Using a BP/W when used to a BCD

[Mikey0929]

Well, now that I'm in the market for a BC I figured I will try everything before I spend the money. I have about 3 dives past my OW and am going to be going out in the next few weeks. For my rental this time though I am thinking about renting a BP/W instead of a standard jacket BC... I am wondering if this is a good idea? Is there any training that might be necessary before venturing out with this equipment? I have heard nothing but good things about BP/W's and want to explore all of my options...

Feedback would be appreciated! Also, the rental options for me are the Halcyon, OMS and Diverite models... what would be the suggestions to start?

Thanks !

Mike

 

[Quarrior]

Be careful, you'll never go back.

Only thing to concern yourself with is the fitting of the harness. Make sure you have your exposure protection on when it is fitted.

I'd go for the Dive Rite, mainly because it is the most generic of the 3 options you have. The other two are very expensive should you decided to buy one.

One last thing, make sure the rental has a singles wing on it. It is not a good idea to dive a single tank with a doubles wing.

Enjoy.

 

[TSandM]

A BP/W is just a BC. There's no special training or anything required to dive it. If you are using a one piece harness, you do need some advice on how to fit it properly, or you may enjoy your dive but be unable to separate yourself from your equipment afterward . . . BTDT. You will probably find that the BP moving a bunch of weight onto your back helps you get horizontal more easily. That's one of the good things about this gear configuration.

Have fun with it!

 

[red_infinity]

Don't worry! I only had a few dives under my belt, including my checkout dives, and I bought a BP/W as my first BC. There wasn't even any need to really 'adjust' to it, it was just so natural.

Go ahead and rent the BP/W. You'll love it! Although there are some people who still prefer a jacket, go ahead and give it a try!

-Francis

 

[xiSkiGuy]

I'd go for the Dive Rite, mainly because it is the most generic of the 3 options you have. The other two are very expensive should you decided to buy one.

:huh: Want to expound on that?

 

[Quarrior]

:huh: Want to expound on that?

Basically it's a price thing for me.

Personally, I'd buy the DSS setup, even though I have a DR plate now. I just can't justify buying a new plate since I'm just diving singles right now.

When I go back to doubles, it'll be a DSS plate. Verdict is out on which wing I'll use. I just sold my DR classic.

 

[xiSkiGuy]

Basically it's a price thing for me.

Hmmm.

-Dive Rite Express: SS BP, Harness Basic, Venture Wing, STA w/SS Cam buckles = $644.69

-My LDS: OMS 32# wing, SS BP, STA w/ Cam straps, Hog Harness = IIRC $629

-Extreme Exposure: Halcyon Eclipse 30 or 40 MC System: $625
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]-Includes wing, Secure Harness and Storage Pak, stainless steel Single Tank Adapter. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1] Choice of stainless steel or aluminum backplate[/SIZE][/FONT].[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[BabyDuck]

don't stress about the 'no pockets, nowhere to put my stuff' thing - if you decide you like it apart from that, you can get a pocket for the harness or use x-shorts, and some things can be clipped onto your d-rings. all part of the infinite customizeableness.

don't expect to float perpendicularly. inflate your wing some and lean back on it like a recliner.

if the rentals don't have a crotch strap and you're having shifting problems where it moves up and down, remember that a crotch strap will eliminate that.

good luck, hope you like it!

 

[SangP]

Mike,

Rent a bp/w just to see if you like it... try a halcyon. How should you decide to go the bp/w route, get either a Oxycheq, Golem or DSS.

These brands are just cheaper and better than any of the brands you mentioned.

SangP

 

[wunat]

Be careful, you'll never go back.

I would say the same as well!!!

Only thing to concern yourself with is the fitting of the harness. Make sure you have your exposure protection on when it is fitted.

I would say that the fitting of the harness is probably the most important thing for you to get the most out of such setup.

Enjoy!!!:14: