Rear-inflation: Worries

[Damselfish]

Tipping forward is not necessarily due to overweighting/overinflation, or the BC floating around your ears. Sure those could be problems, but there are two differences between BP/W and rear inflate BCs not mentioned often enough in the "tipping forward" debate, especially by BP/W divers using steel plates and steel tanks who have a different viewpoint than warm water divers (and I see the OP is from Singapore):

- Most BP are 6# steel and that weight back there works against tipping forward. Most backinflates have a plastic plate if anything.

- Many (I know not all) people diving BP/W are also diving cold water and using steel tanks which also makes a big difference. If someone is using an AL80 (especially common in warm water and vacation destinations) and it's near empty, that's also going to push forward. No matter how little air you have in the BC, an empty AL tank is plenty of bouyancy to cause a problem for some people.

A back inflate BC has trim pockets in the back for a reason. Now, if the BC floats up around your ears the whole surface thing is not going to work out too well no matter what you do with your weight distribution. But all traditional BCs back-inflate or otherwise don't float up around your ears especially if they fit right.

 

[Doug Krause]

First, I would agree that the typical concerns of a rear inflation BC are overrated. It is different, and you'll need to get used to it - and learn from others that have posted good information here. The Islander, as a warm water travel BC has relatively low lift capacity and comes with both integrated (ditchable) and cylinder band pockets - In my experience, it is a very stable BC on the surface.

 

[jmps]

I love the raft effect of the wing on the surface. In fact, I far prefer it to my old BC for its "handling" on the surface. In rough seas, I really needed to inflate my BC a lot to get the desired clearance from the surface, resulting in major squeeze. Now, with my BP/Wing, I can lie back on the fully inflated wing and wait for the boat to pick me up.

Cheers,

Andrew

When I first used a rental back inflate after using a jacket this surface raft effect in combination with the underwater freedom really sold me on the BI design. I knew immediately that jackets were history for me. I would for sure not buy until you have tried a BI or BP/W in the water.

With the raft effect I just inflate a bit to get my head out of the water then lean back and inflate more to create a raft. The only time I ever felt like tipping forward was when I was intentially overweighted while pumpkin carving. If I am on the surface I like to fin on my back if I need to move any. As Andrew says it is a great way to wait for the boat if you are drift diving.

I use a SeaQuest Balance and haven't found a need for a crotch strap. Riding up has not been a problem even though it doesn't have a Cbun. It does have rear trim pockets and I use them. There are many quality BI BCs available. I also used an Aeris ReefRider that I liked as well.

Regards,

John

 

[Puffer Fish]

Tipping forward is not necessarily due to overweighting/overinflation, or the BC floating around your ears. Sure those could be problems, but there are two differences between BP/W and rear inflate BCs not mentioned often enough in the "tipping forward" debate, especially by BP/W divers using steel plates and steel tanks who have a different viewpoint than warm water divers (and I see the OP is from Singapore):

- Most BP are 6# steel and that weight back there works against tipping forward. Most backinflates have a plastic plate if anything.

- Many (I know not all) people diving BP/W are also diving cold water and using steel tanks which also makes a big difference. If someone is using an AL80 (especially common in warm water and vacation destinations) and it's near empty, that's also going to push forward. No matter how little air you have in the BC, an empty AL tank is plenty of bouyancy to cause a problem for some people.

A back inflate BC has trim pockets in the back for a reason. Now, if the BC floats up around your ears the whole surface thing is not going to work out too well no matter what you do with your weight distribution. But all traditional BCs back-inflate or otherwise don't float up around your ears especially if they fit right.

I'm with Damsel on this - vest style BC's does not require particularly careful weight distribution - back inflates do. Trim pockets work and work well to correct this on most back inflate BC's. Just takes a couple of adjustments to get correct and then is easy.

I have both a back inflate BC and a BP/W (stainless). Like both a lot.

Crotch strap is nice to have, by the way.

 

[Ron Brandt]

Yeah, but how many back inflate BC's come with a crotch strap ?

True wing systems have a crotch and that is the key to the functionality. I have dove back inflate and true wing/bp systems for over 15 years and now teach clases with them.
My students that have used them only have trouble at the surface until I tell them what to do...you will enjoy it.

Ron

 

[Ron Brandt]

Well all the DiveRite, Apeks and OMS have crotch strap.

and if you want one on your BC just fix one on it.

You forgot Oxycheq.

Ron

 

[ronrosa]

True wing systems have a crotch and that is the key to the functionality. I have dove back inflate and true wing/bp systems for over 15 years and now teach clases with them.
My students that have used them only have trouble at the surface until I tell them what to do...you will enjoy it.

Ron

Many back inflate bc's aren't really modular like a BPW. Many of them don't come with a crotchstrap and adding one is DIY oppossed to an optional accessory.

I changed from a Seaquest Balance to a Transpac which is modular like a BPW. I just added the crotch strap to keep things a little more together and to keep things in place.

 

[DiverLS]

I use a bck inflate BC and love it. I'm an avid photographer and the back inflate was recommended for that. Glad I made the switch. I've never had the problem at the surface with it. Another reason I like it is I'm a well endowed female and all that inflaton under the arms made my old BC uncomfortable.

 

[Black Dog]

I have a Knighthawk Back Inflate and had the same worries as a new diver. After 10dives on it the worries were a non-issue. No need for a big discussioin about it. They work fine.

 

[Ron Brandt]

Ron