Back inflate vs. backplate system

[kobalap]

How does this kit:


and




compare with some of the back inflate systems out there like the ones offered by Zeagle for example such as the one below?



They seem roughly comparable price wise.

[jacewindu]

i have the oceanic excursion (rear inflate)
for me, a recreational diver, it's plenty. better than jacket IMO for buoyancy control, but i've never tried the backplate, so i can't comment on that.
i guess a lot depends on how much and what kind of diving you're going to be doing. good luck

[Jason]

Its all about Personal preference.


If you are going the DIR direction you should skip the later version of the 2.

The first (backplate) will allow you to add doubles if you so choose. The Tech divers tend to steer to the keep it simple and the same as everyone else so there is little confusion under difficult circumstances.

Second example is geared toward recreational diving. Added conveniences of pockets, Integrated weights, D-rings, and (IMO) more comfort.

Almost seems like a choice you have to make today! Good news... You dont. the Zeagle Ranger's possibility of adding a backplate so you can mount doubles. Most agree it is the most comfortable BC out there, some are in sheer sticker shock with the price. I own 2

Now, Before I get a ton of replies I will tell you most (if not all) Tech divers will say the "Zeagle Ranger" is not considered Tech BC. Again, Tech diving is geared toward simple and ease. Those extra pockets, D-rings, intergrated weight system defeat the tech principal.

[CompuDude]

Both are good. It is indeed up to you.

The Zeagle is more all-inclusive, while the bp/w is far more simple and streamlined... less stuff. For some, less is more. For others, they want all the stuff. Which do you want? The simplicity also means there is less to go wrong, and should something go wrong, it's easier to repair since the parts are so simple. (Not saying it's likely anything will go wrong with either... but Murphy lives.)

Also, what conditions are you diving in? If you're diving in cold water, there are some very real advantages the backplate brings in terms of placing the weight over your lungs. If you're diving in warmer water, it may matter less.

[clazie]

This is something I have been thinking about also. Both the ideas of tech and teaching appeal to me. I know that when teaching the earlier levels it is good for the instructor to wear the same gear that the students are wearing or this is what I have been told, so you would want to go with the Zeagle. On the other hand you could go with a backplate and, more than likely, where you are teaching will have a decent rental fleet of the exact same BC's the students are wearing and you can always throw one of those on. This leaves you free to have a backplate. This could all be irrelevant if you are just wanting to recreational dive and looking for the most comfortable and all inclusive BC. I am still trying to figure out which way I am going to go. I am claiming NO expertise and actually wanting some more experienced divers to chime in.
-Clazie

[Wolfie2012]

I started with an oceanic back inflate BC and have since converted to a BP/W setup. It really is personal preference and your comfort level. Personally I love the simplicity of the BP/W and the fact that it doesn't feel as bulky as a jacket/back inflate BC. I feel more freedom in a BP/W.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>My wife on the other hand loves the jacket BC's. It gives her a bigger sense of security by having more material surrounding her.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>There are differences between her diving and mine as well. She's all warm water and hates local cold-water diving. I'll pretty much dive in anything that remotely looks like water, cold or not. </DIV>

[Judestudio]

I guess you don't need another post telling you it's a personal preference...well, it is. LOL [img]smileys/smiley17.gif[/img]

I opted for a BP/W and my sister went for a Zeagle Lazer. I like the idea of building my own system, while my sister wanted a "hassle-free" ready-to-use BC. The biggest difference between our systems I find is the pockets. She has a pair of LARGE pockets, which is not quite so practical for me to add two big pockets on the harness (will forfeit the design purpose).

However, if you chose a wing size that is optimal to what you need (depending on your suit thickness and weights you're carrying), there's nothing that can beat BP/W for its streamline, durability, and flexibility for the future.

My 0.02c [img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

[Sawatdee]

I use stab jacketwhen I was doing my OW course and after that I did a lot of research on whether I should get myself a stab jacket or back inflate BC.Well it really is a personal preference and I ended up with a back inflate BC (soft pack).
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Now I useBP/Wing for tec dives and I still keep mysoft pack for recreational dives.Before you make any decision, I think you should try diving in oneand see it is the thing for you.</DIV>

[jpsexton]

If you are not diving doubles a BP/W really has no advantages over a
well designed back inflate BC. In fact if you add all of the
accessories and components to the BP/W so the features are equal to the
back inflate BC it is much more expensive and harder to adjust when
changing thermal protection. I'm not diving doubles so I prefer the
convenience and economy of the back inflate BC. YMMV

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by jpsexton

If you are not diving doubles a BP/W really has no advantages over a
well designed back inflate BC. In fact if you add all of the
accessories and components to the BP/W so the features are equal to the
back inflate BC it is much more expensive and harder to adjust when
changing thermal protection. I'm not diving doubles so I prefer the
convenience and economy of the back inflate BC. YMMV

I think the OP noted they were roughly the same, price-wise, which has been my experience as well. The main difference is weight integration (vs. maybe a weight belt) and pockets. I prefer a good pocket weight belt to weight integration any day (although not everyone feels that way), and I prefer pockets on my wetsuit/drysuit to pockets on my BC. Finally, I have to note that I change between a 7mm wetsuit and a drysuit on a regular basis, and have not had to adjust my bp/w yet. Maybe I'm just lucky...