enderjs:
I know this is off topic and I am not trying to make anyone mad but why are Bp/W so expensive. They look ugly and really uncomfortable, I am sorry but just metal with some straps isnt worth 500 bucks in my book. Am I missing something? Besides the fact that they are completely customizable.
LOL!! Darn good question! To be honest, it's the packaging. The wing is really where the cost is. You can rig up a BP with hardware for about $75-$100 with all new stuff. If you don't mind buying used wings, and you're patient, you can usually find some used ones for good prices. This is a LOT easier when you are looking for doubles wings because doubles divers tend to move gear in and out or the house far more. I saw someone selling a DR Classic for $75 last week. I paid $250 for a new one and retail is $300 I think.
They don't look ugly to me, but that's personal. They are anything BUT uncomfortable. I have yet to see a BC that is more comfortable. IN THE WATER. I spend about 2 minutes on the surface with my gear and an hour or two in the water. I am far more concerned about comfort in the water than on the surface.
The ability to have one BC that works for drysuits, wetsuits, recreational dives, technical dives, cave dives, wreck dives, single tank dives, and doubles dives, is worth the money alone in my view. Of course others may feel differently.
But these systems sure are expensive. Of course, when you start looking around at what things like the Zeagle Ranger, Scuba Pro Knighthawk, the Black Diamond, the Poseiden, the Apeks, the Transpac, etc., cost, it doesn't seem nearly as bad. And none of those units, fine BCs they may be, can do what a BP/W can. At least not nearly as well.
Have fun diving it!
