BP/W suggestions.

[photohikedive]

Yeah, it is me again. I figured I would go right to you guys with this question, because you are in the areas I will soon be diving. Possible, hopefully will be diving with some of you. So, I was wanting to move from my Black Diamond BCD, and move into more of a BP/W set up. I do have reasons, beyond, hey, everyone is doing it. I realized how much drag a full BC has, vs, just a wetsuit this last summer when I started doing more freediving. So, obviously a BP/W arrangement looks to be the least drag producing set up available.

Specifically I guess I am asking SuPeRbUgMaN, SeaYoda, and Tom Smedley. Not out of any particular preference (or in that order, no need to start rivalries). Only because I have read many of the local posts, and see you guys seem to have similiar experience, and diving interests as I do. I am sure there are others, and welcome their advice.

All this being said, what are some things I should look for? Something that, while I do not dive doubles at the moment, would allow me to "grow". I'm asking whats working, and not working for you. Brands, set ups, etc. All while not completely depleting my account.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

DSS single tank rig. It's what you want.

www.deepseasupply.com

 

[CBulla]

That DSS rig that Humu is pretty nice to dive on. I really like the webbing on it as its soft. I had a chance to try one out from a trusted dive buddy last summer and the 4 dives I did on that rig were solid and comfortable. Oh, I used the kydex backplate if that makes any difference.

I dive a FredT plate and hardware with an OMS wing on it now.. The straps are my only gripe... I want the same soft ride I had on the other rig, but thats up to me to fix

 

[photohikedive]

Thanks Humu, I had noticed that rig mentioned in other posts, and have had my eye on it.

CBulla, do you happen to know if it was the stock webbing, or the "house brand" that I see they also offer?

 

[wreckchick]

There are a bunch of people up in your neck of the woods diving bp/w rigs. AFAIK most of them are in Halcyon gear which is what I have and I'm quite fond of it. I can't speak to the DSS wing since I haven't ever used one, but if memory serves it's a horseshoe singles wing vs. a donut. Again, I'm not sure how that plays out in practice but it's a factor.

Rachel

 

[Laser]

There are a bunch of people up in your neck of the woods diving bp/w rigs. AFAIK most of them are in Halcyon gear which is what I have and I'm quite fond of it. I can't speak to the DSS wing since I haven't ever used one, but if memory serves it's a horseshoe singles wing vs. a donut. Again, I'm not sure how that plays out in practice but it's a factor.

Rachel

Hey you
I might just get down there to dive with you this season. You remember seasons don't you?

 

[CBulla]

I believe its the stock webbing that was on it. I've actually debated getting it for my rig, I just don't want to have 'quick release buckles' on my rig.

 

[photohikedive]

I have to admit, I really do like the looks of that rig. Price seems good too, although, I have little experience in what the prices should be.

I noticed that the Hogarthian harness is about $55 less expensive. Although, it also looks like the webbing is narrower. And yeah, all those quick releases give me the impression of weak points in the harness.

I have to admit though. I am not sure what is expected to be done about weights. I am used to my Black Diamond vest set up, with the integrated quick release weights. Do people wearing these usually have a seperate weight belt? Do you add quick release pockets? I saw that some offer the ability to add weight to the plate, but, shy of ditching your rig, how do you drop that weight?

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

I have the rig that CBulla is talking about. Here is my review on it.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=102486&highlight=deep+sea+supply

Weight issue:
I use a weight belt, since I only need to add a couple pounds. Also the weight belt added a little bit of padding when I wear only skins, as the BP dug into my hips a little bit while walking to and from the beach.
I hear some folks get those vests things for weight.

 

[netmage]

I made the move a long while ago from a Knighthawk to BP/W. initially it was for doubles only, then I got a singles wing. Now I have both a SS and AL plate right setup.

For the most part a plate is a plate is a plate. Depending on your 'rig' some of the manufactures have some nifty options, FredT makes a good plate, little handles built into it, so if you gotta lug it any distance its a little easier.

Tobin (DSS) has engineered alot of little extras into his design if needed, i.e. customized plate weights. I know a few people who rave about his wings. I personally don't own one of his BP/W setups, but I have a few things from him and he's VERY active over on The Deco Stop and always tinkering with new gear ideas, so I'd recommend him as a company/business.

My plates are both Halcyon, webbing has been replaced over time. My singles wing is a Halcyon (some fire dept was ditching them on ebay a little over a year ago and I got a good deal). My doubles wing is a Dive Rite Classic. I'm thinking about one of the new 40lb full doughnut wings for AL doubles diving, but don't really need it.

Harness rigging is classic hog/DIR. Simple and it works.
For singles diving I use my SS plate and I'm good w/ my 3mm. Doubles, I use my AL plate, v-weight and drysuit.
I need to find a way to bolt on some weight for singles/drysuit diving. I have the Halcyon ACB pockets, but I don't like em that much cuz I can't mount my canister light to 'em. Some folks use simple XS Scuba weight pockets. If they need to ditch - they open the pocket and pull the weight. (soft or hard). Whopping $5 I think at LeisurePro.

Regarding the non-ditchable weight. IF you are properly weighted and not wearing some super compressed wetsuit, you should be able to swim up your rig. I would not recomend this configuration for a new diver, besides the whole scenerio of 'ditch' your weight belt is asking for doing an impression of a polaris missile breaching the surface.

When you transition to tech, you try to remove all the possible causes that create the 'what-if' scenerio of ditching your weight - it becomes a non-issue. There is no excuse for running out of air. Just shouldn't happen. The team solves the problem at depth.

Mikey - the DM over at Parrot Island had some weights with a groove cut into them that he slid onto his plate and then ran a bolt through them. I may ty that out.

-Tim