Why are BP/W users more common on this board than at the beach?

[SeanQ]

I think it's an effect caused by reading the jillion or so posts in this thread.

I still havn't recovered from reading the 7 pages a day Long Hose thread.

When my BP/W arrives you can add one more to the list of converts.

 

[Kestrell]

I think the vast majority of divers are 'occasional, recreational' divers - as in, those who perhaps dive 5 or 10 dives a year. As such, they're far more likely to simply take the word of the LDS and happily dive a poodle jacket or simple back inflate BC.

Scubaboard users, by very nature of the fact that they're taking the time to research the sport on the Internet et al, are somewhat more serious about their diving, and tend to do more research. Most LDS's won't push a backplate on recreational divers due to the lower profit margins and the mistaken belief that it's a technical rig.

Since most scubaboard users are somewhat more serious about their diving, they're more likely to wear a better system.

*** The above statement is a generalization. I'm sure there are going to be folks who say "I'm a serious diver and I don't dive a backplate!" Don't get indignant - I'm merely pointing out why there are more BP/W users. It's because we know better.

I agree (mostly) with what Boogie says. While I don't dive as frequently as I like; only 7 dives last year (I'm hoping to squeeze in 20-30 dives this year), I do take my diving seriously, however work and family concerns keep me from hitting the quarry or the NJ shore every weekend as I would like to do. I think the point is that Scubaboard members are, as Boogie pointed out, more serious about diving. Specifically they tend to be more technical, and have a better understanding of the physics and mechanics of diving. Frankly, I am often surprised by the general lack of, what I consider, general knowledge from some divers with years of experience. And this is coming from someone who is just learning how much he has yet to learn. I'm not sure I agree with the BP/W is better statement (currently I dive a Ranger), but I'm sure I will get one when I step up to doubles.

 

[kidspot]

I still havn't recovered from reading the 7 pages a day Long Hose thread.

When my BP/W arrives you can add one more to the list of converts.

Hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine - but let us know either way... Funny but there do seem to be very few who go from bp to other styles, but the few that do exist seem to be about as vocal as the other side... Nothing wrong with that, just intersting along the same lines as this thread is discussing...

Aloha, Tim

 

[JustinW]

I have dove every configuration of BC I can think of that is in current production. It is the attitude that a select few have about their long hose and overpriced stamped plate that disgusts me. Sounds like some sort of Napoleon complex to me. Now personally I like the configuration of my Back Inflate BC and the fact that the harness is not just a 2" wide nylon strapping and that I don't have that piece of webbing wedged in the netherregions. I found that to be quite uncomfortable and not any more streamlined than my current setup.

 

[H2Andy]

It is the attitude that a select few have about their long hose and overpriced stamped plate that disgusts me.

arrogance is never pretty, no matter what you dive or how long you've been
diving it.

the best divers i've seen are quietly confident, polite, and very helpful. never fails.

it just so happens that almost all of them wear backplates. not all, of course.

 

[SeanQ]

The crotch strap has never bothered me. It might have something do with wearing 13mm of neoprene though.

 

[kidspot]

The crotch strap has never bothered me. It might have something do with wearing 13mm of neoprene though.

Same here, except I was wearing a .5 mil suit - I've since gotten a very heavy [smirk] suit that's 3mil - don't notice the crotch strap in either suit though...

Tim

 

[Tom725]

A few years ago a dive shop donated several wing set ups for open water classes. We used them only once. The wings are very hard for a new diver to use. At the surface they force the head down.

They are not for most divers and the LDS has to sell to the average diver unless they know you.

 

[kidspot]

A few years ago a dive shop donated several wing set ups for open water classes. We used them only once. The wings are very hard for a new diver to use. At the surface they force the head down.

They are not for most divers and the LDS has to sell to the average diver unless they know you.

Being a new diver, and having 2 buddies with less experience than I have, I wonder why this is? None of us ever had that problem - even in our BOW class when we were brand new...

Tim

 

[Snowbear]

A few years ago a dive shop donated several wing set ups for open water classes. We used them only once. The wings are very hard for a new diver to use. At the surface they force the head down.

They are not for most divers and the LDS has to sell to the average diver unless they know you.

Interesting.... There's a shop here that uses a BP/W version for OW classes. The students don't seem to be difficult for students to use and from the very first pool session they are not forced head down at the surface OR submerged.

I realize part of it is the quality of instruction, but the students are ending their certification process much better prepared as divers than the other 2 shops in town who teach using jacket BC's.