What would you do?

[Swift1]

I have 85 dives under my belt so far. I have used a jacket style BC for all of them. Today I purchased a BP/W setup. In two weeks I leave for Boanaire for a week. Since I will only get 2-4 SW dives with the BP/W before my trip. Would you bring the BP/W or jacket BC to Bonaire?

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Use whatever you're familiar with.

Testing out new unfamiliar gear, under new unfamiliar circumstances, in a new unfamiliar environment, is a recipe for disaster...or at least a craptacular vacation.

YMMV

 

[David P]

bp/w! just jump a pool to get a feeling for it. I have always been in a backplate (ok did half of my first pool dive in a jacket) and recently went to Hawaii (of course I had to do some diving) I was "done" with my old wing and just didn't want to deal with it anymore, I went and bought a new Halcyon wing the day before I left. I landed on the island somewhat worried about my night dive the next night with the new wing... As soon as I jumped in the water I asked myself why I hadn't replaced my old wing for the new H sooner!

Ooh.... I just thought, you've never adjusted a plate? get someone to help you do it and you'll have a great experience!

 

[spectrum]

You probably used different jackets going from training to your own gear so this is not your first transition, right? I'd decide after the 2-4 SW dives with the BP/W you will make before your trip.

If you do not get confident with the new rig before the trip bring what you know.

Depending on what you have the luggage restrictions may be a deciding factor.

Pete

 

[Swift1]

bp/w! just jump a pool to get a feeling for it. I have always been in a backplate (ok did half of my first pool dive in a jacket) and recently went to Hawaii (of course I had to do some diving) I was "done" with my old wing and just didn't want to deal with it anymore, I went and bought a new Halcyon wing the day before I left. I landed on the island somewhat worried about my night dive the next night with the new wing... As soon as I jumped in the water I asked myself why I hadn't replaced my old wing for the new H sooner!

Ooh.... I just thought, you've never adjusted a plate? get someone to help you do it and you'll have a great experience!

I did spend several hours today adjusting it. A little warm with a 7ww wet suit on. I used this page to help. DIR-diver.com - Adjust the backplate

 

[bolantej]

adjustment takes a few dives to get it right, but if you get it close, it will be dive-able. Just get it what practice you can before you go and see how things happen.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I think you'll love your new BP/W. For most of my dive friends who made the big switch, one dive was all that was needed. As it has already been mentioned, divers tend to make several minor adjustments for the first few dives using the new BP/W. After that, you're set. Bonaire is mainly shore diving, so you'll be able to take your time donning/doffing your rig. Still, take full advantage of your "check-out" dives before your big vacation. Doing so should minimize the possibility of a gear malfunction in "Diver's Paradise." Happy diving...

 

[BuoyantC]

Bonaire diving is so easy, it seems like an ideal place to get used to your wing. It's like diving a pool with fish and coral. The adjusting does take a little time to get it like you want, but if you get a few dives in before you leave, you'll have a pretty good idea if you want to go with it. Also you'll be able to make an adjustment and get near instant feedback instead of waiting until next weekends dive.

Even if it proves miserable (it won't), you can always go to plan B and rent a jacket for the duration of your stay. I'd guess if you have any issues, it will be the straps on your shoulders while doing stairs or steps. If you are diving a 7mm now, the 3mm or less you'll wear in Bonaire will expose some tender new areas to the stiff new straps.

Dennis

 

[ZzzKing]

You'll probably have little to no exposure protection in Bonaire so you may need to tighten it up slightly to account for the difference between nekkid and 7mm. Other than that, you should do fine!

 

[johnnyseko]

When I first got my bp/w, I did a pool dive to test it out for adjustments....I was bored in @10min.

My initial setup was pretty much spot on with all the good info on SB and the links everyone provided. I dive from 7mm (sometime 14mm if you include a hooded vest) to nekkid and have never made adjustments. Maybe the shoulders could be a bit tighter, but I don't feel there is a need and actually prefer the 'looser' fit.

As Spectrum said, decide after your 2-4 dives before your trip. I think the bp/w takes up a lot less packing space for travel, but depending on your plate - could be a bit heavier. I travel with mine all the time.