So, my BCD is a bit large and that's starting to annoy me. The pockets are also huge and the zippers for them are so far back it can be annoying. As a result, I'm looking at switching to a BP/W system. Considerations I have:
1. Initially this will be for single tank diving - eventually I plan to at least do some tec-diving (I'd like to dive wrecks like the Oriskany without having a minuscule bottom time at the deck). As I understand it, for most setups (i.e. going to doubles or singles) this should just consist of changing out the wing, but I could use the same backplate and harness.
2. Diving locally, the water is cold. I'll be in a 7mm with hood/gloves or drysuit most of the time. Diving on my dive trips are no exposure suit up to a 3mm (primarily diving in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Florida). As a result, I need to have the ability to wear weights and I'd prefer to do weight pockets/plates rather than a separate weight belt (as I'm used to integrated weights already and don't want to change that at this point).
3. I'm 5'9" and ~220lbs, but working on losing ~50 lbs (down about 10 now). With a 7mm currently, I wear 18 lbs, not sure how much I'd drop by just switching to a BP/W, so that's a question as well, how should I expect to change weight from a full jacket BCD to a BP/W setup? Or is it probably close enough to just start at the same weight and do weight checks to get it dialed in?
4. I primarily dive AL80's.
So I've been doing some research, and I'm trying to figure out what I want to buy next. I'm currently leaning towards the DGX custom singles package with SS backplate, no shoulder pads, and no weight pockets, but picking up the OMS ballast system and a couple DR travel weight pockets to go on the tank straps, and maybe some DGX assembly screws to lock the wing onto the BP.
Total package costs would be $417, but maybe also pick up the OMS Smartstream package to make it easier to get in/out of on the surface should that be preferred/necessary for an extra ~$50.
Is there something about this setup that I would regret not doing differently as I progress in my diving? Is there something I should definitely include but aren't (back-pad or something)?
Thanks for you input.
1. Initially this will be for single tank diving - eventually I plan to at least do some tec-diving (I'd like to dive wrecks like the Oriskany without having a minuscule bottom time at the deck). As I understand it, for most setups (i.e. going to doubles or singles) this should just consist of changing out the wing, but I could use the same backplate and harness.
2. Diving locally, the water is cold. I'll be in a 7mm with hood/gloves or drysuit most of the time. Diving on my dive trips are no exposure suit up to a 3mm (primarily diving in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Florida). As a result, I need to have the ability to wear weights and I'd prefer to do weight pockets/plates rather than a separate weight belt (as I'm used to integrated weights already and don't want to change that at this point).
3. I'm 5'9" and ~220lbs, but working on losing ~50 lbs (down about 10 now). With a 7mm currently, I wear 18 lbs, not sure how much I'd drop by just switching to a BP/W, so that's a question as well, how should I expect to change weight from a full jacket BCD to a BP/W setup? Or is it probably close enough to just start at the same weight and do weight checks to get it dialed in?
4. I primarily dive AL80's.
So I've been doing some research, and I'm trying to figure out what I want to buy next. I'm currently leaning towards the DGX custom singles package with SS backplate, no shoulder pads, and no weight pockets, but picking up the OMS ballast system and a couple DR travel weight pockets to go on the tank straps, and maybe some DGX assembly screws to lock the wing onto the BP.
Total package costs would be $417, but maybe also pick up the OMS Smartstream package to make it easier to get in/out of on the surface should that be preferred/necessary for an extra ~$50.
Is there something about this setup that I would regret not doing differently as I progress in my diving? Is there something I should definitely include but aren't (back-pad or something)?
Thanks for you input.