What made you change to BP/W?

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

The jacket bc I got certified in did not fit well and shifted all over the place. It rubbed my armpits raw. I found that unpleasant. I also didn't like the round about squeeze of the jacket when it was fully inflated.

Also like so many people I keep hoping to drop a few pounds. With the harness on the bp/w I could drop 30 pounds or gain 100 and it would still fit.

I like that the front of me is clean and clutter free.

It is easier for me to wait on the surface or swim on the surface getting to and from entry points.


And I got a heck of deal on a complete bp/w set up.

I like how it feels in the water.

 

[DevonDiver]

Is it awkward swimming on your back with the BP/W? I'd hate to give up those pre and post dive swim conversations.

I personally think it is easier. When I get myself really horizontal, on my back, at the surface, my wing bladder feels like a mini-raft underneath me. It's very comfortable and supporting. The general streamlining of the configuration also helps make surface swimming easier.

 

[noreastDIVER84]

I didn't necessarily change to a BP/W I started with a jacket bc, traded that in for a back inflate, and then got a good deal on a Dive Rite plate and Oxycheq wing. I then didn't really need the back inflate bc, so I sold it. I was happy with the back inflate bc and was comfortable in both that and the bp/w. I don't find it to be any better or worse, but I am just able to aclimate to new equipment rather quickly. I am now using the bp/w for singles, and a Dive Rite Nomad for sidemount doubles.

 

[Insta-Gator]

Wow, lot's of great comments. I can't wait to slip one on. I'm pretty much sold, just based on all of your feedback. Also, it appears the BP/W is a couple hundred dollars less than a new jacket BC. :d

Is it a personality disorder to be drawn toward equipment intensive sports? <for another thread>

Thanks again, everyone.

 

[hypertech]

I started with a back inflate. A dive buddy of mine let me borrow a BP&W to give it a try. I went home and ordered one.

 

[vladimir]

It packs flat and compact in a suitcase. Aside from that, I see little or no difference between the bp/w and my ScubaPro Classic in my diving, and I would be indifferent to changing back.

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Wow, lot's of great comments. I can't wait to slip one on. I'm pretty much sold, just based on all of your feedback. Also, it appears the BP/W is a couple hundred dollars less than a new jacket BC. :d

Is it a personality disorder to be drawn toward equipment intensive sports? <for another thread>

Thanks again, everyone.

So now begs the question, which bp/w has your eye? Lots of great choices. Are you going with a whole kit from someone or will you get the individual pieces and put one together? Scuba Toys has some good sales right now and you can get all pieces including fancy colored webbing for a little over $300. We know you are looking at something fess up!

 

[Insta-Gator]

So now begs the question, which bp/w has your eye? Lots of great choices. Are you going with a whole kit from someone or will you get the individual pieces and put one together? Scuba Toys has some good sales right now and you can get all pieces including fancy colored webbing for a little over $300. We know you are looking at something fess up!

Oh, yeah! I'm looking, but my wife doesn't know about it yet. I'm not sure which manufacturer I prefer, but I'm pretty sold on the stainless steel BP because of the weight. I used to dive in just my rig, swim suit and two or three pounds in the pocket so I could break the surface. Now that I'm older I like to wear a skin or a shorty and my "personal internal flotation" (PIF) requires me to carry six or eight pounds. I'm thinking the SS plate would eliminate the need for a weight belt. Even with a shorty I wouldn't have to carry much. :d So, with that said, I'm open to suggestions. SS plate, single strap web, plenty of D-rings, two cam straps and a 30# wing?

From ScubaToys DiveRite package

BackPlate and Wing Package
Add mounting Sex Bolts: Add 2 Sex Bolts (??)
Upgrade the Wing: Lets stay with 30lb wing
Upgrade the BackPlate: Upgrade to the DR Stainless BackPlate
Upgrade the Harness: I will stay with the basic Harness $416.45 plus tax. (free shipping in lower 48)

Anything else I need? Tank stabilizer/adapter, etc?

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Here is one I helped someone price out a couple of weeks ago:
Plate 69.95 salvo
Wing 199.99
Harness 26
Knife on waist belt 22.50
___________________________
318.44 it looks like no other discounts apply on the salvo plate, so you might look at one of the other plates that the discount does apply to and see if you come out better. The discount on the other stuff should almost take care of shipping and taxes.

Salvo Stainless Steel Plate 69.95
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...SteelBackPlate

Or
Dive Rite Al plate $59
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...inumbBackplate

ask in the forums which plate is better for what and compare that to the type of diving you will do

Harness $26
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...teBasicHarness

Ask if this model comes with a crotch strap--you want that

Wing

Hog $199.99 ring wing
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...teBasicHarness

or
Oxycheq 199.95
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai..._ID=OXYStdWing

knife 22.50
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...S_Line_Cutterr

Do not dive without a small cutting device. You don't need a Rambo knife. Something small to cut through rope and fishing line. Something placed so that you can reach it with either hand. I carry 2 knives like the one above and some cheap dollar store emt shears in a mini mag holster that I keep in my thigh pocket.

You can add a thigh pocket later

if you need stainless steel clips go to
http://www.nixdogcollars.com/nixdogc...ing_Snaps.html

I also have an extra cam band with an xs scuba weight pocket to use as a trim weight on my tank.


You can buy the 2" webbing, crotch strap and d rings and keepers separate if you want a color other than black from Scuba Toys.

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Here is one I helped someone price out a couple of weeks ago:
Plate 69.95 salvo
Wing 199.99
Harness 26
Knife on waist belt 22.50
___________________________
318.44 it looks like no other discounts apply on the salvo plate, so you might look at one of the other plates that the discount does apply to and see if you come out better. The discount on the other stuff should almost take care of shipping and taxes.

Salvo Stainless Steel Plate 69.95
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...SteelBackPlate

Or
Dive Rite Al plate $59
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...inumbBackplate

ask in the forums which plate is better for what and compare that to the type of diving you will do

Harness $26
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...teBasicHarness

Ask if this model comes with a crotch strap--you want that

Wing

Hog $199.99 ring wing
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...teBasicHarness

or
Oxycheq 199.95
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai..._ID=OXYStdWing

knife 22.50
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...S_Line_Cutterr

You can add a thigh pocket later

if you need stainless steel clips go to
http://www.nixdogcollars.com/nixdogc...ing_Snaps.html

I also have an extra cam band with an xs scuba weight pocket to use as a trim weight on my tank.


You can buy the 2" webbing, crotch strap and d rings and keepers separate if you want a color other than black from Scuba Toys.