Using a BP/W when used to a BCD

[miked10]

Actually if you get the one-piece 2" webbing harness there is no need to have your exposure protection when being fitted. It can be adjusted. I use mine with my 7mm w/ 7mm vest and then the next day let my girlfriend borrow it with her 3mm. It has that much adjustment and takes minutes to do.

Like everyone else is saying. You will never go back. By far the best way to dive. I find it also helps you hone your skills quicker because you have less to worry about with pockets, buckles, velcro and all the other gadgets they stick on a traditional BCD. Trims out better underwater. Less restricting. Modular. Upgradeable to multiple diving styles. Heavy enough you can get weight off of your hips. The advantages are endless.

 

[Jason Ooi]

I recommend Halcyon Eclipse

 

[BSea]

If you are going to try 1, you might think about an adjustable harness like the Transplate by DiveRite. It's easier to get the initial adjustment. Then if you like how the BP/W feels in the water, then go try the Hog harness & see which harness you like better. The reason I say this is because if you start with a hog harness, and don't get it adjusted right, there is no way you are going to be able to make adjustments underwater. With the adjustable, you can make adjustments underwater if it needs to be tighter.

I have the DSS adjustable harness, but now that I have it adjusted properly, I don't make any any changes. I do use the sternum strap because it makes it easier to get on & off (I don't use the quick releases). When I connect the sternum strap, that tightens the harness, and when I'm through, I just disconnect the sternum strap, and that gives me enough slack to just take it off like a jacket.

People always talk about the failure points on anything other than a hog harness, but unless you are going with doubles, I doubt you would ever have anything fail. So, In my opinion, if you go the BP/W route, think about the adjustable harness to start. You can always convert to a hog harness down the road, and it won't be a big expense if you do.

 

[cummings66]

I started with the adjustable harness by DSS and it lasted one dive, I absolutely hated it beyond belief. I went to a hog harness and fell in love, it was everything the adjustable should have been.

My problem was that the adjustable harnesses has buckles on the harness and they make the webbing very rigid in comparison to a hog harness and backup flashlights do not hang right on it, there was other problems as well. It "WAS" easier to get off however...

IMO save your money and start with the hog and if you decide you can't deal with it then spend some money for the adjustable harness.

Buy the best you can afford from the start, don't get something because it's cheaper because you'll only be replacing it later on anyhow.

 

[rongoodman]

I was in a BP/W and one piece harness, plus a new dry suit, on my very first dives after OW check-out. Other than trying to turn turtle once or twice in that first pool session, no problems at all.

 

[Peter Guy]

I have heard nothing but good things about BP/W's

Then you didn't read what I had to write about my BP/W experience. My always proselytizing wife swears that using a BP/W is a Nirvana experience that might include learning how to drop toast so it doesn't always hit butter side down! What did I find? That the damn thing (hog harness) is, actually, somewhat uncomfortable (at least on the service), somewhat difficult to get on and off (at least compared to my SeaQuest Balance) and, you know what?, no different as far as trim is concerned. (And do NOT get me started on how much I hate having to be forced to use the damn weight belt instead of my beloved integrated weight pockets.)

Now, fast forward to last night's dive -- me in my beloved Balance and wife in her super-duper BP/W. We get out of the water, I stand up, release one side of my harness and the BC easily, cleanly, simply slides off my back and is gently let to the ground. What is Wife doing with her super-duper BP/W? Well, she is resting it on a rock (sitting on the rock) -- STUCK!!! She can't move her arms out of the harness? Why, because it is just a little too tight on her new drysuit or because the angle of the dangle is just a little off or because one of her wachamacallits attached to her harness/her arm/her body is maybe, a little tangled. I hope y'all get the picture!

So, hubby, who is watching this with barely suppressed glee, saunters over and helps his buddy get relieved of her super-duper BP/W.

Will I ever use a BP/W again? Yup -- WHEN I NEED IT (for example for scooter dives, doubles, etc.) -- but for single tank recreational dives? Me, I'll take my multiple-failure point, going to kill me because the D-rings are fixed, beloved back-inflate Balance.

(OK -- is that enough sarcasm?)

 

[jeckyll]

Peter: Every good rule needs it exception

 

[dl348]

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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Not true, you can buy a DR Transplate package at Diverite Express for $599.00 which includes free shipping.
It includes either a AL or SS plate, deluxe harness, your choice of 16 or 32# weight pockets, crotch strap, 2 SS cam tank straps, and your choice of wing.

 

[Pathfinder]

Then you didn't read what I had to write about my BP/W experience.....................
(OK -- is that enough sarcasm?)

Yikes! Someone NOT singing the praises of BP?W

Anyway. I think it was mentioned earlier but I'll mention it again, you may find a back inflate BC or BP/W might want to push you face first into the water and it's best to lean back on it if you want to bob around the surface.

Dave

 

[cool_hardware52]

you may find a back inflate BC or BP/W might want to push you face first into the water

This can occur if the diver is overweighted, and not using a crotch strap. If the diver is properly weighted he only needs a small puff of gas in the wing.

How does a small puff of gas behind your head and shoulders push you anywhere?

If over weighted the diver will often fill the wing quite full. Now there is gas down around your waist or even lower. Push you forward? You bet.

The key here, like most things in scuba, is use the gear correctly.


Tobin