I definitely found a huge difference between the BCD I wore for my OW course (no crotch strap) and the BP&W that I bought shortly after. The crotch strap means that the harness doesn't even have to be that tight to stop it riding up on the surface. I should add that it is not only BP&W that have simpler harnesses and crotch straps.Yes, yes, yes!!! That's exactly my situation. I went with a medium but should have had a small. Never even knew about crotch straps until finding this site. I hope to purchase my own regulator and BCD before Curaçao. And I'd like to get one built for us chicks.
During the course, I had to snug the BCD that tight that, if I fully inflated it on the surface, I could only take about half a breath. Changing to a BCD with a crotch strap means that is no longer an issue.
I have to say that a back inflate (without all the buoyancy wrapping round you) is likely to be more suited to anyone that doesn't want a lot of stuff over their chest and abdomen. Ignore anyone that says that back inflate will tip you forward on the surface - that is pretty much down to where you put your weights.
