B.C. Choices

[arcFlash]

I'm a big fan of the BP&W. My brother started diving and was looking for gear. I lobbied for BP but also said, you'll know if it's for you. So I brought him to the pool and he tried a few configs. wrist computer & air integrated console, 2 wings, fins (turtle like & 'normal'), plates...

In the end he enjoyed all kinds of things and found advantages to both but he bought an integrated jacket with back inflate.

I think he saw the jacket as 'one stop' diving and the BP&W as technical and more then he needed. He said it changed his buying and he struggled with buying a BP but in the end he felt that the jacket was enough. I respect it. (He still got a cobra so you win some)

About all the extras in pockets. I want pockets but don't have them. It's still easy, do one thing and do it well. I only bring what I need. Nothing hangs. If I go for anchors, don't bring the camera. My snorkel attaches to my mask, not my pocket, Overhead, no snorkel. Bag and reels are high and out of the slipstream, the rest is like Lonnie said, tight.

I use a DUI weight and trim harness. It's great. Up to #40 and ditchable with shoulder straps, I forget it's on much of the time. You can thank Dog Days for that, tried it, bought it.