AggieDiver
Contributor
Ok, so I have read tons of old threads and y'all have mostly convinced me that a BP&W may be the best setup to try for my next BC. I have lost about 70 pounds in the last 18 months, and I now feel like I am swimming around inside my 17 year old XL Seaquest Pro QD. I dive almost exclusively in very warm water, mostly in shorts and a rash guard, but occasionally in a 3mm shorty or john. When in shorts and a rash guard, I generally only dive with about 4# of weight. I won't be doing any diving with doubles, in a dry suit, or in very cold water. I will be going to places like Little Cayman with restrictive baggage weight limits. I am looking for a light weight travel rig that will pack down small in a suitcase, but that isn't a completely minimalist harness and plate only. I like having a pocket or two, I like durability, I like comfort, and I would like easy adjustability. I don't need gimmicky solutions to problems that don't exist (like the Aqualung I3 on their BCs), but I do like innovative features that make life easier.
My first question is will a BP&W give me a significant benefit over a streamlined minimalist travel BC given the info above about my planned types of dives and likes? If not, should I just be looking at a travel BC for simplicity? If there is a benefit to the BP&W for my situation, who should I be looking at for a lightweight travel type rig that will be durable, comfortable, and easily adjustable for somebody who isn't an expert at BP&W harness setup? Budget is whatever it needs to be, but preferably <$600. TIA for any suggestions.
My first question is will a BP&W give me a significant benefit over a streamlined minimalist travel BC given the info above about my planned types of dives and likes? If not, should I just be looking at a travel BC for simplicity? If there is a benefit to the BP&W for my situation, who should I be looking at for a lightweight travel type rig that will be durable, comfortable, and easily adjustable for somebody who isn't an expert at BP&W harness setup? Budget is whatever it needs to be, but preferably <$600. TIA for any suggestions.