BP/W Brands and Price Difference

[lundysd]

I'm currently shopping around for my next great scuba purchase, the ubiquitous backplate, harness, and wing. I've pretty much settled on a wing, at least until someone can talk me out of the new Mach V I'm having quite a bit of trouble with the harness and backplate however.

In one corner we have the Deep Sea Supply backplate and harness (either pro-fit or hog, your choice). Most people praise the DSS setup for its innovative features and solid manufacturing. From what I've seen in previous threads, this is the most widely-praised backplate in particular.

In the other corner, we have the standard Halcyon/generic backplate and one-piece harness. Most people can't really knock this, but then again it just seems like your standard ho-hum rig without any unique design features (for better or worse).

My question is this; I've priced both of these solutions out, and the DSS setup costs $100/$170 more for the SS backplate and harness (hog/pro-fit). I know DSS offers a discount if you buy their wing too, but there isn't any deal for just the harness/plate.

Is it worth it? I'm certainly willing to pay more for ingenuity and quality, but we're talking almost double the price for a piece of stainless steel and some webbing.....

 

[fishb0y]

Price-wise, if you go with the combo, they all turn out the same. Like what was put out in the Mach 5 thread, you will need a STA for that wing, while the DSS wings have them built in. Your choice. I feel this thin wing thing is like cell phones... how ridiculously thin do they need to be before it is not worth it?

I personally love the DSS setup, and for $450 (Hog Harness) I don't think you could go wrong.

 

[Dive-aholic]

What kind of features are you looking for? I dive a one piece hog harness for a few different reasons.

1. less failure points. Each clip on the pro-fit is a failure point. This could be detrimental depending on the type of diving you do.

2. tailor made for me. I place the d-rings where I want them to be and where they work best for me. There aren't any clips to prevent me from placing them where I want them.

3. Easy to replace. I have several yards of 2" webbing. When my harness wears out, I just replace it with $3 worth of new webbing.

Don't get hooked into the package deal just because it's cheaper. I spent about $400 for my entire set up - bp, harness (including d-rings), and wings.

 

[*Floater*]

You'll end up spending so much money in this activity anyway, that the backplate price differences will seem pretty small in time. I would recommend you get whatever you think is the best as you'll be using it on every dive and best not to have second thoughts.

As for package deals, if you plan to dive doubles sometime in the future, then you could pick up the DSS doubles package with either the LCD50/70 or Torus 45, and thereby get a good deal.

 

[laughintom]

I have to admit that a DSS backplate is definitely in my future, however, for about $100 you can get the back plate and single tank adaptor from www.hammerheadscuba.com . I have one and it is a great plate. I went with the harness kit from hammerhead for an extra $40 or $50. I love the inserts on the DSS, but didn't want to spend that much for just the plate (although I will eventually). The Mach V is a great wing and you WILL NOT be disappointed!

 

[Quaff King]

There built like Mack Trucks. Not a lot of whistles and bells.
A big old hunk of manly 316 stanless steel.
Its the one piece in your bag you won't have to worry about.

 

[alo100]

I think you should get the wing you like most...
then for the back plate, for myself, I would consider between dss and buying something cheap.

dss plate has very good features, if I decide to have those then probably this is the plate I'd get. On the other hand, if I decide not to have those features, just to save some $ for other toys, I would get a cheap plate. Some people here told me $50 - $70... is that easy to find? I don't know. Recently some of my friends told me that once I am away from US, I can get a plate for a even cheaper price. So I might also get the plate and harness that way.

 

[halocline]

There is a difference between plates in the amount they're bent; consequently they place the tank at different distances from your back. If it's at all possible you should try to determine whether a relatively flat plate (DSS) or a really bent one (FredT ,maybe?) or something in the middle would be best for you. My plate is totally flat (jetharness) for single tank use only. The tank is REALLY close to my back, which has it's advantages and disadvantages. If I was doing it over again, I'd probably go with the DSS plate even though it's more money.

 

[alo100]

There is a difference between plates in the amount they're bent; consequently they place the tank at different distances from your back. If it's at all possible you should try to determine whether a relatively flat plate (DSS) or a really bent one (FredT ,maybe?) or something in the middle would be best for you. My plate is totally flat (jetharness) for single tank use only. The tank is REALLY close to my back, which has it's advantages and disadvantages. If I was doing it over again, I'd probably go with the DSS plate even though it's more money.

I also respect on what you are saying, I thought about it too... because another person was saying that his brand X plate just fit his back perfectly. I believe that....
To me, there are other things which I wouldn't cut the cost; for dive equipment, I have already prioritized the items, i.e. which one I can cut cost but which one I will not, in fact I am saving $ from some and add to the others.... well, it's just me.

 

[scubadobadoo]

Both systems you mentioned are outstanding. I agree with the idea of buying what you want the first time. Otherwise, you will buy it eventually and it will cost you more in the long run. Face it, when you are addicted, you will buy it!

That said, if money really is a major factor save up and wait. If you don't want to do that then look to http://www.northeastscubasupply.com/specials/BP_Famous_Specials.html where you can get a complete BP/W kit in the 300 range. Good luck and have fun with your future purchase!