tangible benefits of BP/W over quality back inflate jacket

[halocline]

So, I'm shopping for my first BCD, and after reading a lot of posts here,....
My question then, is what would you say to talk me out of a high end back inflated jacket over a BP/W, something like the Zeagle Ranger.

If you've read the zillions of threads debating the advantages of BP/W vs back inflate BCs vs jacket BCs, then you've read pretty much everything anyone has to say on the whole issue. Why the need to ask again?

The most useful answer you can get is to try out both, then decide what you like. Everything else is just someone else's opinion. Mine, for about the thousandth time (I just can't resist...) is that a rigid plate couples the cylinder to your back in a much more efficient way, and having the ballast on the plate between your lungs and the wing is an ideal weight distribution, especially with aluminum tanks.

For someone in your situation, deep sea supply makes a lot of sense, because Tobin can answer any question you might have, make expert recommendations about the rig, and if you don't like it, you could probably sell it immediately in the classifieds here on SB for close to what you paid.

The ranger is a big, bulky, high lift BC, not what I would like at all for warm water diving, but again, all of this is opinion. You really have to try things out.

 

[pjones]

The BP/W crowd is just louder. Over 90% of BC sales are actually jackets.

flots.

I have a feeling the only reason more jackets are sold over BP/W is because they are easier to go from one diver to the next due to the pull straps and buckles. That makes it ideal for students because all they have to do is pull strings until it fits, BP/W would take much more time. Because the new divers are impressionable and familiar with jackets, it makes sense that the shop stocks the equipment on their shelves to sell to the students after classes. I'm guessing that there are a lot of people out there that tried their equipment during lessons and liked it because they don't know any different deciding after to buy what they like on their limited experiences.

This adjustment issue isn't a problem when you own your own BP/W because after the first time you set it up you don't have to adjust it again.

Personally I enjoy the fact that I can build my BP/W to fit my needs by moving rings and pockets to locations that I naturally reach to.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

So, I'm shopping for my first BCD, and after reading a lot of posts here, it seems to me that back inflation is the only way to go. Furthermore, it seems a lot of people around here champion the BP/W + harness setup, which seems fine. My issue is that I'm not real comfortable setting up my own rig for the first time, and wouldn't really know what to look for when shopping. LDS around here aren't any help for a BP/W rig.

My question then, is what would you say to talk me out of a high end back inflated jacket over a BP/W, something like the Zeagle Ranger. I realize it's not as customizable, but are there any other serious drawbacks?

I guess I should point out I'm a warm water diver for now, but am open to the possibility of other things in the future.

Why would we want to talk you out of a high end back inflated jacket?
If that's what you want then buy it.

Seems to me you're 90% there if you need someone to talk you out of it.
If you listen to us and get a BP/W you will never know just how great that jacket BC could have been, right?

 

[SeaFlea]

Greetings, I've been diving a SeaQuest Balance for 4 or 5 yrs and have recently switched to a BP/W unit. Here's what I think. I like the BP/W setup better that my Balance. Mind you I've only used the BP/W on my most recent trip but I've found the tank feels more secure on my back and less tendency to shift side to side. I also like getting most of the ballast weight off my hips. I debated the same issue for about 2 yrs before I replaced a perfectly good Balance and I can say I'm happy I did.

You will enjoy your dives with a decent back inflate BC just fine. And maybe it will be easier for a entry level diver...... but if you want to try the BP/W first you won't be disappointed. Also remember, you can sell the BP/W fairly easy on this board if you aren't pleased after you try it.

You can get all the advice you need on BP/W assembly right here so don't let that get in your way.

Good Dives, SeaFlea

 

[divad]

My question then, is what would you say to talk me out of a high end back inflated jacket over a BP/W, something like the Zeagle Ranger.
QUOTE]





Less is more.

 

[FritzCat66]

Second -- what's the difference on the surface? Again, if both are properly adjusted there is little to no difference -- AS LONG AS both have crotch straps (which the Balance does not). The crotch strap can do a lot to minimize the occasional tendency to roll put you face down (which is usually because you have overinflated the wing AND you are diving an AL80).

There's nothing wrong with a backplate & wing, nor a back-inflate BC, but many of us are perfectly happy with a traditional vest-style BC as well. However, amongst his other good and balanced advice, Peter's second point here should not be ignored: a crotch strap makes a BIG difference.

I had to custom-mod my SeaQuest BC to add one (I used the Dive Rite 2" strap kit), and the difference was immediate and noticeable - especially when inverted. I really don't know why more BC manufacturers don't at least design their products to add a strap as a standard option. All it would take is an extra nylon loop or D-ring in strategic places.

 

[101recon]

So, I'm shopping for my first BCD, and after reading a lot of posts here, it seems to me that back inflation is the only way to go. Furthermore, it seems a lot of people around here champion the BP/W + harness setup, which seems fine. My issue is that I'm not real comfortable setting up my own rig for the first time, and wouldn't really know what to look for when shopping. LDS around here aren't any help for a BP/W rig.

My question then, is what would you say to talk me out of a high end back inflated jacket over a BP/W, something like the Zeagle Ranger. I realize it's not as customizable, but are there any other serious drawbacks?

I guess I should point out I'm a warm water diver for now, but am open to the possibility of other things in the future.

In a few days I will complete my first year of diving.So it wasn't long ago that I was in the same situation asking the same questions.I was lucky that LDS where I trained had a good variety of BCDs and encouraged me to try different styles and find what felt good for me.I think this is one of the most valuable scuba lessons that I have learned.
Like you,I also decided that back inflate was for me.It just felt much better.I also didn't want to jump in too fast and try to build my own rig.I figured that I should learn how to dive well before trying to find the "perfect rig".At the time I wasn't sure what type of diving I would pursue so I needed a BCD that was versatile enough to try different things,traveled well,and didn't cost a fortune.
I decided on a Zeagle Scout and have yet to regret my decision.So far I've only dove lakes,quarries,ponds,and surf entries at the coast.I've worn shorts only,3/2mm,5mm,and 7mm wet suits needing various weights.I've added gear,reconfigured gear,and tested gear.So far I have no complaints.
My next rig will probably be a BP/W that I build myself,but also I see no reason not to have a good 2nd rig on hand.In my view,little was wasted and much has been learned.
Of course,this applies only to me and my experience with diving.Your mileage WILL vary.You are doing the right thing by researching.There will always be more to learn about diving.You just have to decide what is right for you.

 

[Ana]

I don't think 5 minutes in the pool (much less in a showroom) is going to give anyone a true idea of what is like to dive with either a regular jacket, back inflation jacket or BP/W. You can tell if it doesn't fit, but assuming proper fitting on all 3 options and being objective about the selection, it takes longer time testing.

How does it feel donning it from a boat deck, or sand, or picnic table ...whatever your typical dives are.

How about descending, not to 8 or 10 feet in a pool but to a depth similar to your typical depths.
Swimming, up or down or sideways, I don't know being up side down, molesting your buddy, memorizing derivations, harassing flounder, whatever you do at depth.

I mostly use a back plate with a small wing but have no problems whatsoever diving with a good fitting regular jacket. My husband seems to shift every 7 years or so between a scubapro classic and a backplate, he likes them both

I realize it is financially tricky but really, is it that horrible to get a BC and some years later get another one? If you hate the previous BC so very much then sell it... maybe a new diver will benefit and you earn karma points.

In reality, a good diver that feels comfortable in the water should be able to dive with any style gear. Of course you want to buy something that not only enables you to dive but also fits your idea of the "good stuff".

 

[ReeferBen]

I just got a DSS rig from Tobin. It showed up yesterday and I was able to get out today. One thing I did notice was I needed less weight overall. I was using 14lbs with my 7mm with the zeagle stilleto and with the DSS steel plate and torus wing and same wetsuit I only needed 3 lbs in each pocket. So I dropped 2 lbs of weight and at 15' with 500psi I still had some air in the wing. I think I can drop 2 more lbs. All the fabric on the zeagle must make the whole thing more bouyant. The bp/w has no pockets, but the pockets on the zeagle I couldn't reach. I am going to add pockets to my thighs of the wetsuit which is really better over all. The zeagle always needed lots of tightening once at depth, and the whe rig would still move around on me. The bp/w doesn't move at all, and feels more secure overall.

I dove a jacket style bc for years and really had no issues with it. It trimmed out fine, had easy to reach pockets, was comfortable, and cheap. I ended up losing it and going to the back inflate zeagle, now the bp/w. With the DSS rig the wing comes off with out needing to remove the cambands.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I dropped 2 lbs of weight and at 15' with 500psi I still had some air in the wing. I think I can drop 2 more lbs.

You just made my day.
Somebody get's it!