Tekky BC or not

[James Leggett]

Sorry "Herbman", to answer your q's:

Drysuit with cold water undergarments : BI
3mm shorty : Jacket
doubles : BP/W
single : Jacket
overhead : The Tec Works
deco : BI/ BP/W - depends on the dive
small person :
large person : } whatever is most comfortable
man :
woman :

Jeez, I wish I hadnt said anything. This is what happens when it is blowing and I have nothing to do huh?
Seriously, all I was saying is why take stuff you dont need. Thanks Don Janni for reiterating that for me.
And, yes, Herbman, I laugh at the pros who should know better - those who outfit divers in equipment they dont need just so they can profit from the commission.
Come dive with me anytime Beppe.

 

[dherbman]

Thanks, James.

I dive a drysuit in cold water, a 3mm in the pool, a 7mm or 5mm as the water temps demand, a single and soon doubles. I could buy three or four different style bc's or use the same BP with two different wings for every type of diving.

I'm glad you did say something. The idea that a BP/W is a tech rig is based in ignorance or to use your words "hot air". I'm not attacking you, I'm addressing your statement.

 

[TheRedHead]

If you going for a dive at around 40'/50' in the very calm waters of Grand Cayman with 100+ ft viz would you take that reel with you? If so why?

That's such a wimpy profile for Cayman, even for a 2nd dive. Sometimes I use a spool instead of the reel. I have my DSMB in a pouch bolted onto my backplate. But it won't work without a spool or reel. My favorite reel is the Dive Rite Deco reel with 150 feet of line:

I don't usually unbolt the pouch or remove the DSMB. So yes, I usually have the reel or spool on every dive. If you are used to diving a certain way, why change it?

The real downside of all the stuff is figuring out how to fly with 6 regulators 4 wings and the associated equipment (for 2 people).

 

[djanni]

Thanks, James.

I dive a drysuit in cold water, a 3mm in the pool, a 7mm or 5mm as the water temps demand, a single and soon doubles. I could buy three or four different style bc's or use the same BP with two different wings for every type of diving.

I'm glad you did say something. The idea that a BP/W is a tech rig is based in ignorance or to use your words "hot air". I'm not attacking you, I'm addressing your statement.

You know me, I just have to comment....... and you are right! No just kidding.

My slant on it would go something like this.... The bp/w grew out of tech diving and happens to be a BCD that also works very well for recreational diving while the reverse is usually not true.

Speaking of the typical recreational diver, dispite the attributes that a bp/w brings, they simply don't stack up against those of the standard BC's. The standard BC out classes the bp/w when it comes to availability, varity, style, esthetics, comfort and convienence.

While the bp/w advocates echo the mantra "one size fits all and less is more" the fact remains most people want more, want convienience, want comfort and want to conform to the norm. The norm is the standard BC's. How can anyone argue their popularity?

No one argues that a bp/w is a fine bcd whose range of applications can't be topped but when the 2" webbing meets the water the standard BC wins the day.

 

[TheRedHead]

While the bp/w advocates echo the mantra "one size fits all and less is more" the fact remains most people want more, want convienience, want comfort and want to conform to the norm. The norm is the standard BC's. How can anyone argue their popularity?

I personally don't care how other people dive and what equipment they use. Conversely, the so called "pros" like James shouldn't care, or laugh at, people who diving with BP/Ws.

 

[dherbman]

You know me, I just have to comment.......

I'm glad you do.
Of course, I have to point out what I see as slight deviations from reality.

My slant on it would go something like this.... The bp/w grew out of tech diving and happens to be a BCD that also works very well for recreational diving while the reverse is usually not true.

The BP/W existed prior to 'tech' diving in the form of the At-Pac. I loved the At-Pac and purchased my first in 1978. It had been around for several years prior to that time.

Aside from that small detail, I wholly agree with your statement.

Speaking of the typical recreational diver, dispite the attributes that a bp/w brings, they simply don't stack up against those of the standard BC's. The standard BC out classes the bp/w when it comes to availability, varity, style, esthetics, comfort and convienence.

I agree for the most. They are more available and there is a greater variety and number of styles. Why is that? Perhaps each style is limited in its functionality. What works for me, might not work for you. What fits you, might fit poorly on me.
We could debate aesthetics, comfort and convenience ad infinitum if we don't agree on what those attributes actually mean to us. All I know is that I've never had issues in regard to these areas with my BP/W, yet I have with several jackets.

While the bp/w advocates echo the mantra "one size fits all and less is more" the fact remains most people want more, want convienience, want comfort and want to conform to the norm. The norm is the standard BC's. How can anyone argue their popularity?

I won't argue their popularity, especially when the option of a BP/W is never provided as a possible choice. When the question is raised regarding its viability as an alternative, it is dismissed as a tech rig by those people divers entrust to counsel them on gear purchases. New divers want gizmos and D-rings galore. They want to look the part of the gee whiz diver. It takes experience to understand that less is more when it comes to gear.

No one argues that a bp/w is a fine bcd whose range of applications can't be topped but when the 2" webbing meets the water the standard BC wins the day.

Not in my world, but it's OK with me that a standard BC works for you and the vast majority of divers out there.

 

[ianr33]

No one argues that a bp/w is a fine bcd whose range of applications can't be topped but when the 2" webbing meets the water the standard BC wins the day.

You have me worried now. I normally dive a BP/W and doubles. Use it most weekends in our murky lake.Used it a couple of months ago on my cave course.

My problem is that I am going to Cayman tomorrow (bad problem to have huh ) Do you think I should rent a pink,weight integrated BC while I am there due to its obvious superiority?

 

[Beppe]

Come dive with me anytime Beppe.

Thanks James.Well I was just thinking....being an "inveterate" traveler I may well be coming one day.I was close once:I was in Miami but I didn't dive due to adverse weather condition.
But beware of me:I'm European(maybe a mafia man,who knows?),an aggressive diver and the f word sometimes escapes my mouth (I'm referring to another thread here).
Now I go to pack my gear for tomorrow's dive(yep,I'm going to pull a sickie at work )

 

[TheRedHead]

But beware of me:I'm European(maybe a mafia man,who knows?),an aggressive diver and the f word sometimes escapes my mouth (I'm referring to another thread here).

The American tech divers will be watching for you. We know your type. You're the guys in the speedos and poodle jackets.

 

[djanni]

You have me worried now. I normally dive a BP/W and doubles. Use it most weekends in our murky lake.Used it a couple of months ago on my cave course.

My problem is that I am going to Cayman tomorrow (bad problem to have huh ) Do you think I should rent a pink,weight integrated BC while I am there due to its obvious superiority?

Gee, I wouldn't know but if you like pink then by all means... go for it.

To your comment "due to it's obvious superiority" you might want to read my posts again because I said nothing like that.