They're all pretty much the same. Depending on how much weight you need, consider Alu vs Stainless. Alu is about 2lbs negative and stainless is about 6lbs negative. Most jacket BCD's are a couple pounds positive. As far as which harness to get, remember to get the MOST SIMPLE HARNESS AVAILABLE. That was a recommendation given to me when I was buying my first BPW. I ignored it because I wanted the "comfy/padded" one. Poor decision. Go fully hogarthian. As far as wing, with mildly proper weighting all you'll need is 10lbs-15lbs of lift. This link shows a GREAT deal on a BPW...probably the best I've seen. $300 is a great deal on a great setup. Alu, Hog harness, basic setup, Dive Rite wing.....all great signs. However, call around for other options. Jim Lapenta is worth contacting.
sorry if i dont respond too often, Im not on the computer much ever.
Checked out dive gear express and I think theyre actually local to me in florida, I like that they have the option of buying a package so that I dont get confused. I was curious about piecing things together but I think ill avoid that for now until I get my hands on my first setup and get used to it.
Any of you guys using them recommend any particular pouches to add to them besides weight pouches? I plan on picking up a glue-on thigh pouch for my wetsuit when i get a new one to hold my light/shears etc but need to be able to hold my liftbag, SMBs and reel. I dive a seaquest/aqualung balance right now and I hate the single accessory pocket setup on it for carrying SMBs and my reel, Prefer to have everything stowed away where it wont snag on reef or wrecks or shooting lines from my guns if I roll a big fish.
Looks like dive gear express is a close drive, I may call them when im ready to buy a setup and go up there and see this stuff in person, I need to visually see it all put together and probably try it on. I had an opportunity to get a fully rigged transpac with single tank adapter, and an aluminum backplate that was brand new for less then 400 dollars at a shop I used to work at but apparently Im not welcome in there anymore.... :depressed: