Are Backplates a Good Idea For New Divers? #askmark #scuba

@Chewbacca10
Greetings,
I am very new to the sport, having had my first dive in Jamaica two months ago. I’ve caught the bug and have been researching everything I can, 😮ahead of my OW certification.
As a new diver, I am a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices of BCDs available to me. It is my understanding that back plate and harness systems offers the most flexibility and can be adapted as I grow in the sport. Do you agree with my assessment?
If so, any recommendations on a backplate and harness system best for new divers traveling to most, if not all, of their dives?
If not, which BCD style is best for longevity?
Thank you for your time!#AskMark

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver
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[papaspeleo]

Off course! My son started backplate and wing diving as a ten year old.
All the best

[redolds]

As a new diver with a backplate and wing myself, absolutely yes, its like a back inflate bc but simpler

[Chewbacca]

Thank you for both the written and video responses to my ridiculously long question. All the best!

[TheodoreJudah]

Switched to a backplate and basic DIR harness a year ago and I love it. Love the simplicity. Love the durability. Love the serviceability. Love the fact that I went from 23 lbs on my old BCD to just 12 lbs on my new stainless steel backplate and wing.

[heroJames]

As a new diver, I did my OW cert with a Halcyon Eclipse 30. I dove headfirst in sport. All my dives have been either in the Sea of Japan and the East China sea. I am so glad I have sprung for the backplate and wing from the get-go. I highly recommend going to a backplate from the start if you plan on diving more than just vacations.

[ncbuckslayer]

Love my scubapro litehawk. Wing without the black plate. Folds up, travels easy, dives beautifully

[patrykwydrych]

I switched to a backplate after about 20 dives and it was the best decision I’ve made. Your trim is much better underwater. Kinda sucks when you’re above water. You’ve got to lay back to not fall face first in the water.

[etiennednmd]

Hi Mark,
Thank you for all your videos and your dedication to make us all better divers !
I wanted to talk about long hose configuration, because the same way BP+W configs aren't really used for recreational scuba diving, so does the long hose configuration ! And I feel like it is bit of a shame... I had even had to add a "standard" yellow octopus to my long hose configuration just so my dive buddies would not feel too afraid to dive with me !
But despite that, I feel like the long hose configuration tend to go more and more into recreational and for good reasons, the same way BP+W do. And I hope it continues in that direction regarding to what Tec diving has to bring to the world of recreational (and so I can finally take off my yellow octopus without my dive buddies worrying too much 😛)

My question would be : for the future of the "recreational scuba diving", what do you see in terms of technologies, good habits, configurations, etc that will most likely go from Tec to Rec ? Or do you have any recommendations in that matter ?
#askmark

[praevidere]

Hollis ST-35 SS plate with elite harness for comfort and clips.
You can even add weight pockets and butt pate if needed

[DidierWolfs]

The number of people at my dive school that are freaking out by the fact that I don’t have a high purging valve on my Dive Rite Transpac (even that, I have a fenstop if needed)… Some teachers says that anyway, they always use the direct system for exercices. I told my student diver friends, that they should learn other equipment than the standard, because one day, they may have to assist a diver with a backplate and wing without a fenstop and perhaps in a drysuit… Learning only on standard equipment is a mistake. I want to be able to assist anyone in any configuration and even with a CCR. I told them : this is MY configuration and you better deal with it, because I will not wear traditional bcd anymore. I was going to keep my bcd for learning, but no !

[ddacombe]

I got certified OW a few years back and started on a aluminum Mares XR bp/w. Moving through the certs, Ive done about 50 dives now and still super happy with it.

[OrenNoah]

Started my son out with a backplate and we're both damned glad I did.

[alisonanthony]

I absolutely adore my Zen. I only wish I'd made the move to BP&W years ago.

[bloodymarvelous]

I went for an Apeks SS BP with a WTX-40D PSD wing.
Yeah, it's a bit heavy, but I can still keep my luggage within the maximum weight allowance.
My regulators come with me in the cabin, and I can put a lot of stuff in the carry-on bag.
Besides, how much extra stuff do you need for a diving trip. You'll be in board shorts most of the time, and if you're heading for the arctic, you won't be there for weeks on end.

[jasecarter]

Four years ago I wanted a backplate and wing and my local dive shop convinced me it was only for "tech divers" and had me buy a back-inflate bcd. I regret it. The bcd (Aqualung Rogue) has worked well, but I will soon grow out of it and will be buying a bpw in the next several years anyway.

[GI-AUS]

@2:54 that Scubapro inflator is the nicest unit on the market today. Good news, you can just buy one and add it to your BP/W setup, one of the easiest and nicest upgrades you can do!

[williamwells]

I started off in a jacket BCD for my OW and a month late my AOW. I went to a backplate and wing within 6 months. I have been diving with the HOG TBCS.

[whitefury]

If my budget can't really fit one of the big brand names, how do you feel about Dive Gear Express (DGX) #askmark ? I've heard that a lot of their gear is actually unbranded DiveRite gear. Do you think I would have a hard time getting those serviced? They also have a good deal on a long hose regulator setup but same question regarding maintenance. Thoughts? As always love the videos

[kenmh]

DIdnt like a jacket so I bought a wing which I love. Now bought a backplate and wing. Should have taken a check dive because my harness was quite adjusted and I was way overweighted. I hate weight belts, so I bought weight pockets. Cheers divers!

[davidtillotson]

Just realised that yours is the only other ND reduced weight backplate I have seen. I find that mine is perfectly suitable for travelling as well as UK use, although I travel extremely light when it comes to general luggage :)