Christmas Shopping List - BP/W

[Insta-Gator]

Being land-locked in north Georgia offers little opportunity to see, touch, try, evaluate BP/W related gear. So, like many of us, I resort to the internet and the fine input from all the SB folks. If you know of a better deal than the ones I'm posting, please let me know. If you feel strongly enough to say "don't do that one", please let me know. I'd rather not turn this into another 50 page "my bp/w manufacturer is better than yours" subjective discussion. Thanks.

 

[TSandM]

Those prices seem about ballpark to me. Be aware that you should choose the material of the backplate according to the kind of diving you do, and not by cost; a stainless plate is appropriate for cold water diving. A semi-rigid setup will not be as stable as a plate.

 

[fnfalman]

I think that SS plate would be good for warm water diving with an aluminum 80 tank as well.

 

[Insta-Gator]

fnfalman - I originally planned to go with SS, but Tobin and the buoyancy calculator have pretty much convinced me to stay with aluminum. (see attached) I think I've got analysis-paralysis. :depressed:

 

[hypertech]

Sounds like you have already begun to appreciate the customer service from DSS. I went with them and was not disappointed.

You can save some money by skipping the weight pockets. They are really unnecessary. A simple weight belt works well with a BP&W. If you are doing diving where you don't even need a steel plate, you probably aren't carrying much weight if any anyway.

 

[hypertech]

I think you have over estimated your "non-bouyant gear". Don't include anything you might drop - knives, lights, etc. Also, I don't think a reg set is 5 pounds negative. I think 2 pounds is more conventional.

 

[tech3324]

I have a Halcyon BP/W, but doing it over today I'd go with Hammerhead Scuba - Hammerhead II Backplate
They have both SS and AL plates.

Just received their heavy single tank adapter and very impressed with the design and manufacturing quality.