BC or BP/W?

[easyrider003]

OK. I have been reading a lot about backplates and wings? My question is, is this used in conjunction with a BC or is this totally different? And also if it is different then what is the advantages of BP/W and do you prefer them of a BC? Not really sure exactly what a BP/W actually is

[Gombessa]

Hi Easyrider,

A backplate + wing is a type of BC. A "BC" as regularly referenced is a jacket or vest-style BC, probably what you're used to seeing. You use one or the other, not both.

A lot of divers like bp/w because the parts are interchangeable (you can use exchange the bladder "wing" part), they're more configurable (you can easily add things to the harness), more compact, position you more horizontally in the water, and you can't use a typical jacket BC with double-tanks.

They're also negatively buoyant (the backplate part being solid SS or aluminum), allowing you to use less weight than with a jacket (which is typically 2-3lb positive).

Are they better for you? It really depends on your type of diving. The vast majority of divers are perfectly happy with jacket BCs and will never want or need bp/w configurations. Others are convinced of the superiority of the bp/w and will call anything else garbage. Either way, if you go into technical diving, chances are you'll move to a bp/w whether or not you like it.

[Zyxistal]

A BP/W setup is a BC that is comprised of 3 interchangable parts the harness, backplate (either stainless steel or aluminum) and the wing (bladder/flotation). As already mentioned you don't 'need' one unless you get into tech diving.

[cummings66]

I prefer a BP/W to a jacket BC. I feel more free in it, it's like you're not wearing stuff.

I never used the pockets in my jacket BC so I didn't miss them on the BP/W but I could see if you use them all the time it might just drive you crazy.

People hype the ability to change from singles to doubles and you can, they say it's cheaper and I'd say that all depends. A doubles wing will cost you about $300 or close if you buy new, you can buy another jacket style bc for that too. So, I don't think it amounts to anything more than if you like it or not. I do.

[rox@ucf11]

just to add a little tid bit they do have back plates now made out of strong plastics I believe

[DivingCRNA]

Pockets schmockets.

A BP/W is modular. it can do whatever you want without spending the $$ it takes for a whole new BCD.

[Aussie]

Maybe some pictures might help.

As stated before BPW (Backplate and wing) is made up of 3 main items. Harness, Backplate, Wing.



This is a picture (I borrowed off the Zeagle website) of the Zeagle standard harness and stainless steel backplate. Its has very simple design and offers a customised fit for just about everyone. The Stainless steel backplate weights about 5-6lbs which means you can take that weight off your belt.




This is a picture of a Zeagle wing which they have on the Zeagle BCD's (Ranger etc etc). These wings are a little different as they attach to the backplate with stainless nuts and bolts by using those four metal clips you can see inside the wing. This option is great if you have a Zeagle BCD and think you want to try out a BPW as you can borrow the wing off your Zeagle BCD. It also offers you a choice of wing sizes which most other BCDs (Zeagle excluded) only offer one size wing/bladder. Which mens if your a big guy and dive with a XL BCD it means that most of the wings that are on BCD's are of a large size (ie 50lbs lift etc). Most of the time the wing to far too big for what you require and simply adds drag. With a BPW setup you can get a wing suited for your needs. For example I am a large bloke (XXL) and I have small 34lbs wing as thats all I require (you wont find something like that on a standard BCD).



This picture is of a larger wing which shows the standard attachment to a Backplate. See the 6 metal rings in the middle.
The wing is sandwiched between the backplate and either STA (single tank adaptor) or a set of double cylinders by nuts and bolts.

This wing above is a 60lbs wing and is suited to diving with doubles (and some more). As stated before you can have a few different size wings and change one one to the other with ease for single and multiple cylinder use. Again the costs of wings can equal to the price of a BCD but your customising your setup and really using what you require.

Hope this helps

Aussie

[jeepbrew]

Originally Posted by DivingCRNA

A BP/W is modular. it can do whatever you want without spending the $$ it takes for a whole new BCD.

Bingo! Out of all the BCs, I prefer back-inflate styles such as the ScubaPro Knighthawk...

[NitroWill]

Here is a pretty standard fully assembled bpw setup that might help you visualize it all together..

[Gombessa]

Will, you're looking a bit puffy in that last pic. Been downing the marshmallows again?