the jacket to suck first.

Basically, I think if your trim is good and you already have a jacket and an AL-80 that the differnece isn't worth spending money on. On the other hand if you are thinking about buying your first BCD and aren't sure what you will do in the future, then you can't go wrong with a bp/wing.

R..

 

[lamont]

you need a "worked great the first time" option.

 

[WaterDawg]

First time I dove a pb/w it was on a single 80, and I continued to dive single 80's for a while after that...Still awsome! I felt alot "free-er" by not having my chest cluteterd, on the surface I likes not having my face pushed into the water.

 

[Mako Mark]

I dont think there is much difference in expense but do think there is a great difference in comfort and performance. I have recently switched to BP/W for teaching all my courses from resort diver to instructor and tec. One size does fit all (one rig can be set up for just about all types of diving that is)

 

[MSilvia]

I started in a Seaquest jacket, and eventually got my trim dialed in with the use of a couple of strategicly placed weights. After about 60 dives on it, I got a good deal on a DiveRite Transpac II, and used that right up until shortly after I started diving doubles. When I finally made the switch to a backplate, I found it much more stable in the doubles, and liked the simplicity of the rig quite alot. I've now started doing single tanks dives in it too, and really couldn't be happier with it. It's all I dive now.

I think Diver0001's comments are pretty much on the money. If you have something that works, there's no reason not to stick with it. If you think what you're using has shortcomings you'd like to address, you might try out a BP and see if that suits you. I believe it's been one of the best gear purchases I've made, and I could have saved a lot of money and "tweaking time" by getting into it sooner.

 

[MSilvia]

First time I dove a pb/w it was on a single 80.

My first time with pb was on white bread with j.

 

[saying]

I think it depends on the rest of your gear, especially tanks. For light singles like an AL-80 I think the whole bp/wing thing is much adieu about nothing. For heavy singles or doubles it makes a big difference in how stable you are in the water.

No way, homes. I find myself FAR more comfortable even with an AL80 and an STA than I was with a Zeagle Ranger.

Whether that was a function of me, the ranger, or some alignment of the stars, I don't know.

I'm just saying...