The best deal I have seen for a Dive Rite package is the weekend special from Dolphin Scuba on Amazon. It is $349 less 10% with a steel plate and STA included in the price. Shipping is reasonable, less than $20 I think.
The selection of a BP/W is not rocket science. For most single tank diving a steel plate is best. If using heavy steel tanks, diving doubles, or travel a lot an aluminium is usually used. If you are diving in warm or moderate temperatures a wing size of 20 - 30 lbs are usually used. If diving in moderate to cold then 30 to 40 lbs.
As far as fit goes if you are normal size then a normal backplate with work (I think DSS terms this a medium) if you are very tall or small then you need a different backplate and DSS is probably a better choice.
People talk about how good DSS's customer service is but I have no idea what they base it on. I had a less than satisfactory experience with their customer service on a wing repair which I don't want to get into. I suspect there may be some cheerleading going on.
People also talk about increased drag with a larger wing but how is this measured and quantified? From what I see it is not, all the evidence is from subjective opinions divers. The added inch or two of width and length of a wing going from a 20 lb to a 30 lb is not noticeable.
Personally, I would not worry too much about the BP/W decision. DSS, Dive Rite, Hog, Hollis, Oxycheq, Halcyon, Zeagle, etc. all make good gear. I don't think you can go wrong.
---------- Post added June 21st, 2013 at 08:10 AM ----------
I'd go the DSS because
a) Tobin has shown his customer service to be unbelievable good
b) the way the DSS wing tank wings attach over the cam straps is freaking genius
c) you know that Tobin will work with you to get the right setup
The other thing that is nice with DSS wings is that they are flexible which means they pack small. I am not sure if Dive Rite wings are flexible.
