Scubapro Form-Tek Single Tank

[covediver]

I used a Seaquest backmount bc for a long time back in the mid-80s. After that I settled in on a Seaquest Black Diamond until very recently. My local dive shop, Dive Alaska, worked with me on my most recent aquisition, the Scubapro Form Tec (single tank) bpw. Nick and Scott at the shop were great about setting things up, fitting the product to me, and so on. I initially tried it in the pool and then did my first ocean dive with it last week. So far, I am very impressed with the product. I immediately noticed the difference in the trim and the responsivenss to minor adjustments (air in and air out). Two things that will take getting used to is the inflator/deflator button configuration and the absence of a pull dump valve on the inflator hose.

 

[g1138]

You should be horizontal mainly in your dive, which means you can rely on the butt dump went navigating gradual inclines and such.
For the inflator, I personally don't like Scuba pro's version. You can buy a generic K-shape or even an L-shape inflator from Trident if it's that much of an issue for you, usually costs around $35 at most. Those will be more closely resembling your typical BC inflator units.

If you ever find something completely unlikable with your new setup and you can't work around it, keep in mind it's a modular system. Most other backplate manufacturers will have compatible gear that can be configured, exchanged, or supplement into your current system.
That is to say you can separate your BC system into it's separate components.

Welcome to the world of backplates.