B.C. Choices

[LKunze]

I've never come across a situation where I felt anything but a BP/Wing to be best for me. 

When I was certified at Smith years back I trained in a Pro QD and then dove a Ranger for a year.  I switched to a BP/Wing after the first year of diving for diving singles and then got a doubles wing for diving doubles the past couple years which is all I dive now locally. 

For me the BP/Wing is more stable, has much better horizontal trim and a lot less clutter.  The BP/Wing's strengths are in versatility and streamlining.  The problem with the BP/Wing for new divers is that they are rarely available to try at most shops so many divers do not know about them until after they dive with other local divers that have them.  I'm not sure why they aren't more mainstream.  I suspect it's a marketing thing. 

I spent a lot of money on gear early on only to sell most of it within a year.  The BP/Wing as mentioned is really nice for taking on trips too since it packs more compact.  I know...I'm one sided on this but those are just my observations from my personal experience. 

If the jacket and back inflate BC's work for others (single tank diving only) then that's fine too.  If one ever thinks they may want to get into doubles then the BP/Wing is the obvious choice.  You can swap out different wings and you are set.  No need to purchase a whole new BC rig.  Cost is not a factor as a BP/Wing is really priced in the same ballpark as Jacket or back inflate BC. 

There are some wings that will work for both single and doubles diving however I have found that getting a dedicated wing for each to be the best option.