Dave Bevan
Contributor
I should also mention I'm only talking about small adjustments like one or two inchs. Still enough going between Drysuit, Wetsuit or Boardshorts.
Backplate and Wing Round Table
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If you have it in the back where the cinch thing goes, I would believe that.
Longhornmaniac8
New
Hello all!
New to the board, but hoping to become more active!
As a fully recreational diver, I'm at the point where I'm diving just frequently enough that I can probably justify getting my own BCD as opposed to renting (living in Central Texas, there aren't many easily-accessible dive sites nearby!). I'm not looking to break the bank, I don't need a BCD chock full of features, but just a good, reliable BCD that I can travel with and be comfortable knowing is my own. If we assume I dive 10 days a year, and I'm paying $10/day to rent a BCD, that's $100/year spent on rental equipment. While just having something as my own and knowing how it operates is worth something to me, the ability to eventually recover the cost of the BCD by foregoing rental fees over the course of 5+ years of ownership.
I know nothing about BP+W setups, but I've seen many people in the scuba community singing their praises. I'm primarily a tropical, single tank kinda guy, and I'm pretty big (6'2, 230ish on a good day). I had been looking at the Mares Prime MRS + jacket BCD, and for the current price ($250), it seems like a solid choice. That said, I've also read there's not really a point in getting an "entry-level" BCD, only to feel the need to upgrade as you become more skilled. I dove Sipadan in June, and will be in Palau in February, so I'm trying to get some of my equipment needs squared away before that!
So with that context in mind, here's are my open-ended newbie questions:
-Would you recommend a BP+W setup for me?
-Where do I begin learning about the different types of BP+W, and how do I determine which one is right for me?
-Are they good for traveling (i.e. pack down)?
-How are the maintenance costs relative to jacket BCDs (which I admittedly know little about as is)?
-Are there any good full set-ups that will serve my purpose (without overwhelming me), while also allowing me to grow into them as I further my diving capabilities (currently AOW)?
I hate that my questions are pretty generic, and I tried to add as much context about who I am and what I like to do, but the truth is, I was all but sold on getting a jacket BCD because it's really all I knew. But over the course of searching for BCDs for divers like me, enough people were talking about BP+W setups that I felt I would be remiss if I didn't at least inquire.
Please let me know if I can provide further context to help y'all answer some or all of my questions.
Cheers!
Cameron
New to the board, but hoping to become more active!
As a fully recreational diver, I'm at the point where I'm diving just frequently enough that I can probably justify getting my own BCD as opposed to renting (living in Central Texas, there aren't many easily-accessible dive sites nearby!). I'm not looking to break the bank, I don't need a BCD chock full of features, but just a good, reliable BCD that I can travel with and be comfortable knowing is my own. If we assume I dive 10 days a year, and I'm paying $10/day to rent a BCD, that's $100/year spent on rental equipment. While just having something as my own and knowing how it operates is worth something to me, the ability to eventually recover the cost of the BCD by foregoing rental fees over the course of 5+ years of ownership.
I know nothing about BP+W setups, but I've seen many people in the scuba community singing their praises. I'm primarily a tropical, single tank kinda guy, and I'm pretty big (6'2, 230ish on a good day). I had been looking at the Mares Prime MRS + jacket BCD, and for the current price ($250), it seems like a solid choice. That said, I've also read there's not really a point in getting an "entry-level" BCD, only to feel the need to upgrade as you become more skilled. I dove Sipadan in June, and will be in Palau in February, so I'm trying to get some of my equipment needs squared away before that!
So with that context in mind, here's are my open-ended newbie questions:
-Would you recommend a BP+W setup for me?
-Where do I begin learning about the different types of BP+W, and how do I determine which one is right for me?
-Are they good for traveling (i.e. pack down)?
-How are the maintenance costs relative to jacket BCDs (which I admittedly know little about as is)?
-Are there any good full set-ups that will serve my purpose (without overwhelming me), while also allowing me to grow into them as I further my diving capabilities (currently AOW)?
I hate that my questions are pretty generic, and I tried to add as much context about who I am and what I like to do, but the truth is, I was all but sold on getting a jacket BCD because it's really all I knew. But over the course of searching for BCDs for divers like me, enough people were talking about BP+W setups that I felt I would be remiss if I didn't at least inquire.
Please let me know if I can provide further context to help y'all answer some or all of my questions.
Cheers!
Cameron
Cameron, I got a BP/W from the very beginning. I hated the squeeze of the jacket style. I did my OW pool work mostly in my bpw as well as my OW dives. There's no reason to NOT get one from the get go.
The crotch strap makes it much more comfortable and stable. Doesn't ride up like the jacket style does. Plus you don't have to tighten it down like you may have to with a jacket style to keep it from riding up due to the crotch strap. I'm very happy.
The crotch strap makes it much more comfortable and stable. Doesn't ride up like the jacket style does. Plus you don't have to tighten it down like you may have to with a jacket style to keep it from riding up due to the crotch strap. I'm very happy.
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@Longhornmaniac8, I dive in BP/W, but I also understand those who want a conventional recreational BCD. My buddy for example. I bought her a Mares Hybrid Pro - she is happy with it for a number of reasons. Mainly because it has a shock absorber in the back, so the tank is suspended. Then it is a back inflate, no constriction laterally and, optionally a crotch strap (not a single one, the Y style).
Is is very light, and she bring it in diving trips.
So, if you can try one at LDS - the bigger size, probably you can find it used for more or less 200-250 bucks.
Is is very light, and she bring it in diving trips.
So, if you can try one at LDS - the bigger size, probably you can find it used for more or less 200-250 bucks.
Welcome!!
A BP/W would be an excellent choice for you.
I just posted this in another thread, saw your post and thought you could use the same info.
For reference, DGX is Dive Gear Express, per some of the links at the bottom of that.
The XS Scuba buckle mentioned is here:
https://www.amazon.com/XS-Scuba-Clear-Path-Buckle/dp/B007ZVZKIE
The BR backplate is here:
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Reef-Stainless-Steel-Plate/dp/B00IOD158G
I have the BR BP and like it. I have 3 BPs and I have the XS Scuba buckle on all of them plus on my weight belt. It is a really nice buckle.
And, per my comment in that quote, if you're just diving in a wetsuit in warm water, the DGX Gears wing, with 25# lift is probably plenty for you and is only $199. For my warm water single tank diving, I use a Hog 23# wing (which I caught on sale from DRiS for even less than the Gears wing) and it is great.
I assume you already own a regulator and computer?
There should be enough dive shops in Austin for you to find a BP/W to try. You have Lake Travis nearby.
If you buy a BP/W as pieces parts, there are several web pages with good instructions on how to put it all together.
https://www.divegearexpress.com/library/articles/harness-assembly-instructions
https://www.deepseasupply.com/instructions
http://dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html
It's not hard at all and if you're going to dive with one, I think it's a great idea to set your own up from scratch first, so you really know how it all goes together and won't be too intimidated to adjust it yourself to achieve the ultimate great fit.
https://www.divegearexpress.com/library/articles/harness-assembly-instructions
https://www.deepseasupply.com/instructions
http://dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html
It's not hard at all and if you're going to dive with one, I think it's a great idea to set your own up from scratch first, so you really know how it all goes together and won't be too intimidated to adjust it yourself to achieve the ultimate great fit.
Longhornmaniac8
New
Thanks, @Marie13! That's great info.
Wow, this is super helpful @stuartv! Thanks so much. I'm still inexperienced enough that I need weights, but I really like the integrated weight belts some jacket BCs offer. What are my options for mounting the weights to the back plate to avoid a weight belt? And from what I've read, it seems a steel plate would be good if I need a bit more negative buoyancy? How does the buoyancy of a BP+W system compare to that of your average jacket BC? I'm assuming the jackets are slightly to moderately positively buoyant, while the BP+W system is probably neutral to slightly negatively buoyant?
I do own a computer, the Cressi Leonardo. It's simple, but will do what I need for the most part. I'm fixing to start diving nitrox, and it will handle that. I think it will be a while before I outgrow its capabilities based on my interests (I'm a biologist with a background in marine, so shallow reefs are about as exciting as it gets for me!).
I still do not have a regulator, and, quite frankly, am similarly overwhelmed by my options (and intimidated by the price points of many). I'm completely open to suggestions, though!
And as for Lake Travis, I did my AOW there in April and swore I'd never get in it again as a diver. It was miserable! Then again, my diving experiences are the Cenotes in Mexico, Thailand, Galapagos, Great Barrier Reef, and Sipadan, so it was bound to be a letdown!
Thanks again! This will be really helpful, and certainly helped to take away some of the mystery/intimidation of BP+W. Just lots of little parts, but they're all pretty logical if you stop and think about it and understand the big picture of what you're trying to accomplish!
Cheers,
Cameron
You can get weight pockets that go on the belt, plus cam band weight pockets.
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