The only reason I can see for a new diver to use a jacket over the wing is that it forces him to float face up.
MY wife and I are both good swimmers but only a a dozon dives or so. But we are now moving to a tropical enviroment, where we plane to do lots of diving. most shallow warm water. But I am sure it will include some deeper water on occastion (100 ft). We are going to buy gear and what we buy is likely going to be what we use for 15+ years. Only problem is deciding on what to get. Our padi course used A classic BCD. But that being said, since we will use for many years, learning a new type BP/W seems like a small price to pay if it will be more enjoyable for us. The only concern I have is the Surface float. If we expereince a issue I would like it to be 0 effort to keep head up on surface. I.E. stroke, or in my case Diabetic event.
We are on a budget so what does everybody recommend for us. currently liking the sounds of the Zeagle express tech.
BTW being type 2 diabetic, has been a issue, not with my control, but with several vacations not being able to dive as they say Diabetics can not dive. I think that is BS. At a typical dive of 50ft the short time to surface would be a non issue. Now once on the surface I may want to relax, eat or what ever it takes at the moment.
Please recommend what you would choose for a BCD in my situation. (No cold water Ever, both wife and I hate cold). Budget is concern, But at the same time this is a long term item, not to get something that is cheap at the expense of enjoyment.
Highflier
PS. I saw some post that say if you adjust the straps surface floating almost the same on a bp/w as the BCD. Can anybody eleaberate on this?