BPW Recommendations

[Peter Guy]

After three years of pleading and begging, I was finally able to convince my LDS owner to become a DSS dealer (after several of my students bought the gear online, he became convinced). The reason I convinced him to sell the DSS BP/W system is the following:

a. Good pricing -- approximately $465 for a complete single's set

b. Good range of wings -- for our cold water, I really like the 35 pound Taurus wing but I use the 25 (?) pound here in Maui

c. Excellent camband setup -- DSS BP's are set for direct use of cambands which means the tank sits right on the plate instead of being raised up by an S.T.A. The closer to the body, the less sway. Also, the DSS camband "tensioners" are a very nice touch.

d. For cold water diving, having the option of form fitting 8 pound weight plates is wonderful (and a big selling point for my pitch to my LDS). IF you dive in cold water, you need a lot of weight and having it right over your lungs is the proper place for balance.

Those are the reasons I favor the DSS system. And yes, I really like the Halcyon Cinch system but I just can't justify the price.

 

[koozemani]

+1 for DSS

 

[smorneau]

I love my DSS medium plate with the extra weight plates for our frigid cold water!

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

 

[ams511]

As mentioned in another thread, the Halcyon package includes an STA and weight pockets. You need to add these items to the cost of other systems to compare "apples to apples". While they don't make Halcyon a bargain they do lower the price differential.

 

[vladimir]

As mentioned in another thread, the Halcyon package includes an STA and weight pockets. You need to add these items to the cost of other systems to compare "apples to apples". While they don't make Halcyon a bargain they do lower the price differential.

You don't need an STA with a DSS backplate, so there's no need to add its cost in the comparison.

 

[chrpai]

As mentioned in another thread, the Halcyon package includes an STA and weight pockets. You need to add these items to the cost of other systems to compare "apples to apples". While they don't make Halcyon a bargain they do lower the price differential.

Assuming you need the weight pockets. For my specific needs, a SS backplate and AL tank is all I need for 5/3 hooded vest and 3/2 full suit in fresh water. If I get to dive the flower gardens I'll borrow an HP100 and dump the hooded vest. Should still be about on the money for weight. Maybe a couple pounds in a tank trim pocket.

 

[ams511]

You don't need an STA with a DSS backplate, so there's no need to add its cost in the comparison.

I think you mean that you don't need to use a STA with a DSS wing. However, some people do prefer to use an STA because they feel it is more stable.

---------- Post Merged at 06:56 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 06:46 PM ----------

Assuming you need the weight pockets. For my specific needs, a SS backplate and AL tank is all I need for 5/3 hooded vest and 3/2 full suit in fresh water. If I get to dive the flower gardens I'll borrow an HP100 and dump the hooded vest. Should still be about on the money for weight. Maybe a couple pounds in a tank trim pocket.

It depends on what a person needs. If you want the pockets, STA, and the backplate pad, then the price differential is not as high as it seems on first glance.

 

[lv2dive]

At the end of the day, the BP/W system that is most comfortable for YOU to dive, for whatever reason, is the best system for you (and I don't mean bc you like one logo over another).

I have repeated this many times - if it is at possible, try out the different systems you are potentially interested in. (Well I think maybe what I have repeated MANY times is in reference to trying different types of double tanks but I have said this before re: BP/Ws as well.)

For me - I had a short BP/W with a u-shaped wing from one of the manufacturer's mentioned above. The short BP was nice, but the long-ish U-shaped wing was relegated to backup status immediately after I tried the Halcyon Eclipse and Evolve. (The entire original system does live with my parents for when I visit them in Morehead City ). BUT - this same wing I that I have moved back to the minors is a wing two of my friends like a great deal. Different strokes for different folks, so to speak...

So... yes, I personally am willing to pay more for the Halcyon system - bc I like the way the small Halcyon BP and the single/double wings work FOR ME. May not be the same answer for everyone but I would encourage anyone considering a purchase to TRY the different systems. I may have ended up with one less BP/W had I started with the Halcyon system. Others may have had the opposite experience but you will know what's best for you if can try them out ahead of time.

YMMV.

 

[chrpai]

It depends on what a person needs. If you want the pockets, STA, and the backplate pad, then the price differential is not as high as it seems on first glance.

"It depends" and "assuming" is kinda the same thing, no? It's a maybe, maybe not. My friend dives an H and it seems nifty to tuck his SMB behind the padding. I don't have that currently and it might be nice to have. I also think the SS BP feels just fine without even a t-shirt. I do have an STA since my wing requires it. I don't need the weight pockets but yes, it would be an extra expense if I did. Still, why spend $$$ now for something I don't need yet?

If I had a bigger SCUBA budget or if someone gave me an H, I wouldn't turn it down. But for now the DRIS serves me very well on the cheap.

 

[ams511]

"It depends" and "assuming" is kinda the same thing, no? It's a maybe, maybe not. My friend dives an H and it seems nifty to tuck his SMB behind the padding. I don't have that currently and it might be nice to have. I also think the SS BP feels just fine without even a t-shirt. I do have an STA since my wing requires it. I don't need the weight pockets but yes, it would be an extra expense if I did. Still, why spend $$$ now for something I don't need yet?

If I had a bigger SCUBA budget or if someone gave me an H, I wouldn't turn it down. But for now the DRIS serves me very well on the cheap.

The OP is from the Northeast, if he dives local he will need weight. Depending on his exposure protection both pockets and a weighted STA could come in handy. The "H" package does come with a STA, pockets, and the pad, which would run about $200 for other makes, if it is something the diver wants. For example if you were pricing out an Oxycheq package it would come to about $635 which is closer to the $769 eclipse price and even more expensive the travel system. Also the OP could also ask for a discount on the package which would also lower the price.

I am not dissing your DRIS (pun intended) but it is no longer $300 and I am not sure it is in stock. At $360 it is now closer in price to Oxycheq, Golem, Dive Rite, HOG, Hollis and DSS. I have wings from Halcyon, Oxycheq, DSS, and Zeagle, all seem to be very robust.