Posted by Mojo Mike on October 24, 2004 at 09:56:40:
In Reply to: Re: Backpack The Only Way To Go posted by Rich K on October 23, 2004 at 17:33:15:
When I first got into diving in the 60's. BC's were in their infancy. Horse collars were around, but most people I knew wore back plates only. I hated BC's for years, even decades. Dive shops, manufacturers and dive courses really pushed BC's. Once they became more streamlined. I didn't mind them so much.
I bought a single tank bladder for my Trans Pac this year. I actually bought it through a local dive shop. I was feeling guilty about not supporting my local dive shop. It cost about $250 for a simple air bladder and hose. Just another piece of over priced dive equipment.
Since the divers on this particular trip were seasoned divers. I wonder if most of them didn't start out diving without the hinderance of a BC. Or if they learned latter the freedom of going without. I agree with you 100% about fine tuning the lead.