What made you switch to a BP/W?

[Cichlid]

I know this will be somewhat of a repeat of parts of other threads, but I'm really interested it what made you decide to make the switch or start with a BP/W. Is it the type of diving you do, the fit, the feel, all of the above?

[ScubaToys Larry]

I didn't.

So here's another question. Why didn't you switch? I like pockets, the comfort, cummerbund, integrated weights that I get in my Zeagle Brigade.

[Cichlid]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

I didn't.

So here's another question. Why didn't you switch? I like pockets, the comfort, cummerbund, integrated weights that I get in my Zeagle Brigade.

Dang it Larry, that's next month's thread!

[Wolfie2012]

I started with a back inflate BC and decided to put together a BP/W just to try it out and see which I liked better. I ended up loving the BP/W because of the simplicity and it made me feel like I was less dependent on the gear - felt like I had more freedom.

My wife is just the opposite and she loves the feeling of security that a wrap around BC gives her.

[thesmoothdome]

Shrug. Never used one. Like Larry, I like the integrated weight system that I have on my Seaquest. Truth be know, I really miss my old Zeagle, but being I was 50 lbs lighter when I dove it, it's just not an option anymore.

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by Cichlid

I know this will be somewhat of a repeat of parts of other threads, but I'm really interested it what made you decide to make the switch or start with a BP/W. Is it the type of diving you do, the fit, the feel, all of the above?

I happen to dive BPW's. They work for me because I seem to need all my weight distributed across my torso. I also get sea sick and do better if my chest feels clear.
You are a new diver. Don't be a lemming and get caught up in all the hype. See what works for you first.
The "best" divers I know, dive stab jackets.
If you do go with a BPW, do your homework. Take advantage of the disigns which provide the best streamlining and don't get more wing than you need.
Which incidentily is an issue I have with most BC's. "One bladder fits all". That is one of the reasons I am a proponant of Zeagle. They are modular and you don't need to buy a 56# wing if you are 120# diving in a shortie with an Al 80 in South Florida.

Edit: which incidentily is another plus with a BPW. The modularity.
If you do go with one, (another of my lost posts I think), don't fall in the trap that you have to buy all componants from one manufacturer. All the more reason to wait and see what works. Get some dives in, use other people's rigs and see.
My first BPW was an Oxy Razor wing, hammerhead plate and STA, Dive Rite single piece Harness and crotch strap and no name tank cam straps. The whole package was about $300.00.
I subsequently added a Dive Rite SS backplate, home made harness, OMS wing, Oxy Mach V, Oxy Sausage weight and assorted trim weights to the mix as well as a 15 year old daughter.
The OMS wing is now gone, another DR plate is on the way and the daughter is still here. A second Mach V is on the horizon when and if Patrick ever makes a run in colors besides black and camo.

[medic001918]

I tried one, and thought one day I might want to get into tech diving. But when I tried one, it was a great improvement. The fact that it's simple in design and allowed me to take weight off of my weight belt had a solid value as well. I like the modular system as well. I can change the bladders to suit my needs.

As for my fiance, she just never dove in anything other than a BP/W other than one pool session in class. She got a BP/W and never looked back. I don't know if I could get her in a jacket if I tried...

Shane

[Judestudio]

I am petite, had a hard time finding a BC that doesn't float half way with the tank rolling from one side to the other throughout the dive. The harness on the BP allowed indefinite adjustment, I now have a BC that fitted perfectly to me. Hated jacket BCs which tried to squash me. I was also looking for something that can take apart and pack small for traveling and maintenance.

BP/W it is

[medicdiver]

I switched to a bp/w because I thought I was going to get into technical diving. I haven't started technical training but when I used a bp/w I felt like I was more stable in the water. For me, with the weight distributed basically across my back, my trim has greatly improved. I will really have to weigh the pros and cons if I ever decide to try another type of bc again.

[DirtyWaterIL]

I dove with one and it was the most comfortable peice of gear i had ever worn. A bp/w with double 80's felt about as heavy on my back as a regular bc with a 50 in it.