Travel BCD?

[Wheeler925]

Currently dive a Hollis ST Elite BPW with a stainless plate. Looking for something for warm water and easier travel. Any recommendations? Should I just get an aluminum plate and swap that out? What thoughts?

 

[ibj40]

Why change?

We see this question frequently.

Thanks!

 

[Jai Bar]

Currently dive a Hollis ST Elite BPW with a stainless plate. Looking for something for warm water and easier travel. Any recommendations? Should I just get an aluminum plate and swap that out? What thoughts?

An aluminum plate is usually sufficient for warm water, depending on what exposure and tank you will be using, you may need to add some small weights- so good idea to carry 1-2 small detachable pockets for small weights (on cam band, for example), or something similar, just in case.

Not familiar with Hollis ST Elite, but if it is bulky and heavy, for traveling purposes you may consider rigging that aluminum backplate with a simple Hogartian harness, this will be the lightest config you can have for traveling.

Personally, since I travel a lot and also got too lazy, I eventually rigged all my backplates with a simple Hogartian harness so I don't have to transfer them between plates, each has its own ready for diving. I just hate to disassemble all D-rings, retainers, buckle, etc. just to swap the plate.. Hence I have "winter" and "summer/travel" plates with harness ready.

 

[Johnboy70_99]

I have a scubapro litehawk and personally I would stick with a bp/w, just swap to an aluminum plate. I am considering switching to a bp/w myself.

 

[Wheeler925]

An aluminum plate is usually sufficient for warm water, depending on what exposure and tank you will be using, you may need to add some small weights- so good idea to carry 1-2 small detachable pockets for small weights (on cam band, for example), or something similar, just in case.

Not familiar with Hollis ST Elite, but if it is bulky and heavy, for traveling purposes you may consider rigging that aluminum backplate with a simple Hogartian harness, this will be the lightest config you can have for traveling.

Personally, since I travel a lot and also got too lazy, I eventually rigged all my backplates with a simple Hogartian harness so I don't have to transfer them between plates, each has its own ready for diving. I just hate to disassemble all D-rings, retainers, buckle, etc. just to swap the plate.. Hence I have "winter" and "summer/travel" plates with harness ready.

It’s definitely bulky and heavy with weight pockets and trim pockets and all, like I said it’s set up for cold and lots of weight. If I traveled with it I’d take off trim pockets and switch plates at the very least

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Currently dive a Hollis ST Elite BPW with a stainless plate. Looking for something for warm water and easier travel. Any recommendations? Should I just get an aluminum plate and swap that out? What thoughts?

I would look at the Dive Rite Hydro Lite BCD.

Hydro Lite BCD - Dive Rite | Equipment for Serious Divers

The compact Hydro Lite BCD weighs only 6.2 pounds and packs up easily thanks to a soft backplate, making it the perfect system for travel. This streamlined air cell with thirty pounds of lift is ideal for a diver, tank, and weights. A mountaineering backpack-style harness keeps the rig stable...

diverite.com

If you want to stick with a BP/W, my travel BCD is a Sub Gravity aluminum BP, 26 lb wing, adjustable harness and drop down small weight pockets. Paragon Single Tank Package - SubGravity

 

[Matt B]

I love my Dive Rite Hydro Lite, about 20 dives on it now, packs down really well for traveling.

 

[dmaziuk]

It’s definitely bulky and heavy with weight pockets and trim pockets and all, like I said it’s set up for cold and lots of weight. If I traveled with it I’d take off trim pockets and switch plates at the very least

I dive Eric's plate and camband trim pockets, but we do check bags so luggage weight isn't that much of a concern. You have to remember that alumin(i)um only saves you about 30% in dry weight at the cost of needing twice the lead and somewhere to put it.

 

[Umuntu]

1. A soft backplate

Apeks Ultralight / Dolphin Tech / Mares XR

2. Mares XR Heavy Light harness with aluminium D-Rings and sliders

https://www.mares.com/en/harness-heavy-light-complete

3. 18lb Wing: Any 18lb wing

4. 2 cam bands with trim pockets

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Zeagle Covert BCD

The Zeagle Covert is an ultra-light, low profile, weight integrated back inflation BC that has everything you demand in a travel BC without the weight and bulk. Traveling light doesn't mean you should...

www.scuba.com