BP&W Research and Setup

[Lorenzoid]

I will most likely be using an AL80 while on vacations, but I was looking to buy an aluminum plate for better airline travel. Are there any major drawbacks in adding weight pockets to the harness/cam straps instead of buying the heavier steel plate?

One might think that air travel means an aluminum plate is the way to go, but the weight difference between aluminum and steel is really only something like 4 lbs. On some of my trips, where I'm taking more than just dive gear and a few t-shirts, I need to do everything I can to minimize weight. But on a typical weeklong trip to a popular Caribbean location a 6-lb. rig. does not put me over the 50 lbs. that most major carriers allow. If you do choose aluminum, I wouldn't say there are any drawbacks to using weight pockets--none at all. When I dive a thicker suit, I use weight pockets. But in the tropics in a 3 mm suit it sure is fun to not have to deal with any lead at all.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I have made this offer dozens of times and dozens have taken me up on it. I have an article that I wrote and published on BPW's for new divers and students. I will send it to any new diver free of charge that PM's me with an email address. It's too big to PM and post here. It's over 7 meg and fully illustrated with clear photos. Covers types of BPW's, harnesses, now to adjust a basic harness, setting up regs, weighting options, pockets, etc. Just shoot me a pm or email me using the email address in my signature line below. Much easier to do that than post the 11 pages of info it contains.

 

[fire_diver]

I have made this offer dozens of times and dozens have taken me up on it. I have an article that I wrote and published on BPW's for new divers and students. I will send it to any new diver free of charge that PM's me with an email address. It's too big to PM and post here. It's over 7 meg and fully illustrated with clear photos. Covers types of BPW's, harnesses, now to adjust a basic harness, setting up regs, weighting options, pockets, etc. Just shoot me a pm or email me using the email address in my signature line below. Much easier to do that than post the 11 pages of info it contains.

GET IT! I already had my BP/W setup when he wrote that, but I got it anyway. He isn't blowing smoke, he wrote an EXCELLENT article. TS&M is also correct, you'll be much happier if just buy a good package instead of trying to piece everything from different sources.

 

[WestCoastDivr]

I will most likely be using an AL80 while on vacations, but I was looking to buy an aluminum plate for better airline travel. Are there any major drawbacks in adding weight pockets to the harness/cam straps instead of buying the heavier steel plate?

I'd rather have the weight distributed evenly throughout my backplate rather than be concentrated in various pockets just because, in my experience, I maintain better trim with the weight evenly spread. This isn't necessarily a drawback, but can be depending on how you dive

 

[bc214]

Jim: PM sent.

Everyone else who is recommending a kit: can you recommend a good 30 lb lift BP&W kit? I saw the other one posted but it looks a bit large. Anything just a bit smaller, preferably with an aluminum backplate?

Remember, I'll be flying with it often.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---------- Post added July 7th, 2014 at 09:58 PM ----------

Jim: PM sent.

Everyone else who is recommending a kit: can you recommend a good 30 lb lift BP&W kit? I saw the other one posted but it looks a bit large. Anything just a bit smaller, preferably with an aluminum backplate?

Remember, I'll be flying with it often.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Disregard that last part. I didn't notice that the hog setup earlier was a 32.

That wouldn't be too over-the-top for tropical diving would it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kafkaland]

GET IT! I already had my BP/W setup when he wrote that, but I got it anyway. He isn't blowing smoke, he wrote an EXCELLENT article. TS&M is also correct, you'll be much happier if just buy a good package instead of trying to piece everything from different sources.

Agreed, the article is very useful. And I tried to go the easy way and get a package from Hollis through my LDS. Ordered it about two months ago. And still nothing. Hollis seems to change their story every week as to when which pieces may be available. I have a trip to Utila coming up, so my LDS is now trying to piece something equivalent together from different manufacturers. I really liked the Hollis LX 38 wing, though, as it will work both for local single steel-tank cold water diving with drysuit and potentially slung pony, as well as for the occasional warm water dive trip.

 

[fbk]

I will most likely be using an AL80 while on vacations, but I was looking to buy an aluminum plate for better airline travel. Are there any major drawbacks in adding weight pockets to the harness/cam straps instead of buying the heavier steel plate?

The XS velcro weight pockets work great on the sides of the waist strap if you just need a few pounds to get neutral or trim out. You can position them where needed (I use a 3rd on on the crotch strap to trim out my drysuit too) and you can easily undo the velcro to drop a weight block if you have to. For years I only ever had an ali plate and added small amounts of weight in those pockets when needed but I ended up with a SS plate anyway. The difference in weight is only ~4lb so unless that puts you over your baggage allowance you may as well travel with the SS, ideal for warm water diving with an AL80 and no weights required.

 

[fire_diver]

And I tried to go the easy way and get a package from Hollis through my LDS. Ordered it about two months ago. And still nothing. Hollis seems to change their story every week as to when which pieces may be available.

There are LOTS of other BPW packages. ScubaToys has some great ones, so does Dive Gear Express. You could probably even find a package with those pretty blue H's on them if you were into that sort of thing.

 

[LowDrag]

There are LOTS of other BPW packages. ScubaToys has some great ones, so does Dive Gear Express. You could probably even find a package with those pretty blue H's on them if you were into that sort of thing.

The nice thing about the Halcyon wing is that it doesn't have a plastic bladder if I read the spec's on their site correctly. That would be perfect for travelling and folding the wing up to fit in a suitcase. Along with the new quick cinch system they have available now.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

A 32lb wing is not overkill for tropical.diving. If there is ever a problem and you need to support another diver on the surface you'll like that little extra lift. Just an aside the HOG wings have ballistic bladders as well. I've sold dozens over the last couple years to new divers and have had no problems with them. I'll even thread the plate for a buyer and all they need to do is the final adjustments.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

---------- Post added July 8th, 2014 at 06:01 PM ----------

I want to thank the dozen or so people who sent me emails or PM's asking for the article. I hope it helps. For anyone else that wants it the offer stands. BUT PLEASE include an email address I can send it to. I can't supply it without that.