Backplate or Jacket

[DetectorGuy]

I have not had the opportunity to use a BP/Wing yet. I did like so many people did: I bought the same BC that I did my OW class in. My decision was partly due to my own inexperience. Partly because I was comfortable during the first few dives with the BC I used for my OW class. I was also very un-educated about what was out there. The BC I purchased was not "top of the line" but (at least at the time) there was only one other from Aqualung that I still regret not getting. The one I wish I would have purchased was the Aqualung Black Diamond (about $800). I settled for an Aqualung Pro QD (about $650). To be honest, at the time, I thought the back plates and wings went "out of style" when Sea Hunt went off the air. This was clearly my lack of knowledge. I probably don't know what I am missing by not trying a BP/wing. I really like the BC and it does not slip and slide on me. I don't have a bazillion dives in, but I can't ever remember wondering if it was slipping or that I thought it was affecting my trim in the water. Maybe I am missing something... but if some of you haven't tried a BC in the last few years maybe you guys are missing out on a comfy dive. I have dove with a few people who had 7-10 year old BCs that weren't weight integrated and I can really see why you BP/wingers would think they are junky. They were back then. In fact I switched my whole gear for my buddies 10 year old set for a dive on Spectacle lake a couple months ago and I was wondering if it was going to leave me at times. It had velcro only at the cumberbund and pockets. It had no chest strap and no integrated weight. I felt like an octopus trying to grab everything that felt loose (all at the same time).