Tekky BC or not

[SparticleBrane]

Usually if I get on a boat in the keys I have several people flocking around me asking me about my Eclipse, saying "geez I really need to get one of those..."

 

[SparticleBrane]

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 believe that new divers have an issue between what they WANT vs. what they NEED. They may want to bring everything and the kitchen sink on their dive--but they really don't need it.

 

[djanni]

I believe that new divers have an issue between what they WANT vs. what they NEED. They may want to bring everything and the kitchen sink on their dive--but they really don't need it.

Maybe this is where we disagree... I think most people know exactly what they want and their training and experience teachs them what they need.

Wants and/or needs change over time for many reasons but I believe people are smart enough to figure things out on their own. That's a reason why they ask questions here on this board.

 

[OCDinNC]

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, what a lively thread! When I was in Cayman 3 weeks ago I was snickered at by the dive charter op's guys (mainly an excellent instructor/divemaster type). I have the OMS harness with the wuss-pad. (Gee, I don't have to prove I'm a man, so if it's softer on my back, is that a bad thing? One of my he-man type friends has one without the pad, and one of his suits got a big rip in the back from a wingnut which the pads cover, so maybe I'm not totally stupid.) I have the redundant bladders which means an extra hose (ssometimes I have it attached and sometimes I have it stowed). Did I mention I have the bungeed bladder? BUNGEES OF DEATH! (There's a good start to a new, possibly livelier thread!) I do have a large OMS weight pocket, since there are no pockets on a harness, and a small weight pocket on the other side. I have a whistle clipped on one D-ring, oh, and a dive knife (sheath) screwed into the webbing. I do carry a 200' OMS reel with a lift bag, yes again clipped on a D ring. As has been established, this is good for penetration if I so desire, navigation in undesirable vis, or bag deployment. One call does it all. Oh, and a small light, again, clipped on.

I'm not really sure what of all that was overkill, or what the very helpful fellow thought should have stayed home, or stayed at the dive shop. But one day when he was teaching a new OW student and telling them about BC's, he mentioned harnesses as well and since mine was the only one rigged up on a tank and sitting close by, he showed it to the student and told him "This is a very complicated one." He also tried to get me to untie all the "bungees if death" in order to use the harness for a rebreather experience I was taking one day. No thanks. Please know, this man was an awesome diver, an instructor, and a really nice guy. He knows more than me about diving. But why is it that if you show up anywhere in warm waters with anything "tekkier" than a lightweight rental jacket that a cruise ship passenger would procure on his one annual dive, you're laughed at? I've even thought maybe I should try to get used to a small, light BC as a second so that when I fly somewhere to dive, I can pack more easily and never get popped for overweight charges. But I still think that if a person dives one rig all the time, when (not if) trouble finds them on a dive, it will be more instinctive to know where things are at and be able to respond.

Thoughts?

 

[rongoodman]

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?

That sounds like someone telling me why I should be using Windows. I'll stick with my Mac and my BP/W, thanks.

 

[divad]

The standard BC out classes the bp/w when it comes to availability, varity, style, esthetics, comfort and convienence.

Don't forget the Cheeze-Wiz pocket.

 

[Beppe]

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

oh yes speedos,I sure wear them(just for diving though),and I can't understand why you Americans insist on wearing those trunks all rumpled up under the wet suit.They make your *** look bigger for chrissake!:lol:
I don't know what a poodle jacket is though(again that language barrier problem that kid was rambing about),but I'm sure it's something stylish

 

[Beppe]

You can have a look of the wreck I'm diving tomorrow herehttp://www.dsashark.it/valfiorita.html[/
URL]Yes another sickie but I don't risk my job I'm a civil servant
It's the same one I've already dived with those two sweating buckets tekkies!

 

[djanni]

That sounds like someone telling me why I should be using Windows. I'll stick with my Mac and my BP/W, thanks.

I'm not telling you or anyone else what to use. But Mac's fit about the same place bp/w's fit. Excellent pieces of equipment for what they do best. I don't know anyone who wouldn't want you to stick with your Mac or your bp/w.

 

[Meng_Tze]

.... But why is it that if you show up anywhere in warm waters with anything "tekkier" than a lightweight rental jacket that a cruise ship passenger would procure on his one annual dive, you're laughed at? I've even thought maybe I should try to get used to a small, light BC as a second so that when I fly somewhere to dive, I can pack more easily and never get popped for overweight charges. But I still think that if a person dives one rig all the time, when (not if) trouble finds them on a dive, it will be more instinctive to know where things are at and be able to respond.

Thoughts?

Here are my thoughts on this........

Most charters, cruiseships and such have the majority of divers on board who do recreational dives only. Nothing wrong with that, but a fact. Go on any boat any day and poll this. So when a diver shows up in gear that is not the same, people do one of three things: laugh at it, frown at it or say nothing. It is the sheep mentality that is in all of us humans to follow the main stream (some have this more than others, but we are social animals and want to 'belong'..)

I only have one sort of rig: BP/W's and dive it all the time, regardless of what people think, or where I dive. I feel comfortable with my gear and know it intimately. Yes I could by a jacket BC to do OW rec dives.... but why? Because 'everyone else uses it?'...Let then laugh, comment etc.....as long as you are safe, dont brag/be pretentious and talk others down.... who cares?