New diver - 3 LDSs suggest no BPW - why?

[travelrider]

I've been reading A LOT but have no real practical experience.

I am a minimalist at heart. I believe I have my choices narrowed down to either a Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe or building my own BPW. (Suggestions appreciated).

But when conveying this to three different LDSs, they have unilaterally tried to discourage me from going that route as a new diver. One of them sells Zeagle and so could sell me the Express Tech, one sells a ton of BPW stuff, and the third was a ScubaPro Platinum dealer who didn't have a lot of minimalist stuff.

Is there any legitimacy to their purported concerns about a new diver using a BPW or minimalist system like the Zeagle Express Tech?

I've read other threads on here encouraging new divers to go ahead and do the BPW, so I'm thinking that these LDSs are looking out for their profit margin more than my desires. Am I being overly skeptical as to their motives or might I be on the right track?

Thanks!

[Jxh2297]

Nothing wrong with a new diver going with a backplate and wing, they operate the exact same way. Bought a BC when I first started out and now is all I do is tech with a backplate and wing. Kinda also look at what kind of diving you want to do later on down the road. If is all you want to do is dive Cozumel or tropics a bc will be fine.

[Scott]

I would be interested in hearing what the "one sells a ton of BPW stuff" reasoning was for not wanting to sell you a BP&W. Of course you failed to mention what any of the LDS's concerns were.

[fisheater]

Here's the deal. The vast majority of LDSs are "tied" to a major brand. E.g., Scubapro, Aqualung. In order to maintain their dealer status, they have to sell a significant amount of product. Especially with today's economy, the dealers are really stretching to meet their minumums, let alone reaching the discounts based upon sales volume.

If you buy a BP/W, even from them, they lose out on an opportunity to "make their nut" to maintain their dealership.

Alas, they are trying to sell you what's best for THEM, not you.

[travelrider]

I would be interested in hearing what the "one sells a ton of BPW stuff" reasoning was for not wanting to sell you a BP&W. Of course you failed to mention what any of the LDS's concerns were.

They haven't conveyed their concerns convincingly to me, so I'm still leaning towards that Zeagle Express Tech or a BPW and I know there's been a lengthy recent thread about this topic.

The one that sold the BPW stuff started showing me all sorts of expensive parts that I would supposedly need and made it seem like building a BPW was rocket science, which is bunk. Really? It's a plate, an air bag, and a few straps. He then nonchalantly walked me over to their selection of ScubaPro gear and showed me the most minimalist ScubaPro BCD they had.

The one that sold Zeagle was about to close and had one foot out the door when I got there (bad timing), so we didn't have a lengthy conversation, but in the short time I was there I mentioned the BPW and Zeagle Express Tech. They definitely discouraged the BPW for a "new diver" citing that I would have to "learn my equipment" more than if I had a simple all in one BC. I don't buy that at all. Again it doesn't seem like rocket science. Even knowing the Express Tech was a possible sale for them, they still pointed me towards the Zeagle Stiletto.

If they have legitimate concerns, great. If they're just looking out for their profit margins and "making their nut", then I'd just as soon order online!

Let me add to the question. New diver. Might do wrecks and other fun stuff someday.

Options:
Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe
Halcyon Infinity
Build my own

Which would you do?

Thanks!

[fisheater]

Give Tobin at Deep Sea Supply a call.

He's the manufacturer of great BP/W parts and systems. He also has a well-deserved reputation for refusing to sell people stuff that he doesn't think that they need. He's very good at assisting new divers, too.

[koozemani]

I'm also a new diver and very quickly made the switch to a BP/W. I absolutely love it. I went with a DSS set-up chosen with Tobin's help deciding what best suited my needs.

You will probably notice rather quickly that this subject can lead to spirited discussions. In the end, it will come down to you making an informed descision based on your research, your wants and needs.

I quick search will bring up several threads on this subject.

I for one am glad that I made the switch and noticed positive changes in my diving immediately. A few points that I considered when making my choice:
-a modular system that is customizable to your needs
-cheaper than many BCDs (at least DSS is)
-SS BP reduces the amount if lead needed
-AL BP is convenient for travel
-webbing is sized to you, and not an off the shelf size.

[gsk3]

I did BP/W in my OW dives. It was no trouble at all.

[travelrider]

Give Tobin at Deep Sea Supply a call.

He's the manufacturer of great BP/W parts and systems. He also has a well-deserved reputation for refusing to sell people stuff that he doesn't think that they need. He's very good at assisting new divers, too.

That's great! Thanks. I will definitely give him a call.

[travelrider]

Wow! Finally got a LDS to say a BPW is just fine for a new guy! This LDS has PADI programs all the way through the Tech diving classes, so maybe they're a little more advanced in their thinking. Unfortunately, they're also a ScubaPro Platinum dealer, so the only BPW system they have for sale is a ScubaPro ($$$).

I just recently figured out something that most of you probably already know - to be ScubaPro Platinum one must denounce all other gods, uh, I mean manufacturers and declare your shop to be 100% ScubaPro and Uwatec for your BCs, Regulators, and Computers. Anything not ScubaPro in this shop is because ScubaPro doesn't manufacture it. Not real helpful for comparison shopping in the same store. Oh well, at least I like this people at this LDS very much. Might take Advanced Open Water or a Wreck Diver class with them.