Advice on best BP/W for flexibility

[Kevin Floyd]

so I’m thinking about making the jump to a BP/W. I have been doing research but have one big question. What’s the best rig for future modifications? Right now I’m a single tank recreational diver working toward my PADI DM, but I can see myself getting into tech or side mount in the future.
I would like a good rig that meets my needs now and allows me to change to twins or side mount and back to single tank if needed when diving with the family.
I’m pretty handy, so using a screw driver and drill doesn’t worry me.

I’m a big guy (6’3” 280lb), I dive pretty heavy (26lbs in a full 7mm lake water and 18lb in warm salt rash guard) so a large rig isn’t an issue for me.

Thanks for the input.

 

[kablooey]

You're gonna get a lot of different opinions on this.
There really isn't an absolutely right or wrong choice.
Mostly personal preference influenced by localized experience.

I think it may depend more on your choice of cylinders.
When I double up my HP100s I use my aluminum plate.
With heavy tanks you just don't need the added non-ditchable weight of a steel plate.
That may not be the case if you double up lighter aluminum cylinders like AL80s.

I use my steel plate with single cylinders just for the added weight.
An aluminum plate works well with a single cylinder, but you just need to find somewhere to stick a couple extra pounds of lead.

An aluminum plate has the advantage for travel.
A couple pounds lighter on the airline's scale.

Some divers will say the steel is more durable.
I've made hundreds of dives on my steel and aluminum plates, and both are holding up equally fine.

IMHO, if you want to own only one plate, I think aluminum is the way to go.

I use a 35# wing for single tank, a 45# wing for doubles, and a 22# for travel.
All single cell donuts.
(Choice of wing is determined by how much lift is needed to keep the weighted rig buoyant on the surface without you in it).
I mix and match to suit the situation.
That's the great advantage of BP/W.

I cut my own webbing.
I keep the rig as simple as possible.
It's not rocket surgery.

K

 

[rongoodman]

Start with a SS plate, single tank wing, and one-piece harness. You might need to add some weight pockets depending on how much weight you need, and where. You'll need a new wing if you get a set of doubles. Hand tools won't be required. Sidemount is a completely different discussion.

 

[decompression]

As mentioned, the flexibility of a BP/W is inherent to its design, modify as you go. For your size I’d suggest a SS plate, use whatever works best as a harness. Wings will be individual, 1 single tank and a doubles wing, avoid the 1 wing to rule them all. However, there is a wing that works very good as a single tank BM and a SM wing, it’s made by both UTD and Manta Industries. I use them in my fleet to minimize the amount of wings I need. Yes you can use a plate for SM, there are pros and cons but it is done and works.

 

[kablooey]

For your size I’d suggest a SS plate.

Why would a diver's size make an SS plate a better choice?

(I'm not disputing this. I'm genuinely curious and hoping to learn something)
Thank you.

 

[Kevin Floyd]

I have been looking at OSM Comfort Harness II with an Aluminum Plate and 32lb mono wing. I think I would add some trim pockets to the cam strap and dive with a weight belt.

 

[decompression]

Why would a diver's size make an SS plate a better choice?

(I'm not disputing this. I'm genuinely curious and hoping to learn something)
Thank you.

No worries, the larger the diver generally the more exposure suit. The more exposure suit the more positive bouyancy. So, even if you were diving warm water in a 3mil suit, the suit is +4, the Al tank is +4 so the -6 lbs plate lets you require a couple of pounds on the belt. Easy peazy.......

 

[rongoodman]

Why do you think you need the Comfort Harness? And with the amount of weight you carry, why an aluminum BP?

 

[Kevin Floyd]

I was thinking the comfort harness because it looked like a good choice and I was thinking aluminum for weight savings on travel

 

[runsongas]

look into a lightweight steel plate also instead of the aluminum if you need to keep luggage weight down