Need advice tpo choose betwen BCD and BP/W?

Question

I'm just starting to buy my own SCUBA GEAR but i'm little bit confused, some friends tell me it's better to invest in a BP/w

even when i'm not a tech diver yet.

what do you think?

Answer 1

A backplate and wing (BP/W) is a type of BCD.  There are a lot of people who prefer a vest BCD or backinflate BCD, but there is a growing trend of BP/W.

Here are the benefits:

1. Weight distribution

2. Less bulk/more streamlining

3. More customization

4. Adaptability

* Weight Distribution *

Standard BP/W has a stainless steel backplate.  This is 6#'s that will be distributed evenly across your back.  If you need more weight, you can add a heavy single-tank adapter (STA) or bolt weights directly on the plate.  

For cold-water diving, this is really great.  The distribution of weight allows you to trim out better and promotes a good horizontal position in the water.

* Less bulk/more streamlining *

A basic BP/W is a simple one-piece harness, a plate, and properly selected wing.  There is no additional bulk or padding, making it very slick in the water.

Of course, if you misconfigure a BP/W system, you can make is as bulky as a standard BCD.

Also, there are some softpack systems (ex. Dive Rite TransPac II) that offers similar benefits.

* More customization *

With a BP/W, you add what you need, and position items where you want them.

In a traditional BCD, pockets and D-rings are in fixed positions.  If you don't need the pockets, you can't remove it.  Or if want to move the D-rings to a better spot for you, you can't move it.

Also, with a BP/W (and softpacks), you can select the appropriate size wing for the diving conditions.  If you're diving tropical waters, you need <20# of buoyancy, so why not take a small low profile wing that's easy to vent and manage?  If your diving cold water and want more lift, then get a larger wing.

*Adaptability *

One the best parts of a BP/W, it grows with you.  Want to dive doubles later on?  Then buy a doubles wing.

The big downside of the BP/W is that they typically cost more.   One of the nicer BP/W on the market is the Deep Sea Supply LCD system.  This costs around $450 with the simple harness.  If you are willing to piece components from different sources, you can get something for less (Hammerhead BP, Oxycheq wing, harness, cam bands, etc).

And since you have friends that have BP/W's, then borrow theirs to compare!

Best of luck.