BP/W Set Up Question

[CALI68]

Hi I am about to get a BP/W set up and this is what I have come up with. Please give me any opinions you may have.

I mosty dive a Steel 100 in a CF 200 Drysuit (26 lbs of weight)

Dive Rite Trans Pack 2 (I like the adjustability)
Halcyon Eclipse (I like the Streamline)

Do I use a Dive Rite Plate or Halcyon Plate or does it matter?

How do I weight this unit? Integrated?

Can you use a Combo inflator with wings? Like the Atomic SS1?

Thank You!

 

[HammerNoMore]

Dive Rite Trans Pack 2 (I like the adjustability)
Halcyon Eclipse (I like the Streamline)

Competing virtues .

Do I use a Dive Rite Plate or Halcyon Plate or does it matter?

Doesn't matter. Just make sure you have slots for the cam bands. Have you chedked Fred_T? Give him a PM and he'll send you a ton of info.

How do I weight this unit? Integrated?

I wouldn't. I use a weight belt.

Can you use a Combo inflator with wings? Like the Atomic SS1?

You can. But why?

Thank You![/QUOTE]

 

[rescuediver009]

A plate's a plate's a plate. I wouldn't fuss over it too much. As for weight, I also wear a belt with minimal weight on it. Don't forget that you will drop some more with the addition of the plate.

If you are really keen on integrating your weight though, OMS Makes an integrated pocket that you can slip over the belt.
Scroll down its part # BCA-407
http://omsdive.com/bc_access.html

 

[Doc Intrepid]

A plate's a plate's a plate. I wouldn't fuss over it too much. As for weight, I also wear a belt with minimal weight on it. Don't forget that you will drop some more with the addition of the plate.

If you are really keen on integrating your weight though, OMS Makes an integrated pocket that you can slip over the belt.
Scroll down its part # BCA-407
http://omsdive.com/bc_access.html

All plates are not created equal.

FredT offers plates in ~1.3 lb (aluminum), 6 lb, 9 lb, 12 lb, 15 lb, and 18 lb weights in stainless steel. He also offers shorter plates, longer plates, and travel plates.

Different body types, physiques, etc. often require different weight arrangements to trim properly. For some an aluminum backplate and a weightbelt is optimal. For others, though, either a 6, 9, or 12 lb plate might be preferable - and if varying sets of tanks are used, a 6 lb plate and an 8 or 10 lb V-weight or P-weight might be optimal. This arrangement allows you to add more weight if diving with a set of 80s and remove it if switching to a set of steels.

Which plate and trim weight arrangement you will find optimal is something that will be dictated to some extent by the tanks you use and your personal body characteristics. Its tough for one diver to recommend an optimal setup for another over the internet unless you have some additional data.

BTW <endorsement alert>, Fred does nice work and I also recommend that you at least contact him to check on what he can offer you. He's on this board.

 

[OE2X]

You might consider putting as much weight as possible on/as part of your BP. Since you are currently using 24#'s then you might want to get a 10# BP and a weighted STA. Going to a BP you will be able drop some of your weight anyway, so perhaps a 4# STA. Then the rest of your weight can be put on a weight belt.

I use a CF200, E8-130's and 24#'s with my Oxycheq. I have a 10# BP and 6# STA, the rest is on my belt. The trim is excellent and I'm completely neutral with 100 psi in salt water. When I went to the a BP&W I dropped 8#'s of weight.

 

[MechDiver]

Can you use a Combo inflator with wings? Like the Atomic SS1?

Thank You!

Just for kicks, when I still had one, I put an Air2 on my Pioneer wing to see how it would work. Other than, as James already said, there are far better breathing options, the hose on most wings is too short (or should be) to use a combo inflator. And having used both, a necklaced second is a much better option IMO.

MD

 

[Hop Devil]

I agree a plate is a plate. I would look at a Fred T or an S&W Hammerhead, you can save a ton of money and get more for your buck. I dive an S&W 6lbs. with a 5lb. single tank adapter and HP120 tank. I end up with 2 4lb weights on the belt. Very comfortable.

 

[CALI68]

Thanks for the info! It's educated opinions like yours and this forum that led me to get the greatest piece of gear ever and that was my Dry Suit. I have been diving for over 20 years and I have learned more from this web site than any other previous source. Now I'm very excited to learn about the whole BP/W set up. This web Site truly rocks!

Now one more question: at times my Buddy and I dive off a small Zodiac here in Monterey. Is's very small so for years we have doned our BC's in the water. I can't imagine how I would be able to do that with a crotch strap. Any thoughts?

About the whole weighting thing, here are my thoughts: 6 lb back plate, two integrated pockets with 7 lbs each and two 3 pound rear trim integrated pockets. I'd like to avoid a weight belt but I'm not apposed to one. In that case I'd have a 6 lb back plate and dispurse 20 lbs abound the belt.

I'll switch to a necklace / second but I really didn't want another hose...oh well.

Thanks again!

 

[MSilvia]

I can't imagine how I would be able to do that with a crotch strap. Any thoughts?

Practice. It isn't as hard as you might think. For one of my classes, we had to remove and replace our gear at the bottom of the pool, then ascend and remove and replace it on the surface. We had to use bp/wing (with crotch strap), doubles, and a long hose, and had to complete the drill in under 2 minutes.

With a single tank rig and 20 years of experience in the water, I'm sure you'll have it down pat in no time.

 

[MSilvia]

I'll switch to a necklace / second but I really didn't want another hose...oh well.

Better another hose than a simultaneous bouyancy/regulator malfunction... especially if it happens while sharing air.