Why BP/W ?

[tau]

Hi all,

I am constantly looking into improving my setup. I currently dive with a Sherwood Freedom BC.

Can someone list advantages as well as disadvantages of using a BP/W setup? I am interest in answers from divers that have used "regular BCs" and a BP/W. Please start a list.

 

[The Kraken]

Tau,
If you'll do a "search" in the DIR forum, you'll find volulme upon volumes of information with respect to a B/P-wing setup.

This particular topic has been discussed at length probably more than any other subject discussed on this board.

I'm sure someone will respond very soon, but with the amount of information already posted on the board, I think another thread is quite superfluous.

the K

 

[PerroneFord]

Probably the top reason is so you don't have to listen to us tell you buy a BP/W!

 

[RonFrank]

Hi all,

I am constantly looking into improving my setup. I currently dive with a Sherwood Freedom BC.

Can someone list advantages as well as disadvantages of using a BP/W setup? I am interest in answers from divers that have used "regular BCs" and a BP/W. Please start a list.

If you LOVE your BC, and are comfortable diving it, why ohhh why would you be looking at changing things?

 

[tau]

Tau,
If you'll do a "search" in the DIR forum, you'll find volulme upon volumes of information with respect to a B/P-wing setup.

This particular topic has been discussed at length probably more than any other subject discussed on this board.

I'm sure someone will respond very soon, but with the amount of information already posted on the board, I think another thread is quite superfluous.

the K

Can you point me in the right direction then. When I did a search earlier, I ended up combing through information about BP/W and modification to it, but nothing on a comparison between a BP/W and a "regular" BC for a single tank user.

 

[tau]

If you LOVE your BC, and are comfortable diving it, why ohhh why would you be looking at changing things?

Mainly curiousity. I can't name the number of times i've seen "what bc should I get?", "Have you looked into BP/W?".

 

[PerroneFord]

If you LOVE your BC, and are comfortable diving it, why ohhh why would you be looking at changing things?

Ron,

I've seen some other posts from you and if I remember correctly, you are not an advocate for the BP/W configuration. Be that as it may, your question takes us on a formidable journey in thought.

At what point do we decide that we will change from doing what we've always done because it is familiar, and seek out the fact there might, in fact, be a better method of doing something? While the present discussion is about SCUBA, this could pertain to a great many things.

Some people tend to a very myopic view of themselves and their surroundings. Why should I travel out of my state or my country to dive, when I have all this right here? Why should I spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new car, mine is just fine. Why should I invest in further education, I know all I need to know.

Others tend to relish challenging themselves. Perhaps because they are unsatisfied with what they have, or perhaps they are driven internally to always seek better, or perhaps they are naturally curious. In this sport, some people just truly enjoy getting new toys! But whatever the reason, I can see no harm in someone looking at options that might improve their enjoyment of this sport, or any other endeavor.

So from that perspective, I'd love to see this person indulge their curiousity (with a search though) about all the pros and cons of the BP/W discussion. And let's not fool ourselves, there are cons as I think you and a great many others have pointed out.

The BP/W is the correct choice for me, though I passed through the jacket, and back-inflate first. However, I would not have gotten here had it not been for my curious nature and willingness to concede that though I might be happy with what I have, there might be something better out there...

Thanks,

-P

 

[SDAnderson]

of the advantages of a BP/W combination -v- a jacket:

Better stability. They sit better on your back, both topside and underwater, with less wobbling around. And, yes, they are comfortable and won't dig into your back.

Better durability. It's a heck of a lot harder to break a backplate than a jacket. The wings are generally tougher, too.

Lower cost. The TCO for a high-quality backplate and wing is less than for a jacket.

Greater adaptability. You can change the configuration of a BP/W pretty easily, something that can be hard or impossible to do with a jacket.

Better trim. A BP/W will tend to hold you more prone in the water than a jacket and won't crush you when it inflates.

Better streamlining. Drag is a drag and a BP/W gives you an advantage over a jacket.

On the downside, you'll find that some newbies will pester you with questions about your gear. On the other side of the coin, some folks will assume you're one of those DIR mechanoids and avoid you, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

 

[The Kraken]

Well, you may want to star here http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=111106&highlight=B%2FP-wing in this very forum.

the K

 

[tau]

Ron,

I've seen some other posts from you and if I remember correctly, you are not an advocate for the BP/W configuration. Be that as it may, your question takes us on a formidable journey in thought.

At what point do we decide that we will change from doing what we've always done because it is familiar, and seek out the fact there might, in fact, be a better method of doing something? While the present discussion is about SCUBA, this could pertain to a great many things.

Some people tend to a very myopic view of themselves and their surroundings. Why should I travel out of my state or my country to dive, when I have all this right here? Why should I spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new car, mine is just fine. Why should I invest in further education, I know all I need to know.

Others tend to relish challenging themselves. Perhaps because they are unsatisfied with what they have, or perhaps they are driven internally to always seek better, or perhaps they are naturally curious. In this sport, some people just truly enjoy getting new toys! But whatever the reason, I can see no harm in someone looking at options that might improve their enjoyment of this sport, or any other endeavor.

So from that perspective, I'd love to see this person indulge their curiousity (with a search though) about all the pros and cons of the BP/W discussion. And let's not fool ourselves, there are cons as I think you and a great many others have pointed out.

The BP/W is the correct choice for me, though I passed through the jacket, and back-inflate first. However, I would not have gotten here had it not been for my curious nature and willingness to concede that though I might be happy with what I have, there might be something better out there...

Thanks,

-P

Could not have come up with a better answer. Thank you all in advance for your time in answering this question. I know that for the most part, the list will be subjective, but knowing your opinions will give me a better understanding the BP/W system.