Looking for BP/W - HTS 2, HTS Elite, OMS, or...

[halocline]

It almost sounds like you should get advice on the set up from your LDS and then just do the opposite of what they recommend. Don't get padded harness, don't get a wing with 'internal retraction' whatever new gizmo that is, and don't get OMS stuff (their customer service is truly horrible and they manage to screw up the design of almost everything they make).

Just get the following:
1. A backplate, steel or AL, depending on your ballast needs.
2. An appropriately sized wing; for warm water, 30 lbs is almost certainly plenty of lift
3. A webbing harness kit that has 4 (or 5) D-rings, a buckle, keepers, and 12ft or so of stiff webbing, plus a few feet of softer webbing for a crotch strap
4. 2 cambands
5. Optional, some vey simple camband pockets (like XS scuba) for weights on the bands and on the waist belt. This might be good if you're using a steel plate (or AL plate w/steel tank) and just need a few more pounds. Otherwise, you can use a weight belt.


The simplicity of the hogarthian BP/W set up is one of it's best characteristics. Some dive shops and recreational gear companies can't seem to stand this and try to add on anything they can possibly think of to sell it.

 

[rsingleton]

Sounds like you are figuring it out, if you don't want to make your own harness something like the Hollis solo is a good alternative, But I agree with the previous poster, the solo is expensive considering you could put that together yourself for a fraction of the cost.

For travel I would start with an aluminum plate. I Use a single tank adapter only because I makes going between singles and doubles a little easier, but if you are only diving singles now just weave the cam bands through your back plate.

Difference between Aluminum and SS BP is about 4 lbs roughly. These also seem small enough to back in carry on bag, so weight limits on check bags wouldn't be an issue. So would you still recommend an alum. for travel even if check baggage isn't a big deal.

---------- Post added October 28th, 2013 at 08:08 AM ----------

OP, a few things. It is difficult for us to size your wing without you telling us how much weight you use, but for warm water diving in a shorty a 25 lb should be enough lift. However, you may want to double-check using the lift calculator in this forum. You will need another wing for doubles you cannot use the same wing. As far as wings go some are more flexible than others which helps with packing for example the Halcyon, DSS, Apeks, and the Zeagle Express Tech would pack better than an Oxycheq, Hollis S-series and HOG. I am not sure how flexible the Hollis LX series is. Another brand that has good price to performance is Dive Rite. I would shy away from OMS as they are not very popular.

You can buy a plate and put on a Dive Rite "Deluxe Harness" which costs $40 and has the quick release. If you decide you want a 1 piece harness you can buy the webbing for $15 and reuse the hardware so you are only out about $25.

Thanks. I tried tied the lift calculator, but was kind confused by it. I typically dive 12 lbs weight with a full 3mm and Alum 80 tank in salt water. 10 lbs is about right for 3mm shorty.

I've dove in full 7mm in fresh water few times and had 14 lbs on. Prob could have got away with 12.

I think I just came to conclusion that 25# probably isn't enough for me. Being a Rescue Diver as well, as someone pointed out, I want to be sure I also have enough lift if I need to help someone else out and who may have malfunctioning BCD. No to mention, i'll upgrade to a new camera rig next year. Right now, I just use handheld. But once I start using strobes and such, probably need more lift.

So then the decision is 32# enough, or i'm stuck with 38# if I decide for Hollis LX.

 

[ams511]

don't get a wing with 'internal retraction' whatever new gizmo that is,

Halo the retraction bands are supposed to be removable so if he does not like them he can remove them.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

32 is plenty of lift for single tanks of any size. I use it with LP95's. I have a 38 lb wing. It's for my double 72's or double al80's.

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[ams511]

32 is plenty of lift for single tanks of any size.

What about those crazy Heiser tanks?

Good deal on a HOG setup.

 

[victorzamora]

Difference between Aluminum and SS BP is about 4 lbs roughly. These also seem small enough to back in carry on bag, so weight limits on check bags wouldn't be an issue. So would you still recommend an alum. for travel even if check baggage isn't a big deal.

---------- Post added October 28th, 2013 at 08:08 AM ----------



Thanks. I tried tied the lift calculator, but was kind confused by it. I typically dive 12 lbs weight with a full 3mm and Alum 80 tank in salt water. 10 lbs is about right for 3mm shorty.

I've dove in full 7mm in fresh water few times and had 14 lbs on. Prob could have got away with 12.

I think I just came to conclusion that 25# probably isn't enough for me. Being a Rescue Diver as well, as someone pointed out, I want to be sure I also have enough lift if I need to help someone else out and who may have malfunctioning BCD. No to mention, i'll upgrade to a new camera rig next year. Right now, I just use handheld. But once I start using strobes and such, probably need more lift.

So then the decision is 32# enough, or i'm stuck with 38# if I decide for Hollis LX.

I like alu plates unless you KNOW you'll always need the weight.

As for the retraction bands, I don't think they should be the deciding factor in either direction.

The for 32#of lift. ... that should be fine. The 38# wing is practically the same size. Those are very equivalent wings. The choice is up to you.

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[divad]

A single piece of webbing is the only infinitely adjustable harness (limited only by its length).

What do "internal retractors" do that water pressure can't do?

 

[halocline]

What do "internal retractors" do that water pressure can't do?

They can sound like a good idea when described by a salesman in a dive shop. Can't charge extra for water pressure!

 

[PaloPinto]

32 is plenty of lift for single tanks of any size.

I second this!

 

[bbarnett51]

Basic harness is the way to go IMO.