I REGRET BUYING the wrong BCD - Here's Why..

Why Backplate and Wing? Most divers have learned to scuba dive in a jacket-style BCD, and Halcyon gets asked about this a lot from divers curious about our equipment configuration. This is not brand specific; we cover some of the differences between a jacket style BC and the Backplate and wing setup for those single tank divers who are interested.
So listen to Nico's personal experience with a Jacket BC versus BP & Wing.
#scubagear #scubadiving #divegear

[@dawnmechelle5975]

Totally agree!! I got my OW last year, trained and tested in a jacket - HATED it instantly. When I asked about wings, "well they require additional training. " I believed the BS, so I purchased a jacket. After several dives that felt more like work than fun, I tried a wing. I wanted to cry for joy. It was the first time I felt like I was floating underwater. Perfect trim and I could move and finally hover. At last I did not feel like I was falling (helped me fix my weighting issue), fighting my equipment, or getting knocked in the head, and flailing like a landed guppy. Last week, I purchased a back inflate that feels tailored for me on deck and invisible underwater. Find a dive shop that will start you with a wing/back inflate. It might cost a little extra, but it is worth it.

[@greglyon1201]

I like this guy, refreshing delivery compared to some of the other popular dive channels here on KZbin.

[@SilverScreenDudes]

Hope he’ll feature more on the channel!!

[@siriexploretheworld]

Thank you! Super helpful and constructive, supporting my decision to go with backplate 😊

[@Mr_D555]

I started diving in 1998 with a jacket BC and around 2005 bought a wing BC, "wow " was my first dive with it. I like that the front is very open with this style BC so not a lot of crap to deal with. I will never go back to a jacket BC. Buy once, cry once.

[@phillowe3355]

Agree totally, turned on a few dive buddies to backplate and wing and they love it as well

[@caseycleveland8810]

I think you nailed it on the head, sir. I'm a newer diver and shortly after I certified OW, I purchased a whole kit that included a jacket BCD. 2 years later and I just purchased a BPW. I have lost about 6 pounds of weight (freshwater) because of all the air I can now release. My trim is so much better. I'm so glad I finally got one.

[@amazingtazz1579]

Started off from the very first pool training with a BPW. I don’t know anything else and don’t regret it!

[@spinetingler-007]

Been using a Scubapro Classic vest-style BCD for 30 years and it is perfection.

[@ThePriceIsRising]

Me too. Started with the orange one. Years later got the blue one. Now have an Aqualung Axiom. Just wanted to try something different and I like it just like the Scubapro Classic. It just works. No problems. I did try a backplate and wing on a week-long diving vacation. I didn't find anything special about it at all. I found no reason to buy one🤷‍♂️.

[@Keith.Exploring]

I started in a backplate & wing at dive #1 OW course, been diving it ever since then except for a liveaboard before I bought my own backplate & wing. Loved every single minute with the backplate & wing. Now in my DM internship and facing a dilemma of having to use a jacket again when dealing other students.

[@sidemountsarge]

Shouldn't be an issue. Some agencies may require you to have a break in the shoulder webbing (buckle or pinch clip/clasp) but BP/Ws are perfectly valid for DM and above.

[@redolds231]

Back inflate bcd is an option too, but bp&w for the win.

[@davidmorais2394]

Too right. I started my son in a wing and backplate set up. He’s 15 and big. Fabulous free diver but not comfortable in scuba. I figured the rental jackets just weren’t comfortable for him, hence the wing and bp. Happy as Larry! Totally into his diving and very very happy to be diving with him. I’ve been using the Xdeep set up for a few years and absolutely love it - after 20 years of my faithful jacket - which finally died on a fast negative descent crazy rush in the Philippines! Last dive of the visit. 🥵

[@davidmorais2394]

But I’ll certainly give your brand a closer look next time I visit the scuba shop

[@VK-hv9bb]

I hire halcyon wing BCD once at one of the dive shop for 2 dives last year, When the first time I wear it feels different as I often use Jacket BCD and one of the dive guide said to me that you dont need putting too much weight. As soon as I dive I notice that it’s good for the trim. I agree with this guy regarding to the sizing. Halcyon does not need size, like a traditional Jacket BCD where you have to find a correct sizes that fit on your body. As long I found the right plate for the BCD. Hopefully it’s a good choice for me as I am currently working out for a weight loss.

[@tristanjenkins6575]

i found that the ScubaPro Sea Hawk 2 is the best. i hate having thing hanging lose. the sea hawk has good sized pockets to put everything in

[@littledoseTM]

When i started with my OW i had a traditional jacket...problem is i was a big guy around my belly at this time. So there where a lot of refitting straps under water etc and still the jacket BCD rolled around me sometimes and i rlly had to fight for a trim.... thats not fun when you learn diving, was about to call it after the 3th dive then my instructor gave me his wing style jacket.... what to say i was hooked to diving since then :D

[@laimfriel1949]

I did my open water 20 course and i did the hole thing on a blackplate and wing

[@evolvedmonkey9978]

Bought a Mares Rock Pro BCD, and 1 year later, I regret it, should have seen this video 1 year ago, Wing BCD is far better, but the first wing I will buy I will make sure it can handle a backplate for doubles as well, wanted to mount 2x 10 liter on my back.

[@dre64]

I dive a completely stripped Mares Hybrid ProTec which is practically a wing style BCD so IMHO you don't need necessarily to buy an expensive BP/W for a rec diving (tec diving is a different story). Less flexible than a harness ( in case u gain some weight🙂) for sure but more tweakable than a standard full jacket BCD

[@user-xh8bf6rd6s]

I recently bought the scubapro hydros and its a wing right it works perfect for me

[@FreddyGaertner94]

I'm curious how this channel will evolve

[@JoeKyser]

What are trolling? The channel is 13 years old with a half million views and almost 4k subscribers. What piques this curiosity of evolution? Maybe I missing something here. Thats why I am asking.

[@ahmadkaddoura7060]

thanks for this interesting video..and I'm really convinced about BWP BCD.. here's a question , I'm 170CM , 65KG use SEAC Jacket BCD Xs size.. which Backplate size I should buy based on your experience with both BCD Styles.. thanks in advance for your opinion

[@barryinkpen6026]

Yup; been there; done that; won't go back to jacket.

[@wkolcz]

I knew I didn't want a jacket when I started certifications and ended up buying a backstyle BCD but I deeply regret that I didn't get a BP/W to start off with and have loved my BP/W ever since

[@CSTITAN576]

how different is a backplate and wing from a back inflate bcd?

[@jerpratt]

I recently switched to a bp&w. My problem is the difficulty of getting in and out of the straps. Not sure if they are too tight or not adjusted right. Also my chest strap doesn’t reach across my chest. I wear a Drysuit so maybe I need a longer chest strap. Just trying to figure it out

[@HalcyonDiveSystems]

You shouldn't need a chest strap at all with a backplate and harness (You must have a different brand then). Also, our cinch system allows you to easily get in and out of the shoulder straps. Do you really need yours that tight? Usually people coming from a Jacket BC make that mistake by having the shoulder straps super tight. The key with backplate harness is to have your crotch and waist strap fitted, leaving the shoulder straps a bit looser to get in and out of. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jarVlJSpbKt9mJI

[@gregorycraig9882]

The biggest draw back of a wing is at the surface, it wants to push your face in the water and you have to work to keep vertical.

[@badgermoon9229]

Try adding trim weights. I usually just lean back a little as if in a recliner chair. I would also check to make sure you are not overweighted and thus having to inflate more at the surface.

[@pablorivera376]

There is the Mares Bolt BCD that is almost like a wing.

[@antongrun1077]

Dude, I just arrived from Thailand, where I first tried my new wing (first wing). I finished my advanced, did my rescue and a liveaboard with it. When it comes to being under the surface, the wing is definitely the better bcd, but when it comes to being on the surface I still struggle staying vertical. That’s super annoying doing exercises ( and yes, I have 1/3 of my weights on the tank). That’s why I’m thinking in getting a jacket for my dm course later this year.

[@js4120]

Sounds like you need to make some adjustments

[@lexvanlith8591]

It sounds you put way to much air in your wing. Just a little is enough to float and stay vertical is easy.

[@sidemountsarge]

Make sure the backplate is in the right place and the harness is fit correctly. Then when on the surface sit back into the wing as if you're in an armchair, works the same for Sidemount rigs as well.

[@jonnieinbangkok]

You know what I regret buying, a pair of expensive Halcyon waist strap weight pockets, which started to fray and fall apart after a couple months time and maybe 10-15 dives. I recall the regular price was about USD 100 for the pair, but good thing they were in the "Sale" bin for about thirty dollars. I would have felt like a real sucker if I'd paid one-hundred...I felt abused enough paying thirty for something I had to throw in the trash after little use 🗑

[@denismoore1857]

I agree 100%

[@bouch.diving]

I don't understand why the down dump is facing down on wings and not up like bcd jacket.

[@pjmvdbroek]

If the blader contains air, it will fold along your tank making the dump valve the heighest point allowing you to dump air. In the position you suggest, the dump valve would be inaccessible.

[@darkzak47]

Nico, I'm an older diver who used to dive in college and then as it happens, life interceded and I stopped diving for a while. I used to have a Dacor Chameleon jacket BCD (yes, that's how old I am). When I think back to my diving experiences with it, I realize that I hated it. Couldn't stand the big bulky pockets, it felt constricting and no matter how snug the shoulder straps or the cummerbund was, it would ride up on me. And also in retrospect, I realized my trim was terrible with the jacket. I think the only reason a lot of beginner divers are sold jacket style BCD's is that it keeps you more upright at the surface when going back to the boat or shore. But this time around, I want to explore the backplate/wing or a jacket/backplate/wing hybrid like the Hydros Pro or Aqualung Rogue. Thanks for the video!

[@dsackman1495]

"Older diver..."? Started before there were any BCD's. Had to learn how to be neutral at the specific depth you wanted to go. Then a horsecollar with a pony bottle and a mouth inflator. Later retrofitted an integrated power inflator (bad). Before having to carry and extra regulator. What happened to buddy-breating? Life intervened and a few years later started up again and was forced by dive shops to wear a jacket. I thought it was utter BS. Teach people to dive without a BC, and then later introduce them to a BC. Stop the habit of overweighting and just pump air into the BC. Now using a lightweight "travel" style wing. Small, compact with low drag. Integrated weights and regulator around the neck.Using the yellow one as my primary under my arm. Nice and snug. Love it!!! Nice discussion from the presenter.

[@stevecoffey4884]

I would like to rent one to try. Any suggestions where in Southern 7:22 Florida?

[@JoeKyser]

SFDH

[@stevecoffey4884]

Please spell out the acronym. I greatly appreciate your response and video!

[@johnwilliamsscuba6487]

Funny thing I recently went back to a Jacket style

[@americanazheck]

If you mostly dive in warm water with a 3 mm wetsuit, Jacket bcd are perfect. Colder water using thicker wetsuits And Drysuits ,along with doubles or side mount require wing and plate set up. So it's really about what works best for you. My preference is oms

[@aftvlog3925]

I love the backplate wing than the jacket infact I got the Halcyon Travel Pro BCD but the only thing that I did not like about the backplate wing is whenever you go to a dive site with a small boat and require you to put your gear in the water is a nightmare. so I still have my jacket style bcd on me as a back up whenever I go to those type of dives site.

[@timgosling6189]

Inflate the wing and have it floating in front of you, shoulder straps toward you. Put your arms through the straps and roll it onto your back. Or you can roll forward onto it. Secure crotch and waist straps.

[@clement1181]

🙏 Promo*SM

[@equinoxproductions7530]

i dont really agree... all BCD's has it splace... some people prefer jackets and others not... but by saying i bought the wrong BCD should rather read i bought the wrong BCD for me and here is why it works for me and might work for you... that would be a better title to your video in my opinion

[@SilverScreenDudes]

Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue that title you’ve just suggested does it? 😂

[@JoeKyser]

Bingo

[@MadMax31577]

Wing=no pockets, no D-rings

[@MadMax31577]

@@aliasincognito0 Correct. I dive a Zeagle Ranger. I’m accustomed to having my weight system integrated in pockets. I’m not against trying a wing system but I would need to know more before spending the money.