Help deciding between brands backplate/wing

[scubapr1705]

I am trying to decide in my first backplate/wing.

Currently have a Hollis Katana 2 which I love for both single and double sidemount, but want to get a single backmount BC that stays in budget ($500 top) and that I can easily carry around divesites and possibly travel with it.

My dives will be in the Caribbean, salt water and I currently use 4 pounds of weight when single sidemounting.

Also, should I get an aluminum or steel plate?

 

[runsongas]

you can go either way with the plate whether you prefer to save a few pounds on luggage or save a few pounds on a belt/trim pocket weights.

 

[Bowers]

I voted hog because thats what i have and am happy with it. Id imagine the other options are fine too since a bp/w is pretty straight forward (hog wing does not need sta, not sure about that on the others) As for the weight, the 2 lbs aluminum plate plus a couple lbs of lead in the weight pockets would be best imho. A ss plate would have you a couple lbs heavy even with no additional lead.

 

[Bob DBF]

Have you looked into a Freedom Plate?

Here are links to threads about it on Scubaboard:
https://www.scubaboard.com/community/search/59996373/?q=Freedom+plate&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

[Hppyfam]

Far as just wanting a BP/W I'd vote for the DGX. The lower cost is a huge part of that. I would simply get the DGX and add the trim pockets with alu backplate and call it a day for under $400


I have been looking how to order one since I'd seen them months ago... how does one order one?!

Have you looked into a Freedom Plate?

Here are links to threads about it on Scubaboard:
https://www.scubaboard.com/community/search/59996373/?q=Freedom+plate&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

The nice part for the Deep 6 wing is how quickly it dries.

 

[DBPacific]

I have the DGX and love it. Served me well even for weeks of multiple dives in cold water, and I really like that DGX has so many spare parts for back-ups or replacements, and it's very affordable. The other bonus was that the DGX was much plainer and seemed very easy to tailor to myself and how I wanted the webbing and D-rings set up.

I don't have any experience with Hog but have heard good things. I almost got the Deep6 bpw but ended up not due to budget.

If you're planning on air travel with it, I would go for an aluminum plate. A steel plate could be nice (I know I prefer them for cold water to get weight out of my pockets), but you're diving warm water and probably won't need too much weight. It's a lot easier to add weight than take it off, especially if it's built in

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

If you're planning on air travel with it, I would go for an aluminum plate. A steel plate could be nice (I know I prefer them for cold water to get weight out of my pockets), but you're diving warm water and probably won't need too much weight. It's a lot easier to add weight than take it off, especially if it's built in

For diving in a 5 mil, I prefer SS as then I need to add less weight with an AL80.

 

[Zef]

DGX
Pro: good quality, wing shape, price, good customer service.
Con: none

HOG
Pro: good quality, good customer service
Con: wing shape is a little wider than competitor brand for same amount of lift.

Deep 6
Pro: good quality, good customer service, wing shape.
Con: Availability tends to be hit ot miss.

-Z

 

[rhwestfall]

DGX/steel