The negatives of bp/w

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

*tongue in cheek* I suspect people moaning about the crotch strap either have it too tight in which case I can understand the concern or think they look like a muppet wearing one because it doesn't fit in with their 'ally' gear?

Did my first dive with a bp/w set up this weekend and being a student I kept my rig cheap, real cheap. consists of an Adreno wing with an unbranded Al backplate/webbing/STA I found it liberating to have nothing 'constraining' me and I'm glad I kept it simple and didn't opt for one of the $900 'hybrids' from the big brands. The only thing I've found was that dumping air from the inflator was a pain in the backside to I started using the dump valve pretty sharpish.

I know this thread isn't about the good points of using the set up but I found my buoyancy control was much better and I was able to maintain my position in the water column much easier when stationary.
 
+1 to Adreno bp/w!! I love mine!
 
I have a Halcyon system with cinch, pockets and STA. I have no issue with fit (wet 3,5, 7mm or drysuit) with the cinch. For me the only downside is price.
 
Realising your backplate's attachment points/grommet holes are not standard and that you cannot use the accessory you bought...
Seriously, so many of the big brand names are non standard compliant. This includes Dive Rite and Apeks... Never like having to drill stainless or aluminum!
 
Realising your backplate's attachment points/grommet holes are not standard and that you cannot use the accessory you bought...
Seriously, so many of the big brand names are non standard compliant. This includes Dive Rite and Apeks... Never like having to drill stainless or aluminum!

With backplates the only real standards are the 2" webbing and 11" holes for doubles mounting. The bend, the slots and the holes in the plate vary by brands. So if you buy a Dive Rite backplate then you should buy Dive Rite accessories rather than another brand. It may fit but most likely won't. However, usually the holes are close enough that you are able to use zip ties to hold a pad or pockets to the plate.
 
Yeah, even 2" webbing varies. OMS has 1" crotch strap slots on its products.
This lack of standard is a PITA since you may need to use accessories a brand does not offer with the brands' BP. You may not have envisioned this need at the time of purchase.
Workarounds can be applied but sometimes defeat the point of rig standardization and KISS principles.
Something to think about when investing in a new BP.
 
+1 to Adreno bp/w!! I love mine!

I was really happy with the build quality considering the price, I've not dived with a 'normal' inflator for quite some time as I had one of the mares airtrim systems (which I really liked to be honest) did you find the inflator a pain to use when your trying to dump air? I decided pretty quick smart to use the dump valve which seems to work better.
 
Yeah, even 2" webbing varies. OMS has 1" crotch strap slots on its products.
This lack of standard is a PITA since you may need to use accessories a brand does not offer with the brands' BP. You may not have envisioned this need at the time of purchase.
Workarounds can be applied but sometimes defeat the point of rig standardization and KISS principles.
Something to think about when investing in a new BP.

You must have an older plate. I pulled up a picture of one and they seem to have slots cut for either a 1" or 2" crotch strap. However, if your plate has only 1" slot then you can fold the webbing through the slot, provided you are using the softer webbing.

I am sure accessories are highly profitable for dive companies and they want to discourage you from using someone else's items. XS scuba has a popular line of reasonably priced accessories.
 
I was really happy with the build quality considering the price, I've not dived with a 'normal' inflator for quite some time as I had one of the mares airtrim systems (which I really liked to be honest) did you find the inflator a pain to use when your trying to dump air? I decided pretty quick smart to use the dump valve which seems to work better.

It did take a while to get used to it as you pretty much have to go vertical to dump air properly. Dump valve does seem to work better and you dont have to forgo your trimmed position as much.
 

Back
Top Bottom