Exposure to different types of equipment can be a good learning experience.
However, during confined water it is important for at least one member of the instructional staff to have equipment similar enough to the students so skills can be demonstrated in the same manner that the students will perform them.
During open water it should not matter.
It would be interesting to understand why your instructor changed his mind. Was there further conversation, or did he see something he didn't expect?
But it's his class, so you did the right thing by complying. That doesn't mean you can't pursue the issue some more afterwords. You and he might both learn something. About each other if nothing else,
However, during confined water it is important for at least one member of the instructional staff to have equipment similar enough to the students so skills can be demonstrated in the same manner that the students will perform them.
During open water it should not matter.
It would be interesting to understand why your instructor changed his mind. Was there further conversation, or did he see something he didn't expect?
But it's his class, so you did the right thing by complying. That doesn't mean you can't pursue the issue some more afterwords. You and he might both learn something. About each other if nothing else,