Which BP/W or Streamlined BCD

[SharpDog]

I am looking to a BP/W system not only for streamlining but to reduce excess material , weight and complexity.I am looking at BP/W setups from several manufacturers. I can see similar packages from different manufacturers vary by as much as 75% ($400 to $700). I am thinking the quality / features are not so different as to justify the price difference.

I would like a fairly streamlined package 30# to 35# lift with a functional and durable harness, easily ditchable weight system and durable wing (E.G double bladder, extra thick material, etc.) .

I am looking to a BP/W system not only for streamlining but to reduce excess material , weight and complexity. I am also including a few sample streamlined BC's in the poll for comparison. Please comment on the comparison between a streamlined BC and a BP/W setup.

Bungied or not bungied ?

Durability and trimable bouyancy are must haves. Only single tank functionality is required but an upgrade path to double tanks would be strongly desired. Extra things like thigh pockets or whatever are nice but not required.

Which system(s) are preferred?

www.deepseasupply.com
Technical SCUBA Diving Equipment for Advanced, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc.
Halcyon: DIR Dive Systems
OMS Technical Dive Equipment http://www.OMSdive.com
www.oxycheq.com
Zeagle Systems - Scuba Diving Equipment Manufacturer

 

[RocketMan]

Check out this @ Dive Sports in Decatur.

 

[Netsloth]

I am looking to a BP/W system not only for streamlining but to reduce excess material , weight and complexity.I am looking at BP/W setups from several manufacturers. I can see similar packages from different manufacturers vary by as much as 75% ($400 to $700). I am thinking the quality / features are not so different as to justify the price difference.

I would like a fairly streamlined package 30# to 35# lift with a functional and durable harness, easily ditchable weight system and durable wing (E.G double bladder, extra thick material, etc.) .

I am looking to a BP/W system not only for streamlining but to reduce excess material , weight and complexity. I am also including a few sample streamlined BC's in the poll for comparison. Please comment on the comparison between a streamlined BC and a BP/W setup.

Bungied or not bungied ?

Durability and trimable bouyancy are must haves. Only single tank functionality is required but an upgrade path to double tanks would be strongly desired. Extra things like thigh pockets or whatever are nice but not required.

Which system(s) are preferred?

www.deepseasupply.com
Technical SCUBA Diving Equipment for Advanced, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc.
Halcyon: DIR Dive Systems
OMS Technical Dive Equipment http://www.OMSdive.com
www.oxycheq.com
Zeagle Systems - Scuba Diving Equipment Manufacturer

My suggestion is to call Tobin at Deep Sea Supply. You may find that you do not need as much lift as you think. I ended up with a completely different rig than I set out to buy, and thanks to Tobin, it was EXACTLY what I needed.

I couldn't be swayed from buying weight plates, though, even though he tried to tell me I wouldn't need them...of course, I didn't. 4# on a weight belt along with the SS plate is perfect in a 3mm wetsuit.

It's like he's psychic.

 

[Ben_ca]

Halcyon or DSS... You can' go wrong with either one.... Tobin is also very approachable and doesn't mind chatting on the phone....

Before making your purchase though try to roadmap out your diving goals... It you want to get into doubles/deco/tech/cave ect look at what they are diving, the reasons behind their choices and ask them for advice.

 

[Aeropl]

I am also looking for the same setup. The Dive-sports doesn't list the brand of backplate or wing that they are using and it comes out to $479 with the tank bands. I am looking at a Golem setup which has very good reviews on these boards. Right now it looks like its on sale for $390 including tank bands and a harness knife.

 

[RJP]

I have an OxyCheq Mach V 30# wing, and can't imagine anything much more streamlined. Whatever plate you mount it on doesn’t much matter in terms of streamlining. I have/had it on a DR SS plate,and the wing only sticks out about 1” beyond the side of the plate on either side.

Combine that with a one-piece Hog harness, and this rig is as clean as you can get.

 

[wjknobles]

the new OMS BP's are great

now of only they would have more donut wings....

 

[evil_xander]

I'd go DSS route for the quality, package value and customer service (and I did go that route, have one singles rig), or perhaps Oxycheq if going solely for a wing, Mach V looks really nice.

You can check several photos of my DSS setup here, here and here.

 

[Lone Frogman]

I have an OxyCheq Mach V 30# wing, and can't imagine anything much more streamlined. Whatever plate you mount it on doesn’t much matter in terms of streamlining. I have/had it on a DR SS plate,and the wing only sticks out about 1” beyond the side of the plate on either side.

Combine that with a one-piece Hog harness, and this rig is as clean as you can get.

I'm using the Mach V wing with DR back plate. It is very streamline, very good as a unit.

 

[Dive Rite]

Hello everyone,

Hope you don't mind a manufacturer jumping in the discussion. Just thought I would add a few points that might be helpful to your purchase decision. Of the brands listed in the poll, there are three that we would select based on quality, function and long-term durability. It wouldn't be prudent for us to say, which three...obviously one of the brands is Dive Rite.

When evaluating dive gear, the first thing many of us divers do (including myself) is look at price. Okay, that's fair. You gotta know if this investment is even in your ballpark. But once you've made that decision, leave price out of the equation until you have evaluated other features. I cannot tell you how many BP/Harness and Wings I bought that were WRONG for what I needed to do, until I found what worked for ME (they key here is what works for YOU...not someone else).

First, if you are looking at eventually getting into tech diving, start doing business with a tech diving brand. It just makes sense to establish a relationship with a company(s) who do this for a living. They dive their own gear and it keeps them safe for the rigors of tech diving. A non-tech company will not be able to give you accurate tech diving advice.

Second, evaluate your body shape, diving style and long-term goals. Are you short or tall? Broad or thin? No one ever tells you this, but that makes a tremendous different to your attitude and buoyancy in the water. The wrong wing on a tall/short person can mean agony and disappointment in trying to trim out in the water. Also, the wrong combination of tank(s) to wing and body size can also mean disaster.

Next, look at the wing shape. Is it round or long, thick or narrow? What type of drag will you experience? Is the wing getting its lift from its width and length or is it narrow and compact (meaning less drag and less movement of the air inside the wing for you to control). What tank(s) will you mainly dive? Unfortunately, there is not a one-size fits all wing that works great for both singles and doubles. Yes, there are wings that will work for both a single tank and doubles, but it is either IDEAL for one or the other set-ups. It will not be ideal for both.

Finally, look at materials. If you don't understand the materials used, call the manufacturer or do some google research. Will the bladder de-laminate over time? Is it medical grade, meaning it will avoid growing kooties? Almost all tech wings are made of some type of ballistic nylon...so yes, you can shoot it with a gun or run them over with a truck and they won't get hurt (that is what ballistic nylon is intended for originally...military usage). So the outer bag is usually not as big a comparison material-wise.

Oh, and don't forget to think about the exhaust hose length and attachment point. Do you need 12 inch, 16 inch or 22 inch? Elbow or pull dump? If you don't know, then ask the manufacturer.

Once you have determined which of these wings will work for YOU, then take a look at price, service and those good things.

Final word: get advice from a knowledgable expert. Call a dealer and call a manufacturer. Compare their answers and see if you are getting consistent advice. Lots of folks will tell you what works for THEM, not what works for YOU.

Any questions give us a PM or a call. We will share our knowledge and let you decide from there. Have fun with your decision process and enjoy the dive!

Best,
Kathleen
386-752-1087