BP/W for Newly Certified OW Diver?

[BarryTX]

I'm also a novice diver and, after researching, I went the BP/W route. The only thing that was going against the decision was cost. As a result, once I decided what I wanted (30# Oxycheq wing) I started looking at used along with the discount houses. I found a used one posted here on Scubaboard that was less than a year old at a fair price; added a used backplate / harness and STA and I was in business. The hardest part for me was getting the used harness loosened up so I could re-adjust it, it was older and the webbing was pretty well locked in place. After working on it for quite awhile I got it freed up and was able to re-adjust it, but if I had it to do all over again I would buy a new Hog harness kit rather than the used harness. It has to be faster than what I went through in getting the older harness readjusted.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I went to a BP/W after 6 dives ... my 4 OW training dives and 2 dives in Grand Cayman (the reason for my initial training). At the time I did not have any local mentors. Instead I read ALOT and asked a ton of questions on SB. I was able to work my way through it and am very glad that my first bcd purchase was a BP/W.

 

[Ytsejam]

My story is similar. 9 dives after my OW and after spending hours on SB, reading and asking questions, I dove 4 times with 2 different BP/Ws. Having my UTD instructor there to assist me with fitting the BP/W and adjusting weights made things easier, and helped me decide that a BP/W is the right rig for me. Get someone to help you with adjusting the harness and weights and you will be fine!

 

[DevonDiver]

I teach OW classes using BP/W. Students get used to wearing them just as quick as they would do with a jacket BCD. They always feel unfamiliar with any kit until they have done a fair few dives in it.

Why spend (waste) the time getting familiar with a jacket BCD, when your intention is to get a BP/W?

As a new diver, you are going to feel uncomfortable and unfamilar with your kit... why not just go through that process with a BP/W and save the need to re-adjust your familiarization later?

 

[Blackwood]

That was one of my concerns about it.....trying to dial in a BP/W while getting comfy under the water.

If a jacket style BC isn't to your liking (d-ring locations, etc.) you're SOL. It is what it is. But if your first attempt setting up a backplate is not completely successful, your second or third probably will be.

There isn't much to adjust: length of shoulder, waist (location of buckle) and crotch straps, all of which you can probably get correct before even getting in the water, and the location of d-rings, which may take one or two dives. But that's it. It's really simple.

 

[Peter Guy]

A B/P is more difficult to configure? Please, tell that to one of my students who (my advice to the contrary) was sold a "hybrid" BC that has more adjustments than Carter Has Pills! I couldn't figure out what to adjust so I had her go back to the shop where the owner spent almost an hour pulling this apart, adjusting that, moving this up and that down. I couldn't believe it!

Yes, a B/P can take a little more time to adjust than a simple (and probably ill-fitting) BC, but at least you can ALWAYS get the B/P to fit!

 

[fisheater]

There's a great article, with photos, on setting up a Hog harness on the Bay Area Underwater Explorers website. BAUE Home Page.

 

[fnfalman]

You can go HOG harness or you can get the Dive Rite Transplate harness with the quick adjustable shoulder harness and save the hassle of doing minute harness adjustments. I want the backplate to give me stability and weight, but I don't want to have to chicken wing my arms into any sort of contortionist's stance to get into the BPW.

 

[aaronjweese]

Wow! Thanks for all of the great advice! I'm just about convinced to go the BP/W route, now just gotta nail down the types/brands etc. Cost isn't the biggest factor for me but it is a concern as it most likely is with just about everyone. If I can get a good solid starter rig for 500-600 bucks that would be optimal.

Onto my next question.....what type of concerns should a 6'2" 260lb guy have with respect to fit and function of a BP/W? To relieve any "obese" diver concerns, my doc has told me that I should lose the mid 30's age "spare tire" but he has little concern on my weight on my overall health....I'm just a big guy, I've swam a mile in the open ocean as recently as a month ago.

 

[vixtor]

Regarding your body, I would say, just be sure get a proper sized backplate (tall enough). On the brand, you can confidently go with Deep Sea Supply.