I have used jacket, rear inflate and a BP/W as well, so here is my 2 cents.

I did not like the jacket style as every time I inflated it I felt it squeeze my chest and I didn't like the feeling. Yes the design usually gave you some pretty large pockets and they usually had some fancy graphics. In reality, I found that I could access the pockets. If I really had to, it was all by feel as I couldn't see where they were due to my size and mask.

I then moved to a rear inflate - what can I say, I loved it! Best thing since sliced bread. Happily dived a season with it and found that I had no more chest squeeze when inflated, easier to trim with the rear weight pockets and more stream lined - no clutter in front and easily rigged to clip my catch bag. It had pockets that I still could not see, but could use, again by feel.

Then I made the mistake of chatting to Chriso about a set of decent regs. When I went over to pick them up, he conveniently had a BP/W in the corner ready to go. He offered the try dive and since then I have not returned it.

I did a few try dives with it, on the first I struggled! I was way over weighted! With a regular and rear inflate, I used 18lbs of weight, so with the 6lb back plate, I put 12lbs into the pockets, rolled back and sank like a stone. The BP/W config is less buoyant, so that means you can drop some weights, that was the first big plus - less unnecessary weight to lug around.

The harness lent itself to customization. I could put a D ring where ever I wanted. My D rings are exactly where my hand will be when folded across my chest. No stretch, no struggle to locate them - every time I reach for something I 'd attached to it, it's was there, exactly where it should be.

I have a couple of D rings on the waist belt as well - one for a spare clip and the other for a thigh pouch, again, they are placed where my hand naturally drops. The pouch lets me have pocket that I can actually see, so when it comes to taking something out or putting a couple of item in, I can visually confirm what I am doing and the task just becomes faster. The trim is much better and I feel that the whole setup moves along underwater with less resistance.

Would I go back to a jacket or rear inflate? No - not unless I had no choice.

(Posted on 2/10/10)

Thanks to Chriso for his wonderful service and support on my first purchase.
Bought this rig after much searching and research on various backplate and wing combinations.

Chriso was a great help in making sure the gear was correct and everything was put together. First dive and I fell like love with my backplate and wing, perfect trim and just the right amount of lift.

Thanks again Chriso
Regards
Anthony (Posted on 27/01/10)

SOLD is my crap jacket BCD !!

Thanks Chriso I love my new Zeagle BP&W. Never will I dive a bulky uncomfortable jacket ever again.

The Zeagle BP&W is so comfortable to dive I hardly know I am wearing it, a totally different and free feeling to the rubbish jacket style BCD I bought 12 months ago on the advice of my LDS.

Thanks again for your great service and tops price.

John (Posted on 21/11/09)

The Zeagle Standard Back Plate and 35 LB Wing setup is designed to improve trim, weight and air distribution on dives with a minimalist and sleek aesthetic . Thanks to Chriso I had the privilege of taking this out on a few dives to try out and I have to say I really had my expectations exceeded.

Gone are the bulky fabric wrap around straps/ large pockets and bulky integrated weight systems leaving one not only more hydrodynamic in the water as you are now more negative; bouyancy does take on another dimension. Particularly the distribution of air through the back wings rather than side bladder as per traditional BCDs improves gliding through the water with minimum effort.

Weight is also set in the s/steel backplate which means less to use (I easily dropped 4kg). The power infator works exceptionally well with air dumps, and there are 2 additional dump valves on the bladder which are of easy access.

The main drawcard is that the setup is completey modular non unlike a component stereo system and you can set it up which ever way you like it, with a choice of many add on accesories, different plates and bladders for various diving types, including technical/ two tank diving. And for travel all I have to do is switch to a light ally plate. The overall quality of the product is outstanding - I am thoroughly sold on this one and as a result have decided to convert to the other side.
(Posted on 21/11/09)

I finally accepted Chris's invitation to try dive a set of Zeagle gear and I must say that I am very impressed. The gear took a bit of adjusting to setup just right, but it now fits like a glove. Ended up with the whole lot, B/P wing, weight system and reg, including the new Octo Z.

Chris is very easy to work with and is willing to let you try different items till you find the right match for your personal preferences.

Great service and great prices too. Highly recommended!

Alfred (Posted on 20/11/09)

Thanks Chris and DiveTub !

I now have 15 dives on my BP&W and simply love it, coming from a Pro QD BCD that never felt right, I never knew diving could be so free and easy.
If anyone wants it the Pro QD is now on Ebay!! After diving my new BP&W I will never wear a jacket BCD again.

Thanks again for the tops service and the great price, I will be back for new regs over summer.

Pete (Posted on 17/11/09)