tangible benefits of BP/W over quality back inflate jacket

[ttrimble]

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.

 

[RJP]

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.

"This is not the BCD you want..."

"You want a BP/W."

 

[flots am]

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.

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

Try a few styles in a pool, and buy what you want, and ignore everybody on the internet.

You'll be happier.

flots.

 

[jjwdiver]

If the LDS cant help you to choose by showing you the options, or letting you try them in a pool...is there another LDS you could go to? If I was able to try the back plate single tank setup in water and directly compare it to a jacket style bc...I wouldnt have wasted money on a jacket style, then onto a Balance back flotation bc, then to a BP & Wings. Just my opinion from someone who started out not knowing anything...to getting a job in a store and trying lots of styles.

 

[letterboy]

You say warm water diver, does this mean travels a lot or lives in warm location?

What kind of diving are you doing, besides warm water? Is your diving 120 foot wrecks or 45-60 foot reefs?

Have you done any dives with a back inflate BC or a BP/W?

What has got you thinking you want to dive BP/W?

 

[spectrum]

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.

That is hardly the case. A diver can dive just as well in a well fit jacket. There are some technical limitations to the dives that can be made with a jacket. As a point of contrast a diver can be much more secure on the surface with a jacket.

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.

A BP&W is fully configurable. You put all of the fitments where you want them, the way you want them. If you go with a 30 pound bladder and decide that it is too much or too little you can replace that part alone. Likewise on damaged components, it's not all sewn together.

You do get to select the building blocks so to some extent there are nearly an infinite number of potential rigs and once again you are free to alter anytime to suit.

While a singles rig can often be upgraded to doubles most divers end up building up dedicated rigs for each so the "grows with you" argument is a little weak IMO.

If you are not locally supported in your desire for a harness based system there are a number of well represented dealers here on SB that can fill your needs and provide top shelf service.

Pete

 

[Gombessa]

A few tangible benefits I've found:

1. Less weight. A bp/w is negatively buoyant, and that weight is positioned over your lungs, which can help with trim when diving long AL80 single tanks. It'll also let you drop a few pounds from your weight belt. A jacket BC is a couple of pounds positive, which you have to make up for with extra lead. When I dive in warm water, I don't need any extra lead at all with my steel bp and sta.

2. A bp/w grows with you. You said you're open to new things in the future. If you eventually try doubles, you'll need a bp/w for that.

3. Packs smaller. Unless you go for a specialized "travel BC", I've found that a bp/w is much easier to pack for travel. You can keep the bp at the bottom of your suitcase and fold or roll up the wing, for instance.

 

[Brandon]

While a singles rig can often be upgraded to doubles most divers end up building up dedicated rigs for each so the "grows with you" argument is a little weak IMO.

Meh - that's only because we're lazy and don't like removing / replacing the cam bands when switching between singles and doubles =p

Less weight, grows with you, packs smaller

All my favorite reasons too.

Tom Waits also did a really good job of listing the benefits of a BP/W:

They come in all colors, one size fits all, That's right, it filets, it chops, It dices, slices, never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn, And it mows your lawn, and it picks up the kids from school. It gets rid of unwanted facial hair, it gets rid of embarrassing age spots. It delivers a pizza, and it lengthens, and it strengthens. And it finds that slipper that's been at large under the chaise longe for several weeks And it plays a mean Rhythm Master. It makes excuses for unwanted lipstick on your collar.

You can live in it, live in it, laugh in it, love in it. Swim in it, sleep in it, live in it, swim in it, laugh in it, love in it.

Removes embarrassing stains from contour sheets, and it entertains visiting relatives. It turns a sandwich into a banquet. And it walks your dog, and it doubles on sax. It gets rid of your gambling debts, it quits smoking. It's a friend, and it's a companion. And it's the only product you will ever need. Follow these easy assembly instructions, it never needs ironing. Well it takes weights off hips, bust, thighs, chin, midriff. Gives you dandruff, and it finds you a job. It is a job. And you know it's a friend, and it's a companion, and it gets rid of your traveler's checks. It's new, it's improved, it's old-fashioned, well it takes care of business, never needs winding, never needs winding, never needs winding. Gets rid of blackheads, the heartbreak of psoriasis. Christ you don't know the meaning of heartbreak buddy! It creates household odors. It disinfects, it sanitizes for your protection. It gives you an erection, it wins the election.

 

[Peter Guy]

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.

As someone who dives both a high(ish) end back-inflate BC (SeaQuest Balance) and several BP/Wings, I hope I'm qualified to answer your questions.

First -- what's the difference in how they dive? IF both are properly adjusted, there is little to no difference.

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).

Third -- what's the difference for travelling? BP/W wins hands down in my opinion. Because you can seperate the pieces, you can spread out the weight (steel plate can easily go into the carryon for example) and you can spread out the bulk. A "BC" is just where it is. The total BP/W might (again, if it is a steel BP) weigh slightly more than the BC but, in my case, only about 2 pounds more so the total weight difference is insignificant (and again, I can easily carryon the plate so the total weight in checked baggage is less IF that is an issue).

Fourth -- What is the difference in price? A good BP/W is probably cheaper than a high end back-inflate BC.

Fifth -- What is the difference in adjustability? Depends on the BC. I had a student who got some high end BC (she took the advice of a shop owner instead of my advice to get a BP/W) and we ended up spending an hour or so in the shop tweaking this, that and the other thing to try to make it fit her -- which it really never did. It would have taken me about 20 minutes to adjust a BP to her -- and even less time with the new Halcyon system.

I hope this helps.

 

[narced_1]

Price, Zeagle Ranger BCD, 44 Lb Lift (way over kill for warm stuff) but you want to expand your diving....so this might be appropriate. about $650

DSS Backplate and Wing, Kydex BP, with a 17 lb Wing and Hog Harness, 460, Add a bigger doubles wing for when you want to get into tech and "expand your diving" then get an additional wing for abotu 250 or so....or you could just get a 26 LB wing the first time for the 460 and be covered for everything except heavy steel doubles....

So, from a purley cost aspect, you will save yourself about 200 or so dollars

and as a very recent convert (who spent 750 on my one of my first BC's, Zeagle 911) they are very comfortable.

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.