Best system for shore dives?

[H20Bubbles]

The Morphos Pro in an XL has 32lbs lift.

Pros:

- Though it's a jacket syle BC, most of the bladder sits in back similar to a wing design.
- On the surface, I have not had problems - it holds me in a nice upright position. In the water, it maintains a nice trim position.
- The BC fits be like a glove. It is extremely comfortable and wraps nicely around. As most of the inflation is in the back there is no BC squeeze
- The side pockets are accessible and have a constant size/volume even if the BC is inflated. Makes it nice to hold the saftey sausage, etc.
- Once you get used to it, the air-trim is easy to use. The air-trim is easy to conrol with both the inflation and deflation and I have to admit that I like having it all in one location and not having to worry about lifting a hose.
- The Pro has a 6 steel d-rings so there is no shortage of locations to clip on.

Cons:

- The sound that the air-trim makes as the dump valves exhaust.
- The manual inflation hose. Though easy to use, you need to make sure you pull it all the way out to be able to inflate the BC. Also, the diameter of the tube does make it a bit slow (or at least feels that way).
- Like you read, the MRS integrated weights are a bit difficult to get in while wearing the BC or if it is inflated. But they are quick and simple to install on the surface and come out quickly (if needed).

Honestly, you will read a lot of "bad press" on the air-trim system but from the people who actually own them, I have only really heard or experienced good things.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I would go for a BP/W with basic padding at the shoulders. No padding on webbing for a long hike will not be comfy. I use the diverite transplate and do alot of shore diving and have been very pleased. So far, it has been the best ALL PURPOSE bc for the wide variety of diving I do. One thing to stay away from is a heavily padded or thick fabric style bc like a black diamond. When one of those suckers is wet, it can add a few pounds to your trip back to your car. Heck, it's heavy when it's dry! It is very well made and is cool looking but is just way too much bc for almost any type of diving. Maybe something like the diverite transpac might be just the right marriage of padding and streamlining and durabilty that you are looking for in your specific case. Another plus for a BP/W is durability. Basic fabric jackets will wear out hiking in them. Good luck with your compromise!

 

[terrasmak]

No need to look at anything past the DSS system . Its the last BC well backplate you will need to buy.

 

[Scuba_Canuck]

I would go for a BP/W with basic padding at the shoulders. No padding on webbing for a long hike will not be comfy. I use the diverite transplate and do alot of shore diving and have been very pleased. So far, it has been the best ALL PURPOSE bc for the wide variety of diving I do. One thing to stay away from is a heavily padded or thick fabric style bc like a black diamond. When one of those suckers is wet, it can add a few pounds to your trip back to your car. Heck, it's heavy when it's dry! It is very well made and is cool looking but is just way too much bc for almost any type of diving. Maybe something like the diverite transpac might be just the right marriage of padding and streamlining and durabilty that you are looking for in your specific case. Another plus for a BP/W is durability. Basic fabric jackets will wear out hiking in them. Good luck with your compromise!

Do you find the transplate (I assume other BP/Wings the same) harness system keeps the tank tight against your back when you are walking or climbing down rocks? My current jacket allows the tank to flop around a little.

The extra weight of a soaking wet jacket style BC never occurred to me. Mine is nylon I think and it doesn't retain much water.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I find the transplate to be very stable when "hiking" in it with and without a STA. Ofcourse no BC/Harness is really built for hiking so...

Yeah, the extra weight of a soaking jacket is really only a concern with the really thick jackets that have a ton of fabric.

I also seriously considered the DSS system (so should you) as well and found it to be a top contender and seems to be top quality stuff with great reviews but the Diverite transplate was almost 200 bucks cheaper and with a crotchstrap and weight pockets included. Also, it was easier to examine DR gear as it is sold in my area. At the time, money was also a concern. North East Scuba Supply (.com) always runs great specials on BP/W packages. One other very small thing I didn't like about the DSS was that some have complained about it falling apart (not literally) when DM's handle it by the wing. Nothing should fall off or apart when handled in any way. That idea goes against the concept of BP/W's being more durable. I hate the idea of having to modify or excuse a design flaw or having to DIY something I paid 500 bucks for. Another example, although dif. from the DSS issue, is people who sell plates that need to be filed down by the buyer. INSANE! That small and somewhat insignificant detail kept me away from the DSS single rig. For others, it's a plus as it also makes it easier to take the wing off for packing. A very clever design that unfortunately also leads to another minor problem.

I frequently describe the transplate as my best ALL PURPOSE purchase because it fits all my diving needs from warm water bathing suit diving to cold water shore diving with a dry suit. It does it all very well but no BC will do it all perfectly. When diving in a variety of conditions and traveling, owning ONE BC only will always end in compromise. I think the best compromise is a slightly padded BP/W like the transplate or similiar. Not everyone has to use ONLY ONE bc but my wife and I live in NYC and storage space is a serious issue for two divers in an 800 square foot apt.

 

[Mitten Diver]

Just to clarify things, the DSS wing can be detached easily for switching between singles wings and doubles wings. Tobin uses a rubber plug like deal that fits in the holes for the plate these rubber plugs have a stopper so when the wing is attached to the plate it will not fall off. The problem comes from someone grabbing the wing when the tank is not connected and then the rubber plug pulls out of the hole. If you have your tank attached the wing will not go anywhere as th wing is wedged between the tank and the plate. I have heard that some have replaced the rubber plugs with either stainless bolt and sex bolts or wing nuts. If you will not be switching between wings often you may choose to go this route. The plugs becoming disconnected from the plate are really not that big of a deal.

 

[scubadobadoo]

Just to clarify things, the DSS wing can be detached easily for switching between singles wings and doubles wings. Tobin uses a rubber plug like deal that fits in the holes for the plate these rubber plugs have a stopper so when the wing is attached to the plate it will not fall off. The problem comes from someone grabbing the wing when the tank is not connected and then the rubber plug pulls out of the hole. If you have your tank attached the wing will not go anywhere as th wing is wedged between the tank and the plate. I have heard that some have replaced the rubber plugs with either stainless bolt and sex bolts or wing nuts. If you will not be switching between wings often you may choose to go this route. The plugs becoming disconnected from the plate are really not that big of a deal.

Yes. What Mitten Diver said. Just a personal choice I made for me. I hope my above post didn't seem like an attack. Not my intention.

 

[Scuba_Canuck]

Well, it seems as though all roads lead to BP/W! Fabric doesn't hold water when hiking back from a dive, harness holds tank close to the body in and out of the water, simplicity, lighter etc. etc.

Seems logical I suppose. Now the question becomes which BP/W! Both DSS and Diverite have a good following here on the board.

I find the transplate to be very stable when "hiking" in it with and without a STA. Ofcourse no BC/Harness is really built for hiking so...

Yeah, the extra weight of a soaking jacket is really only a concern with the really thick jackets that have a ton of fabric.

I also seriously considered the DSS system (so should you) as well and found it to be a top contender and seems to be top quality stuff with great reviews but the Diverite transplate was almost 200 bucks cheaper and with a crotchstrap and weight pockets included. Also, it was easier to examine DR gear as it is sold in my area. At the time, money was also a concern. North East Scuba Supply (.com) always runs great specials on BP/W packages. One other very small thing I didn't like about the DSS was that some have complained about it falling apart (not literally) when DM's handle it by the wing. Nothing should fall off or apart when handled in any way. That idea goes against the concept of BP/W's being more durable. I hate the idea of having to modify or excuse a design flaw or having to DIY something I paid 500 bucks for. Another example, although dif. from the DSS issue, is people who sell plates that need to be filed down by the buyer. INSANE! That small and somewhat insignificant detail kept me away from the DSS single rig. For others, it's a plus as it also makes it easier to take the wing off for packing. A very clever design that unfortunately also leads to another minor problem.

I frequently describe the transplate as my best ALL PURPOSE purchase because it fits all my diving needs from warm water bathing suit diving to cold water shore diving with a dry suit. It does it all very well but no BC will do it all perfectly. When diving in a variety of conditions and traveling, owning ONE BC only will always end in compromise. I think the best compromise is a slightly padded BP/W like the transplate or similiar. Not everyone has to use ONLY ONE bc but my wife and I live in NYC and storage space is a serious issue for two divers in an 800 square foot apt.

 

[Scuba_Canuck]

Would you happen to know what the single DSS rig weighs in relation to the transplate?

Just to clarify things, the DSS wing can be detached easily for switching between singles wings and doubles wings. Tobin uses a rubber plug like deal that fits in the holes for the plate these rubber plugs have a stopper so when the wing is attached to the plate it will not fall off. The problem comes from someone grabbing the wing when the tank is not connected and then the rubber plug pulls out of the hole. If you have your tank attached the wing will not go anywhere as th wing is wedged between the tank and the plate. I have heard that some have replaced the rubber plugs with either stainless bolt and sex bolts or wing nuts. If you will not be switching between wings often you may choose to go this route. The plugs becoming disconnected from the plate are really not that big of a deal.

 

[scubadobadoo]

And don't forget Halcyon and OMS and...lol! Really, all good stuff. It will likely come down to a fashion choice, cost, and VERY small design difs. that you may like more than others. The good news is you will probably be very pleased with your choice of a BP/W. BTW, have fun diving in BC you lucky dog! It's on my list!