Buying first BC - Preferably Travel BC

[Yuri_RP]

Just chatted with a DGX Representatives, a very helpful and friendly person..
I will probably order the BP/W from DGX with the $299 options + Shoulder Pad..
I believe it does not include a STA as ams511 has pointed out, so I will probably get that..
Upgrade to Stainless Steel only adds $10 but I will not be upgrading since I'm looking for a lightweight plate for travel..
No weight pockets because I think I'll just wear a Weight Belt for now and maybe buy some local Weight Pocket for a cheaper price..

Mask, Snorkel and Fin will be bought locally..
Wetsuit and Regulator is still up for discussion as I still have many questions.. Should I open a new thread on their respective sub-section or should I just discuss it here..?

 

[ams511]

Yuri, because you are getting free shipping I would recommend thinking about what you need and ordering it at the same time. These pockets are inexpensive, not sure of DGX sells them.

 

[Yuri_RP]

That's exactly what I'm planning to buy locally..
XS Scuba Single Weight Pocket (WB101BK) - AlatSelam.com
Well, the one available locally is not a quick release though..
Btw.. Do I really need a STA..? I read that STA is for someone who frequently switch between Single and Twin Tank..?

 

[JohnN]

Btw.. Do I really need a STA..? I read that STA is for someone who frequently switch between Single and Twin Tank..?

Short answer is "it depends". Some wings (e.g. HOG) have built in stabilizers and no STA is required. Some don't. Doubles require a different wing than singles (you need more lift). Its not clear which wing you decided on, if it is the "DR Travel EXP" wing, then my bet would be yes.[h=3][/h]

 

[Yuri_RP]

The wing is the DGX Wing by DiveRite, which is similar of not the same with DR Travel EXP.. The DGX guy said that I won't need an STA.. But I'm still open for suggestions..

 

[jjardin]

I also weigh 105 kg, and i found 30lb is more than enough for warm water.

Guy--the wing size is not really impacted by YOUR weight--it is more about the gear you are carrying that is negative vs. the exposure you are wearing (e.g. a really compressible 7mm farmer john that loses bouyancy at depth). As fat as I am, the extra weight I have to use to get my literal fat ass down is only about 1kg in shorts snorkling. Fat people have a larger surface area, so more exposure suits material than thin people--but you have to look at your net bouyancy to see how much weight you need--and how big a wing you need--and this means really evaluating your setup for the day. I talk about lead because the wing is really there to compensate for shifts in bouyancy throughout the dive--you should be as neutral throughout as possible--but some situations mean you will have swings (e.g. the 7mm farmer john) where you need weight to sink at the surfaced but air to keep you from continuing to sink indefinitely...

I vote for a BP--it is super streamlined, good for fat people (think adjustibility--I am heavier than you and my weight swings are the equivalent of a preschooler). The BP doesn't have all the padding and look good floaty foam that other BCs have--meaning you don't need to counter it with a few lbs of lead.

Also--You don't need a 40lb wing in the tropics (although it will help you float like a cork at the surface). Even with a 3mm and a few pounds of lead to counteract it, you won't be that negative. I have found that my Oxycheq 18lb with my steel bp is perfect. Half the time I dive with no extra weight (the bp/reg/harness are more than enough weight to offset the tank at the end of a dive). In fact I have been thinking that I may need to ditch my sta when I dive in just shorts. No lead = no real need for a big wing flapping around at depth and slowing you down. Super packable for travel. Good thing about a BP--if you decide to go to the cold water--you can pick up a 30 or 40lb wing and use your same BP (although you have to let the webbing out a little depending upon your new exposure suit).

I wish I had bought my BP/18lb wing sooner. (I have a 40lb wing, a doubles wing, etc as well as a "normal" BC). My wife is jealous.

 

[ams511]

The wing is the DGX Wing by DiveRite, which is similar of not the same with DR Travel EXP.. The DGX guy said that I won't need an STA.. But I'm still open for suggestions..

You can attach the tank without the STA but it would likely wobble a bit that is why some wings include a built in STA. Another advantage of an STA is ease of breaking down the rig for cleaning or travel. With a STA the tank straps just route through the STA, to remove the wing you unscrew two wing nuts (I recommend the delrin kind for $3.00). If you are not using an STA then you need to undo the tank straps to remove the wing from the plate. The tank straps go through the wing. If you decide to go with the STA I would get the smaller size for travel.

 

[Yuri_RP]

You can attach the tank without the STA but it would likely wobble a bit that is why some wings include a built in STA. Another advantage of an STA is ease of breaking down the rig for cleaning or travel. With a STA the tank straps just route through the STA, to remove the wing you unscrew two wing nuts (I recommend the delrin kind for $3.00). If you are not using an STA then you need to undo the tank straps to remove the wing from the plate. The tank straps go through the wing. If you decide to go with the STA I would get the smaller size for travel.

Hello, as you can see here from DGX site that there are 3 size of STA, DGX 15 inch and 11 inch, DiveRite 13 inch.. I believe the DGX Wing is the exact same wing as DiveRite Travel EXP.. Does that mean that I should use the 13 inch STA which says "fit squarely on Travel EXP Wing"..? Or will the 15 inch DGX STA fit just fine..? Or will any STA from other brands fit just fine too..?

 

[Tbar]

Hello, as you can see here from DGX site that there are 3 size of STA, DGX 15 inch and 11 inch, DiveRite 13 inch..

Did you read the notes on the page under "Single Tank Mounting with Backplates". Particularly:

"We are often asked if the tank mount would be more stable and secure using the STA, as opposed to threading the cam straps directly through the backplate. We've tested several configurations and discovered that threading the straps through the backplate is at least as stable as when using an STA. Using an STA sets the tank farther away from the backplate and allows the tank to rock slightly by pivoting from side to side on the bolts. Using the straps threaded to through the backplate snugs the tank and wing up very tight against the backplate and does not allow the tank to rock."

If you are not changing between singe and doubles their notes seem clear that a STA is not required and may be less desirable.

Are you sure you have the knowledge and experience to be putting together this BP/W or are you better off getting an off the shelf BCD. Really they do the same job, an if you get a back-inflate BCD they are very similar. I have both and I dive the BCD.

---------- Post added March 4th, 2015 at 08:43 AM ----------

That's exactly what I'm planning to buy locally..
XS Scuba Single Weight Pocket (WB101BK) - AlatSelam.com
Well, the one available locally is not a quick release though..

Do you expect to have to dump weights ever? If so these may not be the best, I expect they are for trim weights.

On my BP/w I have an OMS pocket OMS Compact Quick Dump Weight Pocket (Pair) BCA270

If you consider an off the shelf BCD with integrated weight system quick release pockets are standard.

 

[ams511]

Hello, as you can see here from DGX site that there are 3 size of STA, DGX 15 inch and 11 inch, DiveRite 13 inch.. I believe the DGX Wing is the exact same wing as DiveRite Travel EXP.. Does that mean that I should use the 13 inch STA which says "fit squarely on Travel EXP Wing"..? Or will the 15 inch DGX STA fit just fine..? Or will any STA from other brands fit just fine too..?

Any STA will work, I would just go with the least expensive.