I currently dive with an Oceanic Cruz BCD. Oh, maybe 12-15 years old. Still in excellent shape and i have it serviced annually. BUT, my mind tells me I should be looking for a new BCD whether "just because" or for better diving. I DM with a shop that doesn't do Oceanic but does offer Aqualung. So I'm pondering the Axiom or the Rogue. Axiom is comfortable especially since I have had back surgery and the Axiom rests on your hips instead of hanging from your shoulders. The Rogue is neat and lightweight but I wonder about longevity. At 68 I'll be diving at least another 5 years so what is the opinion out there? Time for new? If so, which does everyone like??
my opinion is at 68 you have a good 10 more years diving not 5. Thats my opinion
btw regarding your question, you sell scubapro and can buy that. I understand backplate and wing for teaching isnt ideal but why not a great bcd that is also great for travel? Scubapro Hydros Pro. It isnt backplate and wing, basically jacket with better inflate style no wraparound. Students wont look at it like what is that? its similar to jacket just nothing around your waist....
And bonus its something your shop would LOVE to sell a lot of. I learned OW with a guy who wore a very minimal backplate and wing with like a 12 pound size donut. It did nothing to confuse me. A hydros pro is a normal bcd just inflate in slightly different way. works same as jacket.
The hydros is dry as soon as you step out of water, it isnt positively boyant like normal bcds so less weight needed, you can add pockets on each side that connect and strap to the leg. Pockets that are larger than on most bcds. It has a two stage inflation so its almost ALWAYS more streamlined. It doesnt retain water like jacket bcds so has much much less post dive weight...the material is a sticky monprene so it wont slide around on your body even with a heavy large tank it stays put no side to side or up and down. it comes with a normal integrated weight pouch, and it also comes with a lightweight harness you can switch to for tropical diving. it also has an optional crotch strap to become like a bp/w but with the monprene you will never need it.
this bcd truly conforms to your body no matter the shape and stays put. the bonus again its a regular bcd but with wing inflate. I promise that will confuse no one, its not a backplate and wing.
its a bit more expensive but it will last you 20 years. Might as well get the best bcd for the rest of your diving career.
BONUS it is as flat as a pancake. Literally completely flat. has its own backpack which you can travel with and I put my bcd, two regulators, two dive computers, two masks, and a 3 mil full wetsuit in the backpack and carry it on planes to the philippines and mexico.