Choosing the Right Gear: Vest vs. Backplate and Wing

by Team Hydro

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Vest vs Backplate and Wing

You have probably noticed that most divers use one of two main types of BCDs: the traditional jacket-style vest or the backplate and wing system. Both have their perks, but if you are after top-notch performance and flexibility, the backplate and wing setup is hard to beat. When it comes to scuba diving, your buoyancy control device (BCD) is one of the most important pieces of gear you will rely on underwater. Buoyancy control is the most crucial skill for any diver to master, as it affects every aspect of your dive—from maintaining proper trim and avoiding accidental contact with delicate marine life to conserving energy and air. 

Let us break down the pros of each and help you decide whether the vest or backplate and wing is the right choice for you. 

The Vest: Comfort, Simplicity, and Storage

The jacket-style vest BCD is what most divers start with, and it is easy to see why. Here is what makes it so appealing.

Comfort and Fit

Vest BCDs are designed to be snug, with padding that makes them feel comfortable on your shoulders and back. They come in different sizes, so finding one that fits well is usually straightforward, which is why they are popular in rental fleets.

Integrated Weight System

Many vest BCDs have weight pockets built right in, which makes managing your weights simple and hassle-free. There is no need to worry about a separate weight belt, and it is easy to ditch weights if you need to.

Pockets for Storage

One of the major advantages of vest BCDs is the additional storage they offer. With multiple pockets, divers have convenient spaces to store small items like slates, dive lights, and safety sausages. This extra storage can be very handy during a dive.

Ease of Use

Vests are pretty intuitive, with everything you need within arm’s reach. This makes them a solid choice for beginners who are getting the hang of things.

Two divers submersed in blue water diving near pinnacles.

The Backplate and Wing: Performance, Versatility, and Enhanced Buoyancy Control

The vest BCD is a solid option, but the backplate and wing system offers some serious advantages. Especially for the type of divers that want to fine-tune their experience.

Streamlined Profile

The backplate and wing setup is more streamlined, which means less drag in the water. This makes it easier to move efficiently, saving energy and air.

Customizability

Unlike a vest, you can customize a backplate and wing system to your liking. You can choose different wing sizes, backplate materials, and harness styles to match whatever kind of diving you are into, from recreational to technical.

Balanced Weight Distribution

The backplate (usually metal) helps spread the weight evenly across your back, which improves your trim and reduces strain on your lower back. This makes longer dives much more comfortable.

Donut Bladder for Uniform Buoyancy

One standout feature of many backplate and wing systems, including the XDEEP ZEOS, is the donut-shaped bladder. This design allows air to move freely within the bladder, creating a uniform bubble that enhances stability and makes buoyancy control more predictable and precise.

Built to Last

Backplate and wing systems are rugged and built to handle tough conditions. The materials—stainless steel, aluminum, and durable nylon—are designed to last, giving you gear that is reliable dive after dive.

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Backplate and wings sitting on the boat.

Why We Chose to Provide Our Students and Customers with Backplate and Wings over vests

While the vest BCD has its place, we believe the backplate and wing system offers a level of control, customizability, and performance that is simply unmatched. For us, buoyancy control is the most important skill to master in diving, and the XDEEP ZEOS backplate and wing system gives our students the best possible tool to achieve that mastery.

Known for its streamlined design and rock-solid stability in the water, the ZEOS is top tier. Its wing-style bladder provides uniform buoyancy by allowing air to circulate evenly, making it easy to maintain perfect trim without much effort. This is key for staying safe and conserving energy, especially on longer or more challenging dives.

Made from high-quality stainless steel or aluminum, the backplate helps distribute weight evenly and reduces strain on your back. This makes it ideal for our students, who can focus on learning and improving without being distracted by uncomfortable gear. Plus, the XDEEP system’s modular design allows divers to adjust it to fit various body types.

How does this affect new divers?

Being one of the few shops on the island offering courses in wings, we have experience teaching both vest BCDs and backplate/wing systems. We consistently observe that students using the backplate and wing, show significant improvements in buoyancy control. Students often demonstrate this improvement even in the early stages of their training. This enhancement becomes particularly noticeable during Open Water 20 dives, where maintaining stability and proper trim is essential. The backplate and wing system helps our students develop these vital skills earlier and more effectively.

As our students advance into more specialized areas like sidemount, technical or cave diving, the XDEEP wings really shine. Their durability and customizability make it the go-to choice for divers who want gear they can rely on. We equip our students and customers with the XDEEP system to set them up for success. Whether they are just starting out or pushing the limits underwater, they are well-prepared.

Instructor in the pool in neutral buoyancy.

Final Thoughts: Vest VS Backplate and Wing

Choosing between a vest BCD and a backplate and wing system comes down to what you are looking for in your diving experience. If you value comfort, simplicity, and the convenience of extra storage, a vest BCD is a solid pick. But if you want gear that grows with you, enhances your buoyancy control, and offers superior performance, the backplate and wing is the way to go. As always, the most important thing is that your gear fits well and meets your needs, so you can dive safely and enjoy every moment underwater.

If you are on the island and interested in purchasing a backplate and wing system, we would be happy to assist you. We work closely with Dive.Ventures, the trusted provider of all our gear. We can take you to their shop, where you can explore their selection and get expert advice to find the perfect setup for your diving needs.

***Disclaimer*** This post is not sponsored by XDEEP, nor do we receive any financial benefit from links in this article. Our goal is to share our genuine insights and experience to help divers make informed choices.

Diver walking from the water back to the shop.

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Why Choose Hydronauts?​

RAID Instructors​

Our experienced instructors are hand-picked, highly trained, and passionate about scuba diving. We tailor each course and dive to your unique needs.

Beachfront Diving Resort​

Southwestern-facing property including a dive shop, hotel, training pool, cafe & restaurant, dive boat, and beach bar. We offer diving & accommodation packages for every budget.

Guaranteed Small Groups

We guarantee small groups of no more than four students to an instructor or dive guide so that you get the individual attention you deserve.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

We choose to dive and teach in Backplate & Wing BCD with a Long-hose, Short-hose regulator configuration favored by technical divers.

Dive Anywhere in the World

Upon completion of your RAID scuba diving course, you will be issued with an e-certification card that recognizes you as an internationally certified scuba diver.

Low Carbon Footprint

We make every effort to reduce our footprint and use of paper and plastic. All our course materials are hosted online giving you access for life.

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