I need an opinion on fit for BP/W for a 12 year old

[DogDiver]

Are you being facetious?

If you had bought them a backplate and wing from the beginning all you would need is a different bladder for the doubles. Their muscle memory of where everything is on the harness would be locked in. If, or when, they grow you may (at the most) need a new harness - or leave enough in the first one to adjust for some growth. Simple!

Suggesting people buy new BCD all the time seems like something a dive shop owner or employee would advise to boost the bottom line of said shop.

Neither a shop owner nor work for one. Scuba is an equipment intensive activity. Just saying. Started diving 50 years ago with a back harness, regulator, J-valve steel 72, NO SPG, oh ya, a depth gauge. So when I'm not cave diving with about $25,000 in equipment every time I enter the water, I love a single AL 80 with my ScubaPro Glide Plus jacket weight integrated BCD. Slip it on and jump off the boat.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

So when I'm not cave diving with about $25,000 in equipment every time I enter the water

25 Grand? Really?

 

[DogDiver]

25 Grand? Really?

Yup

 

[James R]

Rebreather and a high end scooter plus everything else...easily.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Rebreather and a high end scooter plus everything else...easily.

Makes sense. Hadn't considered those two items

 

[Oldbear]

I know of a family that right after their OW course where they used rental jacketed BCDs the entire family bought Apex BP/Ws...including their Jr Diver son. They did their buoyancy and trim work in the pool and now have been diving them for almost a year (75-100+ dives depending on which family member). They love them.

I teach my Open Water Confined Water sessions in a Scuba Pro Glide...because my students are in jacketed BCDs. When we go to the ocean for our Open Water dives I am in one of my BP/Ws. I am demonstrating a different equipment configuration, one I like better for my own personal trim and buoyancy.

 

[ajduplessis]

Plate is to big and the harness seems very tight. I know she will grow into the system, but now it's is going to be uncomfortable in water and add stress to her lower back.

 

[bryanmc57]

Have to agree with Tobin. Get her a smaller plate until she grows into the one you have, then sell the small.

 

[WarrenZ]

I would let her be the guide put her in a pool with a tank and wing on that plate and ask her if it is pinching or pressing on anything uncomfortable if it is she may need a smaller plate but I think it looks ok and if she is good with it then it is the right size.

 

[Skulmoski]

Ditch the back plate unless she is diving doubles. Get her a good fitting weight integrated jacket style bcd. She will be happy, comfortable and safe.

My daughter at age 10 rented a wide variety of jacket style BCDs for a couple of years. It was only when she went to a Dive Rite BP/W did she find a solution that worked for her. It worked so well for her that I bought one for myself!

It looks like you have adjusted the setup about right. But, only in use will you know for sure (it looks just a bit long but she will grow into it).

GJS