Why are jacket style BCD's the most common??

[formernuke]

I've been wondering why jacket style is by far the most common. I understand that dive shops carry them more sell more of them etc. Shops carry them because they are the common/popular.

What I'm trying to understand is why are the jackets the most common, how did they become the most common

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

Oh boy! You have no idea what you just started.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

 

[Frogkicker]

I was actually thinking of using a jacket style just to be different again.

 

[DreadnoughtNH]

Strap in everyone, we're about to hear some OPINIONS!!!!!

 

[MichaelMc]

It is a low friction sale/option. If you want it to:
- hug you,
- look like a big puffy vest,
- float you chest out like in a chair,
you need one. So the shop gets a sale on it, a reg set, and follow on classes or trips.

If you want:
- more/fewer D rings,
- more/fewer pockets,
- a different type pocket,
- more/less lift,
- your smaller daughter/son to use it,
you have to buy a new one. So (some) shop gets another sale.

I think the first few hit the high points of prior discussions.

Explaining that a back inflate may be sleeker in the water may not be successful and may confuse them. Nor may explaining that a modular unit (BP/W) gives them more room to shift their mind later on details, and naturally helps their trim.

 

[Lorenzoid]

What has been said in the previous threads on this that the others are dreading re-hashing is that dive gear with lots of brand-exclusive features is more profitable than dive gear that’s simple and generic. So while you could observe that shops carry the fancy jacket BCs because they are popular, you could also take the position that they are popular because shops carry them; the supply seems to drive the demand.

 

[Fibonacci]

Hmmm... my 2BAR

In a stagnant market, they act as a high-margin platform for manufacturers to offer a host of innovative features new divers 'think they need' like excessive padding, complex integrated QD weight pockets, black chrome tech-look D rings and Safe Second Inflators (SSI)

 

[Lorenzoid]

Another way to look at it is that “new and improved” is a selling point. Products evolve as manufacturers make supposed improvements, hoping that it boosts demand. The backplate and horse collar BC evolved into the modern jacket. Stripping a product of features is not a good strategy for persuading consumers to buy yours rather than your competitor’s. There is a market for “minimalist” or basic products, but it will always remain a niche.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Another way to look at it is that “new and improved” is a selling point. Products evolve as manufacturers make supposed improvements, hoping that it boosts demand. The backplate and horse collar BC evolved into the modern jacket. Stripping a product of features is not a good strategy for persuading consumers to buy yours rather than your competitor’s. There is a market for “minimalist” or basic products, but it will always remain a niche.

For some reason, I thought of this: