What is BP/W?

[senseiern]

The search hwere doesn't recognise a three letter word so it found nothing.

If i need it, I'll get it. I did a Google search and it mentioned BCD with Plate and wings. That means little, next to nothing to me.

If I read it right, it also means using a weight belt as opposed to integrated weights. IN my pool dives, I found the belt to be a pain in the ass...sliding down to an uncomfortable position, constantly undoing the damn thing to put more weight on and trying to put it back on in the water. When, weight bags integrated to my BCD would first keep the BCD from floating upward while the weight belt pulls my ass down.

With the BCD and non-integrated weight belt, I feel, when vertical, like I am on a torture rack pulling at my hips and armpits to stretch out my torso.

Once I get my own gear, my BCD will have integrated weights, unless someone convinces me otherwise.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

BP/W = Backplate and Wing which is a type of buoyancy compensator consisting of a hard backplate and an air cell. Many people on Scubaboard like these, as do I. But there are also conventional BCs as well as back inflates. There are about a million threads on these so do try a search to take advantage of what has already been written.

One of the advantages of the BP/W is that the plate can have 6-10 pounds of weight which is in effect integrated. I would suggest having a belt with the weight of the air in your tank assuming you need that much. In any case you end up with a lighter belt due the weight of the plate. And the position of the plate will help keep you horizontal.

 

[greylion]

Back Plate and Wing

Single Tank BC Systems | Halcyon Dive Systems

Here's one that you can have integrated weights with if you want, there are some others too.

 

[AndyNZ]

You're on the wrong track with integrated weights.

A BP/W is a "backplate and wing". A jacket style BCD comes as an integrated unit, the inflation bladder is permanently attached to the means by which you wear it.

A BP/W tends to come in three parts. Firstly the backplate itself, which is usually made of stainless steel or aluminium. A harness is then attached to the backplate. Finally, a bladder ("the wing") is attached to the plate.

The main advantage that I find in using a BP/W is that I can change my wing depending on whether I am diving twin tanks or single tanks - but it doesn't change the backplate or the harness - which means that everything I dive with is always in the same place.

The fact that you can change components of the system means that it can be much more cost effective.

A stainless steel plate typically weighs 3kg (6lb), which normally involves diving with about 4kg (8lb) less on your weightbelt. It also puts the weight over your lungs, which means that the weight doesn't tend to cantilever you in to a non-horizontal position.

It often seems on SB that a BP/W is the answer to everything.... they have many advantages for many people, but the only way you can work out whether they will work for you is to go and try one.

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

A BP/W = Back-plate (SS, Alum, ABS) Harness (Hogarthian (1 pc webbing) or webbing and buckles) and Wing (air cell). If you look under Buoyancy Compensators on the board, you will find a lot of information about this. These can come as a complete system with weight integrated pockets.

Once you go BP&W you'll never go back to a regular BC. IMO, BP&W is the most ideal way to go.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

The search hwere doesn't recognise a three letter word so it found nothing.

If i need it, I'll get it. I did a Google search and it mentioned BCD with Plate and wings. That means little, next to nothing to me.

If I read it right, it also means using a weight belt as opposed to integrated weights. IN my pool dives, I found the belt to be a pain in the ass...sliding down to an uncomfortable position, constantly undoing the damn thing to put more weight on and trying to put it back on in the water. When, weight bags integrated to my BCD would first keep the BCD from floating upward while the weight belt pulls my ass down.

With the BCD and non-integrated weight belt, I feel, when vertical, like I am on a torture rack pulling at my hips and armpits to stretch out my torso.

Once I get my own gear, my BCD will have integrated weights, unless someone convinces me otherwise.

Think of a BP/W as a "component" system where you get to choose each component to fit your specific needs or preferences. Although others have posted several examples of the Halcyon system, there are many companies out there offering BP/W rigs at varying prices and in varying styles. Shop around and look at them all before deciding what to purchase. Halcyon is premium gear at a premium price, and may or may not be what is best for you. Other manufacturers to look at are Deep Sea Supply, Dive Rite, Deep Outdoors, OMS and Golem ... and there are others out there that are also quality gear.

A backplate offers some advantages over a traditional BCD ... mainly that it places a portion of your ballast (weight) over your lungs, which offsets the buoyancy of your lungs when you breathe. Backplates don't add (nor need) padding, which in a traditional BCD means you need extra weight to sink it. And because they're metal, they never, ever wear out.

The flotation component is a "wing", which attaches to the backplate. Depending on the type of wing, if you are using it for singles it will require an adapter which the tank mounts to. Some wings have some form of adapter or tank stabilizer built into the wing so that a separate piece isn't needed. Wings come in a variety of sizes, and the optimal size you need will depend a great deal on what size cylinder you use and what type of exposure gear you're wearing.

The harness is what attaches the backplate and wing to your body. Harness can be as simple as a few feet of nylon webbing (basically the same stuff you use for a traditional weightbelt), or a more complex setup that may or may not include integrated weight pockets. What suits you will depend on your preferences.

Whether integrated weights are right for you will depend largely on where you dive. I personally prefer a standard weightbelt, but to each their own. There's advantages and drawbacks both ways. Keep in mind that if you are diving heavy exposure suits (i.e. if you're planning on diving in cold water), then integrated weights may not be optimal for two reasons ...

1. Because you will need a lot of weight, your rig will be really heavy, and
2. If you ever need to doff your rig underwater all of your buoyancy will be on your body and all of your ballast will be on your rig. This can lead to some less than pleasant moments as your rig tries to sink and your body tries to float.

Best of luck with your search ... do shop around and don't really take anyone's recommendation as gospel ... there is no "best" choice ... in the end it always boils down to personal preferences.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[TightLines]

If you follow any BCD thread on scubaboard you'll see that a BP/W is the ONLY thing worth diving.

Or if you actually dive with the rest of the world you'll see that a BP/W really isn't necessary and that a "jacket" or "back inflate" BCD is probably all you need even if you're an advanced recreational diver.

Take everything with a grain of salt, including my post.

 

[Sas]

Or if you actually dive with the rest of the world you'll see that a BP/W really isn't necessary and that a "jacket" or "back inflate" BCD is probably all you need even if you're an advanced recreational diver.

The rest of the world mainly dives with jacket and back inflate BCDs as that is what most stores sell instead of BP/Ws. BP/Ws are cheaper usually.

 

[ams511]

The rest of the world mainly dives with jacket and back inflate BCDs as that is what most stores sell instead of BP/Ws. BP/Ws are cheaper usually.

Yes, the traditional scuba manufacturers don't like to sell them because they can't add a stupid gimmick to the product and then charge the consumer $100 more for a $1.00 part.

 

[EzeeDiver]

I, too have a back inflate BCD with integrated weights for my recreational diving. I use sidemount BP/W rig for other diving. I like the integrated weights as well, but keep a belt as a backup. I was not intorduced to the BP/W configuration when I was certified in 1991, but if I had to to it over again, the BP/W is a very versitile setup and allows plenty of room to grow. I think it's been said, but you can put quick release pouches on the BP/W waist webbing, which would address your main concern. I'm a firm believer in trying out what is available and choosing what suits you and your diving the best. Good luck and Happy Diving!