I just started sidemounting recently after seeing my buddies switch and talk about how much easier it is to get ready for a dive. Seeing it first hand and trying there setup before I went out and bought new gear is something to consider. Yes there is that "cool factor" but not only having the easy entry but more control in the water is why I switched. What I did do was find a BCD that had the capacity to both back mount and sidemount when need be. There is no comparison between the two and will gladly sidemount every dive.