Deep six, new wing has some nice features

[rongoodman]

Is it possible to add padding to the backplate?

Why?

 

[jay040]

Why?

Cushion/comfort. I’ve only rented bp/w, but they’ve had a pad on the backplate for comfort. I’ve seen it in scubapro, Hollis, other brands. One guy I talked with in a dive boat had a Hog system, and said he wished it had a pad. I think if I buy one, I’d like pad for comfort.

 

[kdlv]

I've never felt the need to pad the backplate. You don't feel it at all. And I am not fat by any means. Besides I often dive only in rashguard, therefore not leveraging the cushioning effect of 3/5mm neoprene.
The only thing you may like (arguably) is some padding on the shoulders if you dive steel tanks and put the weights on the wing setup, instead of belts. If you dive alu with weightbelt, there is no need. And you can always retrofit shoulder pads if you find the real need. to do so. Less is more, even with the recreational setup

 

[LandonL]

Is it possible to add padding to the backplate?

Possible, but unnecessary. Any of the standard pads should fit.

We just don’t make one as it isn’t really needed.

 

[jay040]

Possible, but unnecessary. Any of the standard pads should fit.

We just don’t make one as it isn’t really needed.

Hi, Just to make sure I'm understanding. In this image off your site -

- I assume you're saying that angles of the backplate mean the wing-nut doesn't make contact with the diver's back?

 

[Wants2divemore]

Hi, Just to make sure I'm understanding. In this image off your site -

- I assume you're saying that angles of the backplate mean the wing-nut doesn't make contact with the diver's back?

That is correct. The wing nuts are recessed in the center channel so they don't stick out. I've never felt the wing nuts against my back (in a rash guard, 3 mil wetsuit, 7mil wetsuit, or dry suit).

 

[jay040]

That is correct. The wing nuts are recessed in the center channel so they don't stick out. I've never felt the wing nuts against my back (in a rash guard, 3 mil wetsuit, 7mil wetsuit, or dry suit).

Thanks, I assumed, just wanted to make sure.

 

[NaCl H2O]

FWIW, I thought the same thing when I first looked at BPW systems.
On paper, it just didn't look friendly at all.
Started diving in horse collars, talking about uncomfortable, have tried just about every type of rig.
No back pad, no shoulder pads on any of my BPW's and they are hands down the most comfortable system available, in and out of the water. The orange one is my new favorite...

 

[OTF]

@LandonL could you share a little bit about what sets these apart from other wings, specifically any differences in manufacturing choices and quality control compared to competing offerings? Where are they manufactured? What material or process specifics differentiate them from the super cheap wings sold on AliExpress (and now Piranha)? How about the very similar narrow wing from DGX that is 20% less expensive, or the Apeks that is 20% more expensive? Are there actual differences in material sourcing or critical processes like how the inner bladder is welded, stitching, quality control, etc between cheap and expensive wings? Are all power inflators and dump valves esentially the same or does the quality vary?

I don't mean for this to come off as an aggressive grilling, more an opportunity to educate and advertise. I'm genuinely curious how these outwardly similar, relatively simple, safety-critical products compare in manufacturing quality, durability, and longevity. For what it's worth I have the Apeks wing and your regs, very happy with both, might be in the market for more wings.