What's the difference between a BCD and a BP?

[superwormy]

Warning: Newbie diver here.

Can anyone give me a simple explanation of what the difference is (both functionally and what practical difference it makes in the actual water) between a BCD and a BP?

I keep seeing discussions on BP systems vs. BCDs, but I can't find any actual discussion on what the BP actually is and how it differs from a normal BCD.

Also, which one should a newbie be considering?

 

[Peter Guy]

Before anyone else writes it, the search function will provide you with many threads discussing this.

OK -- A BP (Backplate and Wing setup) IS a Buoyancy Compensating Device (BCD). In general, when people say "BCD" they are referring to a "traditional" Buoyancy Compensating Device which means it is either a "Jacket BC" (which has a "wrap around" air bladder so that flotation is provided both to the front of the device AND the back) or a "Back Inflate BC" (which has an air bladder which only provides flotation [lift] from the back -- NOTE, ALL BP/Wings are Back Inflate BCs by this definition). Both the "Jacket BC" and the "Back Inflate BC" are "integrated devices" which means the air bladder (the "wing"), and tank support device and the harness are all part of one device (thus integrated). The BP/W BCD is a "modular design" which means the air bladder (wing) is one piece by itself; the tank support device (BP) is one piece; the harness is a third piece. You put them together as you wish.

I hope this explains the difference -- it really is a case of modular vs. integrated.

 

[The Kraken]

Nothing. They both are buoyancy compensating devices.

It's just a matter of construction.

the K

 

[BDSC]

Very well put Peter!

As far as which one to get I'd say it depends on what type of diving you think you'll be doing. If you think you'll get into diving doubles then I'd say go with a BP/W. If you're going to just be diving a single tank set-up, I don't think it will really matter all that much.

 

[herman]

Before anyone else writes it, the search function will provide you with many threads discussing this.

OK -- A BP (Backplate and Wing setup) IS a Buoyancy Compensating Device (BCD). In general, when people say "BCD" they are referring to a "traditional" Buoyancy Compensating Device which means it is either a "Jacket BC" (which has a "wrap around" air bladder so that flotation is provided both to the front of the device AND the back) or a "Back Inflate BC" (which has an air bladder which only provides flotation [lift] from the back -- NOTE, ALL BP/Wings are Back Inflate BCs by this definition). Both the "Jacket BC" and the "Back Inflate BC" are "integrated devices" which means the air bladder (the "wing"), and tank support device and the harness are all part of one device (thus integrated). The BP/W BCD is a "modular design" which means the air bladder (wing) is one piece by itself; the tank support device (BP) is one piece; the harness is a third piece. You put them together as you wish.

I hope this explains the difference -- it really is a case of modular vs. integrated.

Peter, while generally true it is not always the case. All Zeagles are modular and can be repaired or parts swapped around as desired.

 

[Crush]

Peter, while generally true it is not always the case. All Zeagles are modular and can be repaired or parts swapped around as desired.

I think that you are right. This is at least correct for my Scout.

 

[OldNSalty]

Nothing. They both are buoyancy compensating devices.

It's just a matter of construction.

the K

Thanks K-I would thank you but I can't anymore.

 

[Rhone Man]

Before anyone else writes it, the search function will provide you with many threads discussing this.

OK -- A BP (Backplate and Wing setup) IS a Buoyancy Compensating Device (BCD). In general, when people say "BCD" they are referring to a "traditional" Buoyancy Compensating Device which means it is either a "Jacket BC" (which has a "wrap around" air bladder so that flotation is provided both to the front of the device AND the back) or a "Back Inflate BC" (which has an air bladder which only provides flotation [lift] from the back -- NOTE, ALL BP/Wings are Back Inflate BCs by this definition). Both the "Jacket BC" and the "Back Inflate BC" are "integrated devices" which means the air bladder (the "wing"), and tank support device and the harness are all part of one device (thus integrated). The BP/W BCD is a "modular design" which means the air bladder (wing) is one piece by itself; the tank support device (BP) is one piece; the harness is a third piece. You put them together as you wish.

I hope this explains the difference -- it really is a case of modular vs. integrated.

Should probably flesh this out a bit and turn it into a sticky. Nicely done.

 

[superwormy]

As a newbie starting out, it will probably be a very long time before I think about diving with more than one tank.

So, with that said, can anyone recommend one design over the other for any reason? Is any one more manuverable, or more comfortable, or better in any other way?

If it makes a difference as far as sizing goes, I'm pretty small: 5'7", 140lbs, skinny, male, 27yrs old.

Also, generally I despise large bulky items. I'd much rather have something tight fitting (I'm used to leather motorcycle race suits) than baggy or bulky. So if any one is generally smaller and better form-fitting, I might lean towards that...

 

[Dirty-Dog]

You will find that people swear that wheatever they personally like is the best.
My own opinion...
For single tank diving, you just need to try on various models till you find the one that seems the most comfortable to you. I personally prefer a back inflate, which would include a BP/W, over a jacket style. That's mostly because I hate having the bladder wrap around, but also because I find that I am more stable underwater with a back inflate. I'm currently using a SeaQuest Balance, but if I ever move into doubles or tec diving, I'll look into a BP/W.