Another BP/W Recommendation

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agmason

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Messages
37
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Location
Austin, TX
# of dives
100 - 199
Apologies for what is a somewhat redundant post. I've done a lot of reading on the forum, but would like some more experienced BP/W user input.

Background and diving:

I'm a vacation/recreation diver, who primarily dives AL80s in the Caribbean for vacation once or twice a year, with an occasional lake dive in Texas for certification, refresh/gear test, etc... I'm 6'2" 200lb, I normally dive with my 3mm wet suit in Caribbean or Texas.

BCD Info:

I'm replacing a 2010 scubapro seahawk with cracked dump valves. The seahawk does not seem repairable as the valves are integral to the bladder, which lead me to the the modifiable, swappable, and repairable BP/W setup. Based on my reading it seems like the consensus value options are DGX, Hog, or Deep6 (now that DSS is gone).

I'm leaning toward the DGX https://www.divegearexpress.com/dgx-custom-dgx-singles-harness-backplate-wing-package with a SS backplate. Pros to me of this setup: SS backplate helps with weight and balance; compact streamlined wing offering good lift;

What am I missing for options or considerations? Is there a better value option I should be considering at higher price point?

Was planning to add some DGX trim pouches for additional weight, but was also considering an integrated weight system like the Mares XR weight pouches. Any thoughts opinions on weight integration?

Thanks in advance for the input/opinions!
 
I would get an off brand bp because it's just a piece of bent ss, grab a #22-35 wing, and get some webbing at your LDS to get a good fit. I don't like trim/weight pouches on a bp/w, I'd just use a belt... but the DGX looks pretty good...
 
My dive buddy and I bought the exact DGX bp/w. To this day, I think we’d both agree it’s been the single best investment we made in dive gear. We both went with Aluminum backplate and whilst we experimented with a number of trim weight pockets we both now dive with a weight belt and have ditched pockets. I continue to experiment with custom harnesses, different materials for d rings including plastic, alu, ss and lately titanium. None of my changes have had any real impact on how the original setup dives and mostly I change it to alter weight for travel reasons. I love this BP/W setup. FYI we dive mostly in Texas, but this year I have taken it to both Cozumel and Dominican Republic. 2019 it even had a trip home to New Zealand.
 
The DGX package is the way to go, as well as with the trim weight pockets. It’s good to have at least two trim pockets so you can adjust your trim if necessary. If you’re foot heavy, put them on the top cam band. If you’re head heavy, just wear a weight belt.
 
Thanks for the input gents! I swung by the LDS first a few weeks ago and they were pushing me towards the SP hydro pro, which looks nice, but was a steep on price. I'm hesitant to get into another jacket BCD as my last one was not repairable and bulky.

Why do you like the weight belt option, vs integrated weights? streamline?

I dove Cozumel last month. It was great to finally get out again!
 
Have a look at the Sub Gravity system, yes it's a little more expensive but. You have a lot of options, it comes in 5 wings sizes, 3 different backplates, and either a one piece harness or an adjustable with stainless steel buckles. the package includes a back pad with SMB pocket, and 2 trim pockets. Paragon Single Tank Package - Subgravity You can also get trim pockets for on the backplate. Backplate Trim Weight Pockets (pair) - Subgravity and integrated weights
 
Thanks for the input gents! I swung by the LDS first a few weeks ago and they were pushing me towards the SP hydro pro, which looks nice, but was a steep on price. I'm hesitant to get into another jacket BCD as my last one was not repairable and bulky.

Why do you like the weight belt option, vs integrated weights? streamline?
1. Get the DGX package.
2. Personal choice, no right or wrong. I always dive with weight belt from Day 1.

Question for you: Al or SS plate or whatever material?
 
Thanks for the input gents! I swung by the LDS first a few weeks ago and they were pushing me towards the SP hydro pro, which looks nice, but was a steep on price. I'm hesitant to get into another jacket BCD as my last one was not repairable and bulky.

Why do you like the weight belt option, vs integrated weights? streamline?

I dove Cozumel last month. It was great to finally get out again!
For me personally it’s just easier to use a belt I feel. I’m usually suiting up from either the ground or the edge of a boat. I prefer to put the weight belt on first, then hoist on my back plate. Having all the weight on the plate just makes it heavier to pick up and handle. Also having the weight on the waist band of the plate makes them hang down and heavy, making putting on the belt more difficult. It’s not a big deal, but integrated pockets to me just feel like an answer to a problem that doesn’t exist. Trim weights are a different story on the tank cam bands, but they don’t interfere much.
 
You really can’t beat the DGX package, it’s more lift than needed for warm water but a good compact design so it won’t be doing anything weird. I would get the stainless plate and the trim pockets since you shouldn’t need much additional weight, backplate should handle the tank weight shift which leaves the 3mm buoyancy to compensate for.
 
1. Get the DGX package.
2. Personal choice, no right or wrong. I always dive with weight belt from Day 1.

Question for you: Al or SS plate or whatever material?

I was planning on the SS plate because I'm normally diving 10-12lbs in my old rig. Not so worried about the 2-3 lb extra over AL for travel weight.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix-ai/

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