BP/W sizing question for XXL man

[lexvil]

The main impetus for my own gear is that I booked my first liveaboard trip this Sept in the Sea of Cortez, leaving from La Paz. I’d really like to not have rental gear for that.

But I live in Oregon, and I haven’t gotten dry suit certified yet. They were recommending a 5mm suit for Mexico so it might be a little tougher getting the sizing dialed in if I do my shakedown dives around here in something heavier.

Stainless for this is a better idea, it will only cost you about 3 lbs in travel weight and will take the lead requirement down. You’re going to need a fair amount of weight since you will displace a fair amount of water. Weighting will be a bigger challenge that fitting I bet. Do you initial adjustments at home wearing you normal early spring coat and you’ll be close. What is your closest shop?

 

[lowwall]

The main impetus for my own gear is that I booked my first liveaboard trip this Sept in the Sea of Cortez, leaving from La Paz. I’d really like to not have rental gear for that.

But I live in Oregon, and I haven’t gotten dry suit certified yet. They were recommending a 5mm suit for Mexico so it might be a little tougher getting the sizing dialed in if I do my shakedown dives around here in something heavier.

If it's set up for a 7mm, you won't need to change anything for a 5mm.

Do you already have regs? If you are planning on doing some version of primary donate, you will likely need slightly longer than standard length hoses. Same for the SPG hose if you are doing a clipped off SPG instead of air integrated or a console.

 

[Wallowa]

If it's set up for a 7mm, you won't need to change anything for a 5mm.

Do you already have regs? If you are planning on doing some version of primary donate, you will likely need slightly longer than standard length hoses. Same for the SPG hose if you are doing a clipped off SPG instead of air integrated or a console.

Agree that hose lengths may need to be longer with BP/W on mine the inflator hose and power hose needed to be longer..

Oh, if you switch to 5mm from 7mm, assuming same design, you will use less weight.

From my limited time with XDeep Nx SS plate and wing, in water time to get the fit and trim down is essential....

Where in Baja? Made many trips up and down the Gulf. And a couple on Pacific side.

 

[gabebillings]

Stainless for this is a better idea, it will only cost you about 3 lbs in travel weight and will take the lead requirement down. You’re going to need a fair amount of weight since you will displace a fair amount of water. Weighting will be a bigger challenge that fitting I bet. Do you initial adjustments at home wearing you normal early spring coat and you’ll be close. What is your closest shop?

I'm in Eugene, OR and Eugene Skin Divers is right here in town.

 

[gabebillings]

If it's set up for a 7mm, you won't need to change anything for a 5mm.

Do you already have regs? If you are planning on doing some version of primary donate, you will likely need slightly longer than standard length hoses. Same for the SPG hose if you are doing a clipped off SPG instead of air integrated or a console.

I was thinking about DGX for those, too. I was thinking about maybe trying a GUE fundamentals class up in Seattle in the future so I figured I might as well try a DIR setup since I don't really have any strong feelings about a traditional primary/octo. They have kits that come with a 5' or 7' primary and a shorter necklace for backup.

 

[gabebillings]

Agree that hose lengths may need to be longer with BP/W on mine the inflator hose and power hose needed to be longer..

Oh, if you switch to 5mm from 7mm, assuming same design, you will use less weight.

From my limited time with XDeep Nx SS plate and wing, in water time to get the fit and trim down is essential....

Where in Baja? Made many trips up and down the Gulf. And a couple on Pacific side.

Doing a Nautilus liveaboard, the Sea of Cortez La Paz - Loreto Great Circle trip.

 

[pdwh]

I'm getting back into scuba after a lengthy hiatus. All my experience thus far has been with jacket style BCs. After reading so much about BP/W, I'd really like to give that a shot. The only thing that's giving me pause is that my LDS doesn't really stock basic BP/W.

I stopped in today and they actually had an OMS Comfort Harness singles setup, so I got to try that on. Even with the buckles near the bottom as loose as they'd get I still felt like the waist belt was pretty high on my stomach. It looked like maybe they were adjustable to get some more length at the top but there was a lot going on with those straps and I didn't want to start taking their display apart since I wasn't going to buy that, just wanted to try a backplate on.

I'm curious if some folks near my size could weigh in with their BP/W experience. I'm 6'2", 260# with about a 48" chest, 40" waist and wear maybe a 32 inseam.

I don't have a ton to spend on gear so I've been really interested in the DGX singles BP/W. I'm just a little nervous at the thought of shelling out for something and then finding out it doesn't work on me.

6'2", 320 pounds. I have a ScubaForce Black Devil Long and Heavy backplate. It's longer than normal, broader at the shoulders, and 12 pounds. The extra length keeps my belt where it should be.

They make it without the heavy bit too, at 6 pounds. I have a Hollis Elite Harness and Hollis wing on it with an OMS single tank adapter, some Hollis trim pockets, and two Highland cam bands.

I took a chance on the fit, and mixing brands "mostly" works. I have to use the single tank adapter because the slots for cam bands on a backplate are not necessarily consistent with all wings. I've had a DiveRite Nomad wing on it (a loaner) and the wing from a Cressi Back Jak 2.0 BCD (a temporary solution). Both worked fine with it.

My local shops don't stock either so I've had to order stuff. Scuba Gear | Diving Equipment | Dive Shop - if you ask about what fits with what, they were a great help. They were able to actually check for me that the Hollis Harness would fit the backplate, for example.

As for diving in it - I absolutely love it. Having the belt at the right place makes a huge difference and the broader bit at the shoulders seems to make a big difference in comfort and in the way the weight helps my trim.

 

[lexvil]

I'm in Eugene, OR and Eugene Skin Divers is right here in town.

It’s a bit of a drive but coral sea scuba in grants pass may be worth lookin into.

 

[lowwall]

I was thinking about DGX for those, too. I was thinking about maybe trying a GUE fundamentals class up in Seattle in the future so I figured I might as well try a DIR setup since I don't really have any strong feelings about a traditional primary/octo. They have kits that come with a 5' or 7' primary and a shorter necklace for backup.

The necklace hose in their packages is a 22", I had to go with a 24" as a 22 doesn't allow me to turn my head all the way to the left. Same problem with a 5' for around the back of the neck or 40" for streamlined (under the arm with a swivel). I also needed a 28" SPG hose.

But my upper torso and neck are quite thick after years of competitive swimming and erg (indoor) rowing. Maybe try the stock sizes if you are getting a package? Hoses are pretty cheap from places like Piranha or DGX.

 

[Wallowa]

Doing a Nautilus liveaboard, the Sea of Cortez La Paz - Loreto Great Circle trip.

La Paz is of course a harbor....ask them if possible to go North in the gulf up to Las Animas island....pinnacle that has everything....

I see they plan to dive Las Animas; hopefully for a full day and with a night dive there......lots and lots of critters on vertical walls.