BP/W negative points

[LCFrigon]

Like I said in previous posts I am shopping for a set up and am trying to get as much information as possible about my choices. I have been making a list of pros and cons and so far I have had soo much positive feed back on bp/w they almost seem to good to be true.

The only negative feedback i have seen is that someone didn't like them for photography since he had problems getting into different positions.

What I am askin is not for a sudden rush of bp/w bashing or to make this a big fight thread, but to ask everyone to tell me some problems they have had with thier bp/w and how they fixed them etc. or how to avoid problems during the intial setup etc.

I would also love to here from those that think the bp/w set up is the only set up for them, but would like to once again here about things they have done to make thier setup better or to fix problems.

Cheers,
Lorne

NO FIGHTING AND PLAY NICE

[terrillja]

A bpw doesn't have the nice perfect fit-together of a bc, with my probe lx, the dump strings are in the prefect place in front, more convenient.

[tc_rain]

Although I have never had a problem, I have heard a few people complain about hitting their head on the first stage.

[ianr33]

1) Takes longer to set up (not quick to switch gear between different divers)

2)No pockets (I use X-shorts and have pockets on my dry suit)

Would not dive in anything else.

[Scubastud16]

I can't think of any. I will never dive a regular (jacket or back inflate) BCD again.

[LCFrigon]

Originally Posted by ianr33

1) Takes longer to set up (not quick to switch gear between different divers)

2)No pockets (I use X-shorts and have pockets on my dry suit)

Would not dive in anything else.

What are X shorts?

[fire diver]

Originally Posted by ianr33

1) Takes longer to set up (not quick to switch gear between different divers)

2)No pockets (I use X-shorts and have pockets on my dry suit)

Would not dive in anything else.

Ditto what Ian said. But even with the downsides, there are upsides also. More time to get set up, but in the end it's a better fit.

They may not have the pretty pockets, but most BC pockets aren't big enough (when you have air in it) to put much of anything in.

I dove for 3 years with a BC, and loved it. Even when I set up my doubles I swore I would keep using the bc for singles diving. One season of the BP and I won't use the BC again.

You really need to see if you can try out a BP/W to make up your mind. YOu may decide to stay with a BC, but I doubt it. Just make sure you have someone with knowlege help you adjust it properly before you dive it.

[FishFood]

The "no pockets" IMO is a good thing. Pockets on a BC are usually not in a very usable place anyhow.

As for negatives, it's not near as comfortable out of the water. My 3rd dive on my BP/W was a shore dive with a fairly long hike. I thought I was going to die... Another guy was on his 1st dive with his BP/W and had the same problem. Just not as much weight distribution on the shoulders. Shoulder pads can (mostly) take care of this.

As previously stated there's the head hitting the first stage issue. However, there are a number of ways to take care of that.

[Black-Gorrilla]

i used to hit my head on my first stage... till i realized i was doing something wrong.
when i set it up right... never again.

[ChrisA]

Problems:

(1) I have a shoulder injury and don't have great flexibility in the left shoulder. The hog harness is hard to in in and out of. So I'll use a DiveRite "transplate".

(2) The plate may add to much weight for tropical warm water diving where a wetsuit is not needed.

(3) Many divers feel more secure when floating at the surface in a jacket style BC.

(4) you have to figure out all the little parts and assemble them your self

(5) People when they see you might think you are one of those people who always say "Get a BP&Wing."