Jacket BCD vs. Backplate/Wing

[MauiScubaSteve]

Well I am not aware of any study on the hydrodynamic properties of BP/W vs. jacket BCD...but I can tell you that my BP/W has far less material and fits far more snugly to my body than any jacket style BCD I have worn. That is measurable.

Hose routing and danglies have nothing to do with it.

It might help if you quote the posts you are speaking too

A couple of thin straps on a divers chest of a BP may look more streamlined but when you take into consideration the area of the divers chest covered in a wetsuit it is basically the same total area as the frontal area of a properly fitting jacket BC the difference becomes small. The real difference in streamlining between the 2 is in the rear of the BC and that is where the jacket style wins. From personal observation I do know (or maybe feel is more correct) that the bladder on a BP adds a huge amount of drag.

 

[BoltSnap]

I think that halemanō in his quotes brings up an interesting point that s worthy of consideration in evaluating the BP/W vs. JBCD as regards to the self propagating myth of BP/W being more streamlined.

(halemanō and I agree on something, this is a first.)

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Perhaps most of the myth busting "facts" are opinion and anecdote has to do with the fact that most myths about BP/W are exactly that as well, such as the one in the article that spawned this thread. The fact is they are not more complicated than any other bcd, and perhaps more simple than most, depending on configurations.

I see no reason to bash or look down on either way.

​

I recently purchased that pile of gear for $10, at the Lahaina Salvation Army. Hook your reg set's LP hose up to the in/deflator hose of that vest BC and you'll probably notice the clips on the in/deflator hose that the LP hose fits into, leading to noticing the velcro strap that holds it where you can find it; on the shoulder. Ready to go diving! Really complicated.

 

[BoltSnap]

I recently purchased that pile of gear for $10, at the Lahaina Salvation Army. Hook your reg set's LP hose up to the in/deflator hose of that vest BC and you'll probably notice the clips on the in/deflator hose that the LP hose fits into, leading to noticing the velcro strap that holds it where you can find it; on the shoulder. Ready to go diving! Really complicated.

Does the Cummerbund come with directions for how to us it?

 

[Nemrod]

You ain't seen nothing but a hound dog, rock'n all the time----

N

 

[DevonDiver]

How do you think the equipment removal and replacement segment would be in a BP/W vs. a JBCD for a beginning diver? As an instructor, would this be an area of concern for you?

You seem to have missed this post I made earlier....

Originally Posted by DevonDiver
The dive centre I taught at previously was stocked with rental BP&Ws. Every student on an OW course learnt in a BP&W. They learnt the extra skill of properly fitting the (Hog) harness and, after that, it was just as easy (if not more so) than teaching students in a jacket BCD. This included DSDs and kids classes.

..and yes, that is equally true of equipment removal and replacement. In fact, I found that students had less trouble removing and replacing a hog harness wing, than they did a jacket BCD, due to less superflous material and straps to get tangled and twisted.

 

[LakeCountyDiver]

I dont think one needs to have a scientific study or Links to one to prove which style of BC is best for them or which one they feel is more streamlined. I think a personal field test should be more then enough for one to give there personal opinion. That is all that is on here is "Personal" opinions.

It is up to the original Poster to evaluate what other posters said in there personal opinions and experience to choose which one he likes best baised on what kind of diving he will be doing and where he lives. No one is right no one is wrong so what is this need to Prove ones opinion.

I like my BP/W over my Jacket BCD am I wrong???

 

[BoltSnap]

I dont think one needs to have a scientific study or Links to one to prove which style of BC is best for them or which one they feel is more streamlined. I think a personal field test should be more then enough for one to give there personal opinion. That is all that is on here is "Personal" opinions.

It is up to the original Poster to evaluate what other posters said in there personal opinions and experience to choose which one he likes best baised on what kind of diving he will be doing and where he lives. No one is right no one is wrong so what is this need to Prove ones opinion.

I like my BP/W over my Jacket BCD am I wrong???

No, you are not. It is all about making your own choices and it is great that we have choices now unlike in the old days.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I'm sure that is true. But the question is about teaching that skill to novice students. I am not an instructor and do not have my own opinion, just looking for insight as to whether it poses a challenge to teach this skill.

It poses no more challenge than teaching in a jacket. In fact it is easier. A bpw or something like the express tech has fewer things that flop around, get twisted, and can get tangled. The jacket with the cummerbund coming undone, too long of an inflator getting twisted in the straps, and inherent buoyancy requiring extra weight are more of a challenge than any BPW set up in my experience. New divers also with a small amount of instruction or mentoring can set up a BPW in a few minutes and it will always fit them.

I've yet to see the magazine but I'd also bet that if Tobin from DSS or Chris from HOG took out 3 or 4 full page ads or were constantly buying ad space the opinion would be less against the BPW. Most of the opinions against BPW setups for new divers come from those with limited experience with them or a lack of understanding as to how they actually work when properly set up and students are properly trained in their use. Time may also be factor- setting up a BPW takes time away from trying to sell the new diver courses before they are done with the OW class itself.

 

[TSandM]

I've yet to see the magazine but I'd also bet that if Tobin from DSS or Chris from HOG took out 3 or 4 full page ads or were constantly buying ad space the opinion would be less against the BPW.

I have a very, very strong suspicion that you are right. After all, the whole magazine is basically one big ad.