BP/W questions--purchasing decision

[JahJahwarrior]

So, I'm looking for a cheap BP/W, and have been for a while. Almost snagged a harness and SS backplate for $75 this morning but was 15 minutes behind another guy


But this one guy has offered me what he calls a deal, and I'm not sure. Dive Rite backplate and STA and all, with a red Classic wing that leaks. From the picture he's shown me, there's a black piece that fits inside of the wing at the elbow? And the black part is a little curled and no longer seals well at the wing. He wants $175 plus shipping for this. For $100 more, he'll give me a black Classic wing that doesn't leak.

One of my big concerns though, is using this huge wing with singles. I have no plans to upgrade to doubles anytime soon, and it's a HUGE wing!

What are Scubaboard's thoughts?

 

[fire_diver]

If you are going to be diving a single, you REALLY need a singles wing. You'll be much happier with the proper wing. I would really look into getting a Mach V wing and any decent plate/harness combo. I know it's more than you probably want to spend, but I think you will be happier if you do.

FD

 

[bolantej]

Yeah, even Dive Rite's website does not recommend using that wing for singles.

 

[Zeeman]

I second the Mach V - just bought the Extreme a couple of months back, and I REALLY do love it. It may be out of your price range now, but maybe if you find someone selling one 2nd hand, or if you wait just a few more weeks.. It really is worth getting what you really want at the start and paying a little more.


Z..

 

[Quarrior]

Speaking as the guy that was selling the BP you wanted and missed out on, definitely go with a singles wing for diving single tanks.

 

[wunat]

Classic wing is definitely too large for single.

 

[nereas]

So, I'm looking for a cheap BP/W, and have been for a while. Almost snagged a harness and SS backplate for $75 this morning but was 15 minutes behind another guy


But this one guy has offered me what he calls a deal, and I'm not sure. Dive Rite backplate and STA and all, with a red Classic wing that leaks. From the picture he's shown me, there's a black piece that fits inside of the wing at the elbow? And the black part is a little curled and no longer seals well at the wing. He wants $175 plus shipping for this. For $100 more, he'll give me a black Classic wing that doesn't leak.

One of my big concerns though, is using this huge wing with singles. I have no plans to upgrade to doubles anytime soon, and it's a HUGE wing!

What are Scubaboard's thoughts?

You need to be really careful about buying used gear.

Some things, like the backplate itself, is probably safe to buy used. Check the plate for rust stains. Stainless steel should not rust, but I have seen them stained from rust due to various attachments, like a cheap STA, or rusting bolts.

Maybe the harness is ok too. If it is frayed, then it is unserviceable, however. You need to check this too.

I would not take a used wing, however. That it leaks is a big clue, too.

Buy your own wing, of the size that you determine is perfect for your particular diving. The size all depends on how you plan to configure the plate.

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Alright, thanks for the advice guys!

I know DR says not to use it with singles, butthis guy says he knows lots of people that use it with singles, bungeed. So I wanted to ask here.

That was one heck of a deal I missed out on Quarrior! There's another guy selling just the backplate for what you were asking and you had an uncut harness too, that's $40!

I really want a singles rig. I don't want something with a huge billowing "taco'd" wing...

As far as buying used, I know the repurcussions and the problems, almost none of my equipment is new. I really just don't see thepoint in paying so much more to have it be new. however, I also don't want to get a good deal on a piece of crap

 

[evil_xander]

I really want a singles rig. I don't want something with a huge billowing "taco'd" wing...

I got myself a DSS singles rig, you can check out the LCD30 wing on a tank here, first dry:
http://www.inet.hr/~astancin/dss/dss_front.jpg
http://www.inet.hr/~astancin/dss/dss_side1.jpg
http://www.inet.hr/~astancin/dss/dss_side2.jpg

Then, under water, that's a 15L steel tank:
http://www.s1c.org/gallery2/v/070107/DSCF0017.jpg.html

Actually, if you check a couple of clips I got online, you can see how it behaves on my buddy:
http://www.youtube.com/evilxander (ignore the UW intro, no divers in it)


I'd also consider Oxycheq MachV wing for singles.

I think these two are the best possible options out there for slim, streamlined single tank wings. If you can get a good price for them used...

 

[halocline]

Have a look at the hammerhead plate/harness/STA combo. I think it's about the cheapest available. For a wing, there was a closeout on the venture wing, which is a perfectly acceptable singles wing, at scubatoys and diveriteexpress. If you have to pay regular price for the venture, you might as well go for a DSS or oxycheq wing.

I agree that used equipment is fine to buy. Wings are not that complicated!