BP/W too advanced for me?

[zackalack8999]

I got my basic certification about two months ago with NAUI. I am signed up for a nitrox class and advanced open water this month, and I plan on continuing with my diving education, into cave diving, rescue diver, master diver, DM etc. I am going to dive in Hawaii over the summer, but the majority of my time diving will be on the east coast, from VA down to SC. I felt perfectly comfortable in a jacket BC, have never used a back inflate, and am wondering if it is too early for me to consider a BP/ W setup, and if you have any recomendations as to what I should consider.


Edit:

Also, I would prefer to keep it under $500.

 

[Divin' Dave]

BP/W doesn't require advanced skills. Switching from a jacket to a BP/W will require some practice as it works differently, especially at the surface. Go for it!

 

[Rainer]

You'll be just fine in a BP/W. If anything, things will very likely be much better. Deep Sea Supply singles rig with hog harness is only $455 (http://deepseasupply.com/page12.html).

 

[Rainer]

BP/W doesn't require advanced skills. Switching from a jacket to a BP/W will require some practice as it works differently, especially at the surface. Go for it!

And by "practice" he means doing maybe one or two dives to get you trimmed out. They don't really work differently at the surface. You inflate the bladder and you float. Works the same in both. Good stuff.

 

[zackalack8999]

I should have mentioned this earlier, but if I am interested in switching to doubles later on, is there any setup that would accomodate that, or is it just a matter of buying an additional wing/ removing a single tank adaptor.

 

[Rainer]

I should have mentioned this earlier, but if I am interested in switching to doubles later on, is there any setup that would accomodate that, or is it just a matter of buying an additional wing/ removing a single tank adaptor.

Just buy a doubles wing at that point.

 

[Walter]

A BP/wing is a BC like any other. If it's well designed (and chances are higher that a BP/wing will be), it will work the same as any other well designed BC.

 

[realdiver7]

I'd go for the BP/Wing. Check out the Oxycheq BP/Hog harness/Mach V 30 lb. wing, and you will be very satisfied. I switched from jacket to back inflate, and then to BP/W, and wish I would have started with the BP/W from the very beginning.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[zackalack8999]

What do you guys think about this package? http://www.divesports.com/mall/divesports_pkg_bpwcombo.asp
I would get the SS backplate, the 30# wing and the Deluxe harness w/o QD

 

[Rainer]

For a few $$$ more, I'd much prefer the DSS deal. Better harness, better plate, and better wing. All IMO, and of course, YMMV.