Should a BP/W be my first BC?
- Thread starter scubamikey
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I've used serveral different styles of BC's. Jackets, Backinflates, and a BP/W. So far I feel the most comfortable and stable in a BP/W. I've also used a couple different wings on my BP/W and I've really like the Halcyon Eclypse Wing #40. I'm going to be trying an Oxycheq wing next. We'll see how well it works.
daniel f aleman
Contributor
No. Start with the jacket, even if you rent a couple of times; gives you something to compare to...
I went to a BP/W right after my AOW dives. What pushed me into one was, that not only did I hear a lot of positive benefits to owning one, but I was REALLY frustrated with the rental stuff, the fit, my horrible trim and the lack of information I got during my OW-AOW track. I knew my trim was wrecked. I knew as a new diver I was probably overweighted to combat newbie breathing. I knew where I wanted to be as a diver but I just didn't know how to get there. I figured that the heavy weightbelt and the "air all around you" jacket was wrecking my trim. I ended up meeting some SB's that explained all the BP/W stuff and it seemed like the perfect solution, getting the weight off my hips and over my lungs to start. I ended up buying a FredT backplate and an Oxycheq wing. Fred taught me everything (well not everything, but a LOT) I needed to know about trimming myself out, diving neutral throughout the water column, etc. My LDS, told me I'd drown in one without diving steel doubles 
I value my LDS in many ways but they really didn't do squat for me as far as teaching me how to get trimmed out and streamlined. I had to learn that from Scubaboard. In any event, after some trail and error, my BP/W setup did wonders for my diving! Keep in mind I was also a new diver but I'm glad I got into one right away. Now I actually own a BC for pool work and can dive that pretty good too, but I do prefer the BP/W. I like the stability of the tank and the "open" feeling in the front. I like that I can switch to steel plate when I dive dry (another reason I got into it) Totally modular. If you want you can rent like I did at first. Try some jackets. But don't be afraid to get into one right away, even if you get negative info about them. Just do your homework. Base your plate decision (aluminum or steel) on how much weight you'll need (warm or cold water diving, AL light for travel), what tanks you have (AL or Steel) if any.
I value my LDS in many ways but they really didn't do squat for me as far as teaching me how to get trimmed out and streamlined. I had to learn that from Scubaboard. In any event, after some trail and error, my BP/W setup did wonders for my diving! Keep in mind I was also a new diver but I'm glad I got into one right away. Now I actually own a BC for pool work and can dive that pretty good too, but I do prefer the BP/W. I like the stability of the tank and the "open" feeling in the front. I like that I can switch to steel plate when I dive dry (another reason I got into it) Totally modular. If you want you can rent like I did at first. Try some jackets. But don't be afraid to get into one right away, even if you get negative info about them. Just do your homework. Base your plate decision (aluminum or steel) on how much weight you'll need (warm or cold water diving, AL light for travel), what tanks you have (AL or Steel) if any.
I am still reserching the BP/W. This is a big decision for me as I don't want to by another BC for a long time I want it to grow with my skills so mostly I am reading the threads that refer to BP/W and the experiences. I do have one question. Do most BP and wings have the same basic design? If I was to by a Zeagle BP would another brand name wing fit it such as deep sea or halcyon? incase somethings on sale.$$$
ProfessorAronnax
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froginmgl:
Not sure if it fits other manufacturers wings, but it is designed for multiple wing, harness and tank mounting configurations. See for yourself:
daniel f aleman
Contributor
Get the jacket from a well-known brand. You can take it anywhere, and it's warranteed everywhere.
And, in a couple of more years you can purchase a brand new BP/W for $150, which is more in line with it's true value.
And, in a couple of more years you can purchase a brand new BP/W for $150, which is more in line with it's true value.
djanni
Contributor
artek:
Oh... that explains a lot.
cummings66
Contributor
The thread here basically is about whether this diver should purchase a BP/W. To answer that question is simple, yes. There are no real disadvantages to it, he's most likely used a normal jacket style BCD during certification so he knows what that feels like. Now go out and test drive the BP/W and see if you like it.
For my money, even though it cost more than I think they should it was certainly the BEST money I've ever spent and worth every single dime to me. It is certainly more versatile than a jacket style BCD and probably has less drag than many of them. As has been said, the resale value is good so if you don't like it I'm sure you'll get your money back.
For my money, even though it cost more than I think they should it was certainly the BEST money I've ever spent and worth every single dime to me. It is certainly more versatile than a jacket style BCD and probably has less drag than many of them. As has been said, the resale value is good so if you don't like it I'm sure you'll get your money back.
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