swinchen
Contributor
I am sure the answers to my questions exist in this forum, but after some searching I haven't found them. So if they do, let me apologize in advance!
After some reading here I have decided to go with a BP/Harness/Wing setup as my first rig. Probably the biggest, most important question I have is: In selecting between AL and SS backplate one has to consider the weight. Is it considered bad practice to dive with a SS backplate if that means you have no user-releasable weights? I know a buoyant ascent is bad, but it always nice to have that option.
There are lots of manufacturers out there, so the whole setup gets a little confusing. Should you get the backplate and harness from the same manufacturer?
Ok, now lets start with what I would consider the easier part... the backplate. Is there one backplate manufacturer that stands out above the rest? I really like the looks of the OMS Backplate. The cam bands and single tank options look nice. The Dive Rite Backplate also looks good. What features should one look for when purchasing a backplate? What are the benefits of a long plate?
Ok, and now time for the hardest part... the harness. I have read a lot of people saying that they prefer the simple hog harnesses over the deluxe/adjustable/padded harnesses. What are the pro's and con's of a simple hog harness vs. a deluxe/adjustable harness? Honestly the Transplate Harness, OMS Comfort Harness II, Hollis Elite, and the Oxycheq Deluxe Adjustable Harness System all look really nice to me. But then again there may be some major drawbacks to this setup that I am unaware of.
I think I will save wing selection for another post.
Thanks for your feedback
Sam
After some reading here I have decided to go with a BP/Harness/Wing setup as my first rig. Probably the biggest, most important question I have is: In selecting between AL and SS backplate one has to consider the weight. Is it considered bad practice to dive with a SS backplate if that means you have no user-releasable weights? I know a buoyant ascent is bad, but it always nice to have that option.
There are lots of manufacturers out there, so the whole setup gets a little confusing. Should you get the backplate and harness from the same manufacturer?
Ok, now lets start with what I would consider the easier part... the backplate. Is there one backplate manufacturer that stands out above the rest? I really like the looks of the OMS Backplate. The cam bands and single tank options look nice. The Dive Rite Backplate also looks good. What features should one look for when purchasing a backplate? What are the benefits of a long plate?
Ok, and now time for the hardest part... the harness. I have read a lot of people saying that they prefer the simple hog harnesses over the deluxe/adjustable/padded harnesses. What are the pro's and con's of a simple hog harness vs. a deluxe/adjustable harness? Honestly the Transplate Harness, OMS Comfort Harness II, Hollis Elite, and the Oxycheq Deluxe Adjustable Harness System all look really nice to me. But then again there may be some major drawbacks to this setup that I am unaware of.
I think I will save wing selection for another post.
Thanks for your feedback
Sam