BP/W vs back-inflate BCs

[bgreene]

For what it's worth, the most graceful rig I have ever seen is the oxycheq wing on a standard backplate.
Take a look at: http://oxycheq.com/Bouyancy.html
If I hadn't already bought a single tank wing I would have one of these now. The plate and wing packs flat and travels well. If you need pockets, glue them on to your suit. They are easier to get in and out of than pockets on a recreational BC. I have been diving an old ranger for teaching, but prefer the plate and wing for my own fun dives.

 

[Boogie711]

Plate = luggage. Weights = supplied by dive shop.

Plate = streamlined and custom sized. Weights = clunky and a pain in the butt to configure.

 

[Wijbrandus]

And as far as luggage goes, if I have to dump something to meet the weight limit, my thinking is clothing, not my plate.

3 lbs for an AL plate vs. 6 lbs for a steel plate against the airline weight limit of what? 50 lbs? I'm good. I'll just put my plate in with the underwear.

 

[vjongene]

Thanks to all for the useful comments.

After a lot of soul-searching, I have decided to go with a Jet Harness, starting of with a SS backplate. I may add an ABS backplate later if I feel that the SS is too heavy for travel. Will keep you posted when I have made a few dives with the Jet Harness (may be a while, though).

 

[sprange]

I'm glad you decided to check the Jet Harness out...mine should arrive in about two weeks as apparently there were many prior orders. I'm stuck topside for at least that long, so waiting won't be a problem.

Sean

 

[Uncle Pug]

May I suggest holding off on the Jet pack for a moment to consider some input concerning the standard variety of bent plates vs the flat Jet plate... as well as a discussion about the harness set up itself?

 

[jhelmuth]

vjongene,

Listen to PUG dude. Even though he and I may not make the same recommendations. I took a look at that jet plate thingy... I'll tell ya that I wouldn't waste my money on something so impracticle and inflexible. If you really want a BP/Wing combo, this is NOT the one to buy.

 

[ae3753]

So has anyone tried out the Jet Harness and not liked it? All the reviews and feedback on ScubaBoard that I have read have been positive. If you're only diving singles, and want a streamlined set-up that's reasonably priced, seems like a good set-up to me.

 

[vjongene]

May I suggest holding off on the Jet pack for a moment to consider some input concerning the standard variety of bent plates vs the flat Jet plate... as well as a discussion about the harness set up itself?

The Voice of Reason has spoken... Uncle Pug, I have been lurking around SB long enough to know that you usually make sense. Let me explain why I would like to go with the Jet setup:

- The rig is small and streamlined.
- It is designed for diving singles, no STA is required, and it will keep the tank very close to the back.
- The wing is also very compact, and contracts to a very small size when empty.
- The harness is custom made and fitted, and several users have praised its construction.
- The price is right.
- I have yet to hear from someone who has dived it and not been satisfied.

Ideally, I would love to test dive the Jet Harness and a standard backplate, and compare. This, unfortunately, is not possible unless I purchase a ticket to SoCal. Dive shops in these parts will not even loan or rent a standard backplate.

I figure that the risk taken by purchasing a Jet setup at $360 plus shipping is relatively modest. At the very worse, I can resell it as a novelty item in Switzerland (this would be the first unit shipped to this country).

This being said, I would love to hear the experiences of divers who have used both a standard backplate and a Jet Harness, and thus have a basis for comparison other than Internet shopping.

 

[Uncle Pug]

If it is truly impossible to find a standard bp/harness available to try there I would suggest doing as you say and ordering the jetpack... but also order a complete Halcyon rig from EE. They used to offer a 30day trial period and all you would be out is the shipping... sorta like renting one. That way you could compare for yourself. Halcyon is only suggested because of their return offer.

The thing I didn't like looking at the Jet pack was the harness. Using a sternum strap as it does the shoulder straps cannot lay along the sides under the arms. Perhaps this is necessary to keep the jetpack on but with a standard one piece webbing harness the chest area is completely free of straps and lights stowed on the shoulder straps are held neatly against your side. What makes this work (ie keeps it from coming off) is the crotch strap. Once the waist strap is secured to the crotch strap the shoulder straps are held secure. Once the crotch strap is released the shoulder straps loosen and it is easy to get out of.

Another thing I don't like about the jetpack wing now that you mentioned it, is that wind must be elastic. Any hole will allow the elastic to force out the air.

I know you are not interested in diving doubles.... now... that may change at some point. But another reason for having a *bent* plate is not only is there a groove for the wing nuts that hold the doubles... but the whole plate is bent... and that makes it conform to and position itself on your back.

Anyway... these are some things to consider.