traditional vs. bpw

[dpbishop]

When I got certified in 1977 I bought what was the lastest trend in BCDs at that time. Although they were just called Bouancy compensators, they were a bp/w set up. It was viewed as a vast improvement of the mae-west BCDs that most of the older divers had. It's not really new technology, and you could start off diving this in your introduction to scuba class. The main differences is that many jacket type BCDs have a lot of bells and whistles built-in ( pockets & attachment points, etc.) while with a BP/W you need to add those. IMHO it is better to start diving with as simple a system and as few accessories as possible, then add things as you gain confidence and experience. I recently converted my AT-Pac to a BP/W type rig, and it has no d-rings, loops or attachment points on it. I will add those after a few more dives, one or two at a time, as I find out where I need them.

 

[divad]

Hey, is a jacket BCD regression if you've dived with a horsecollar BCD, or is it an improvement despite what holds the tank on with a horsecollar?

All I know is BP/K rules.

 

[Spoon]

mark my words in a couple of years the bp will be standard equipment and the jacket style will be relegated to a thing of the past. i see the trend shifting to bp

 

[shugar]

I have been diving for 2 years now and have a few specialties under my wieght belt(haha) I am currenlty diving a traditional bc (oceanic) but lately I feel I may be better off switching to a back plate and wing can anyone offer any advice on weather this is a good idea or if im skipping steps in my progresion with such a drastic change anything at all would be greatly appriciated.


Steve

safe diving!

over at the PPD subforum we call it "going to the dark side"...

i dove a bp/w for the first time oct29-31 (spoon was with me there)... LOVED IT... i was really wondering why nobody ever told me they were a gift to diving!

if you haven't already you will do well to get one... it gives you great control, it's more streamlined, i had muuuuuch better trim and control than before, a decent setup is far cheaper than many jacket BCs... we can go on and on

so take this from an average diver with about 25 dives under the (soon to be discarded) weight belt - go bp/w, there's little to regret

Jag

 

[Spoon]

over at the PPD subforum we call it "going to the dark side"...

i dove a bp/w for the first time oct29-31 (spoon was with me there)... LOVED IT... i was really wondering why nobody ever told me they were a gift to diving!

if you haven't already you will do well to get one... it gives you great control, it's more streamlined, i had muuuuuch better trim and control than before, a decent setup is far cheaper than many jacket BCs... we can go on and on

so take this from an average diver with about 25 dives under the (soon to be discarded) weight belt - go bp/w, there's little to regret

Jag

ive had my bp system since dive number 1. actually since before dive #1 in the pool so i dont know how em crumby jacket styles feel. bp is the only bc i know!

listen to jag a true bp convert. welcome to the dark side bud btw i have made it clear that when i need rscuing, you will at ALL COSTS not cut my harness of me!

 

[jonnythan]

when i need rscuing, you will at ALL COSTS not cut my harness of me!

Why is this?

 

[Spoon]

Why is this?

made a secret pack with jag who took the rescue classes with me. inside joke. i dont expect you to undertsand...

 

[chip104]

i dont expect you to undertsand...

I believe that's the point of an inside joke. But jeebus Spoon, you better watch it. Some people on the board don't understand the concept of sarcasm.

Next time put the @jag: .


EDIT: Regufool, I've made my decision - I'll be going to the darkside soon. I got a part time job to fund my quest!

 

[Spoon]

Spoon, you better watch it. Some people on the board don't understand the concept of sarcasm.

huh? i wasnt i promise, sincerely now

 

[cmalinowski]

btw i have made it clear that when i need rscuing, you will at ALL COSTS not cut my harness of me!

If anyone is rescuing me, do what you need to at all costs. My knife is in the normal spot on my left hip if you lose yours and need to cut my harness off Webbing is cheap, and my daughter and GF would appreciate the effort.

All seriousness aside, I believe that I understand what Spoon was saying: "Only cut it off if necessary..." Either that, or if you are in a rescue class, don't resort to cutting my rig off just for show

Chris