Bcd

[Johanan]

I case you would consider a Deep Sea Supply rig, their website has a complete rig configurator. Tobin (the maker) is great in consulting you about the size of the wing and suchlike. For cold water (buoyant exposure suit) a stainless steel plate and bolt-on weight plates is a good idea. Have a look at the Glide Harness Adapter, too. (If you use the weight plates, you will need the longer bolts for it.) You also might want some weight pockets instead of the standard weight belt. Then you should think about a situation when you take off your rig in the water and hand it to the crew. I found that for this purpose pockets with romovable inner pouches are handy - like these, for example. They allow you to easely remove the weights and hand them over separately. You may need also some rigid D-rings or something to fix the pockets on your waist strap and prevent them from sliding. These are my discoveries about the BP&W so far. Everything together is not exactly cheap, but as the other guys already said, there is a multitude of diffferent brands out there and you may find also a decent used rig for good price. There are often offers "For sale" also here on Scuba Board.

 

[Bellaco]

DSS is great. If you buy from them they include everything you need to get started including all webbing, d rings, cam bands, etc ... they even send a knife w a sheath!

I noticed the mention of using aluminum or plastic backplates for travel. I personally prefer the SS even in warm water diving. The 4# difference in luggage is minimal but makes a huge difference underwater. With a 3MM wetsuit & a steel tank I don't need any extra lead. Makes not using weight belt or trim pockets great.

 

[gypsyjim]

I personally love my SS plate, and have used it for travel for some time, and love the fact that I don't need any more weight at all for warm water diving, than what that 6# the plate offers, but that extra @4# (the way the airlines are today) is weight I do not wish to pack and pay for when I am also packing cameras, etc. I try to keep my check on to under 50#, and one checked bag. That is why I am now putting together a BP/W just for air travel. My personal choice, and except for the weight of the plate this rig will exactly match the one I keep to use for local diving.

I have absolutely no issue with throwing on a 4# weight belt, and in fact I often still place some of my weight on a belt when thicker thermal protection requires additional weight. I have worn a weight belt since my first dives in '70, and I like the simplicity, ditch-ability and feel of the belt.

 

[Bellaco]

Yea I can see how you would be cutting it close with a lot of camera gear. I don't travel w any so it's less of an issue for me. I too check only one bag. I carry on my regs, mask, wing, computer & clothes. I check the rest & with just basic scuba gear I'm well below the 50# limit.

 

[fnfalman]

Dive some more before you make up your mind and buy a BCD.

 

[headtohead]

DSS is great. If you buy from them they include everything you need to get started including all webbing, d rings, cam bands, etc ... they even send a knife w a sheath!

I noticed the mention of using aluminum or plastic backplates for travel. I personally prefer the SS even in warm water diving. The 4# difference in luggage is minimal but makes a huge difference underwater. With a 3MM wetsuit & a steel tank I don't need any extra lead. Makes not using weight belt or trim pockets great.

hi ,
am curious - where do you dive for warm waters ? you need a ss tank and a ss plate -> thats kinda of heavy isnt it ?

to the TS - in general , its either back flotation (wing type) or jacket bc. The pro's for the back flotation seems to outweigh the jacket but once again it is based on your needs. If you are adamant on bp/w , in general its just
1) type of backplate (ss, al, plastic) and its corresponding weight
2) size of wing (18-36 pouund max for single tank dive) and its need for a single tank adapter (i like the STA as it gives a good "grip" on the tank,makes it stable)
3) shape of wing (donut or horse) - although personally i tried both and dont notice anything
4) harness (continuous or with a quick release) and crotch strap

YMMV