BC for PSD ? ERDI and DR1?

[seductiveconcepts]

My team is using the Genesis Cobra BC's We have been using them for years and have never had problems with them. They are a jacket style BC and at one point started to offer weight integration, but have recinded back into non-weight integrated... In my professional opinion (read opinion) I would stay away from the weight integration and stick with a traditional weight belt. For the reason that if u need to take ur rig off for any reason (push thru, gear correction, anything really) you will maintain your position on the bottom easier, especially in a drysuit or thick wetsuit. I like the jacket style bc's for public safety diving because they traditionally position you in a better position when on the surface. Which in the majority of the operation is where you will most likely be, awaiting sonar scans or rescans, positioned as a safety diver, in water tender...etc Also for our team background all of our divers are PSD, DR1-Specialist at a mininmum and we primarily dive quarrys, ponds, lakes, creeks, and rivers mostly in zero viz situations.

 

[40Niner]

I have been reading the replies and greatly appreciate your time and info.I will continue to ck back for other posts.

Thanks again!!!
40Niner

 

[Kirby Pollard]

I am very interested in anyone with experience with the Variable Manta, we have 12 members of varying size XL to SM and have 4 BCs that are quite elderly. I personally prefer a backplate and wing, dual steel 100 tanks and a slung AL 40, kind of a mini sub. I don't believe in trusting my dive buddy and his aluminum 80 to save me when its in the fan. Which backplate harness wing assembly do you use? My diverite rig doesn't get along well with a single tank, even with the adaptor.

Kirby

 

[tc]

Backplates- Doesn't matter as long as the weigt of them is suitable for you needs- SS is usually 6 pounds, aluminum is a couple. Make sure they have slots for cam bands unless you want to buy seperate single tank adaptors.

Harness- Most of us are using the single strap DIR type harness, simple, reliable, (cheap).

Wings- lots of different ones, I'm using a deep outdoors at the moment but also have a Diverite and a Halcyon. Deep Sea Supply wings are pretty common on our team as well. Some of the wings are better designed for single tanks than others.

I'm not familiar with the variable Manta- I've got one of the military Manta's that I've had since 1990, don't often use it anymore but it still works just fine. Seatec is about ten miles from my office, they do good work.

 

[mckenziediver]

Take a look at the Hollis Commercial Divisions new products for public safety diving, water rescue and military divers at hollisgear.com

The new PU coated jacket BC with Miller style harness is excellent for heads-up flotation and lifting ability. It will work in contaminated environments.

The REDS unit for RAPID SCUBA response missions is one of the most inovative new pieces of equipment I have ever worked with. Dave Pollock invented the unit several years ago when he was with UTC Sports. He is now working with Hollis and the REDS is branded by same.

Mark Reese
Hollis Commercial Division
PSDA & Water Rescue

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Our team is all volunteer and I cant convince them to allocate funds to buy matching kit. So on our team we have a little bit of everything but at least 3 of us are in BP/W though I am the only one in a hog harness. most of us use weight harnesses though a couple people have weight integration or standard belts.

Our biggest issue thus far is funding, we have been unable to get much for grant money so all our equipment is supplied by the divers.

However if we had the cash I would do my best to convince the team to switch to BP/W because they are modular, accept double tanks, fit nearly every body style if using a hog harness, are inexpensive compared to some bcd's, and have fewer points to break or go wrong.

 

[Sea-Diver]

BP/W's are a great option for PSD operations. Besides the universal fit feature, there are also multiple configuration options. There are tons of back plate attachment accessories for bail out bottles, batteries (lights), lift bags, signal buoys and reels, et. Bail out bottles can be attached directly to the back plate for a super secure, low profile fit. Pockets are easily attached to hold tools in easy to access locations. They can be reconfigured on the fly if needed. Another advantage is the choice of wing. My recommendation is a wing that is made out of ballistic nylon in the 40 lb lift range.

A BP/W with a ballistic nylon wing will outlast a recreational version BC and will always be a relevant PSD platform. BP/W's are also very cost effective and would be hard to match in durability and longevity.

I supply dive equipment to government agency's and have built numerous BP/W's. My most popular rig is a stainless plate, 40 lb Ranger wing (Ballistic), adjustable harness with removable D rings, rear trim weight pockets, pockets for tools/weights. Complete ready to dive BP/W's are in the $500 range.

Chris

Back Mount Systems