Posted by seldom seen slim on July 23, 2001 at 23:11:07:
In Reply to: Gallery of Calif. Backpack Divers posted by Jim Hoffmann on July 23, 2001 at 11:10:30:
Your question can be answered by comparison.
Is a backpack diver a scuba diver without a BC or a freediver with a tank? Assume a backpack diver is the freediver with a tank for the moment. Given that a freediver does not require the use of a BC. This is because a freediver relies on ditching his weight belt in an emergency ascent. The buoyancy of the wetsuit is the backup floatation to assist them to the surface. Therefore the answer to your question is already there. In reply then why does the diver need another backup?
Now, for the general audience:
How often do you rely on your backup, (BC)? Can you ditch a weight belt without hesitation and regard for it's cost? Do you dive rough or deep conditions where another backup (BC) is necessary? These are just a few key questions to help you analyze if a BC or Wings are needed. If safety were paramount to the thrill and enjoyment of the sport then mothers would dress their divers like hockeyplayers at a Cricket match.
The facts, accept that some are only applicable to hunting:
Wings, BC's and their inflators can fail.
Wings are drag, but less than a BC.
Wings, BC's and their inflation apparatus get in the way between a diver and tight spaces.
Wings are better than a jacket BC.
Wings or BC's compensate for lots of weight. This allows for a propensity to overweight adding more drag and stress to the diver.
The sales of Wings and BC's help the economy.
Wings or a BC will float you to the surface, but not necessarily face up and not always at a controlled rate.
Wings or BC's will hinder a rapid decent if you have to clear them of air.
Wings or BC's are another piece of gear to clean.
Wings or BC's (any floatation) are a hazard in surgy and shallow or surf conditions, when used for buoyancy control underwater.
The benefit of Wings or BC's increase with depth.
Just about anybody can dive with Wings or BC's. Not everybody can dive without them.
I would be brash to say the same goes for training wheels on a bicycle. The point is you need diving experience before you can go diving without a floaty device.