Decent BP-W for 6'6" (DSS or Oxycheq?)

[sw]

Hi all,

I´ve decided to get my first BP-W setup. I was just wondering that is it really so that one-size plate would fit perfectly for everyone? As mentioned I´m around 6´6"(197cm) and 240lb. Not VERY wide shoulders and back but long back even for my size.

So far I´m aware that DSS makes long pattern plates and Koplinn (Oxycheq) at least have had larger plates. Does this kind of plate make a difference? Do I need one? Any other options to consider?

About the wing: I dive in cold Baltic Sea (32-68 F) and usually wear 7+5mm wetsuit. Probably buying dry suit near in the future. I need wing for large steel single tank. I´ve been looking DSS Torus 35 and Oxycheq mach V 30 or 40. I would go with Agir-Brokk to support our Swedish neighbours but as fas as I know they only have regular plates. So probably it is better idea to get complete rig from DSS or Oxycheq?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bonairetrip]

I am in a somewhat similar position (not as tall though) and went with DSS. Should be here next week. BTW, DSS has Large, Long and Extra-Long plates.

 

[GLENFWB]

I would strongly suggest the DSS long or extra long back plate. I originally had a Dive Rite...sure it fit, and I could make it work. But it just never sat on my back the way I wanted it too. Heard about the DSS long plate so I bought an Extra Long Steel BP. Wow, what a difference for a tall guy like me. I am only 6'3" but it made an immediate difference in the way it sits on my back. The weight is spread out over a larger area.

It is a small thing, but I love the rubber stops built in to the back of the steel plate on the DSS. Keeps the harness tightly in place. And like you said, why not get the wing from them also. I would call and speak with Tobin at DSS or PM him here on Scubaboard. Give him your body dimensions, tell him what kind of thermal protection you will be using, and he will get you a rig that you will be happy with.

I don't think you can go wrong with DSS quality.

Hi all,

I´ve decided to get my first BP-W setup. I was just wondering that is it really so that one-size plate would fit perfectly for everyone? As mentioned I´m around 6´6"(197cm) and 240lb. Not VERY wide shoulders and back but long back even for my size.

So far I´m aware that DSS makes long pattern plates and Koplinn (Oxycheq) at least have had larger plates. Does this kind of plate make a difference? Do I need one? Any other options to consider?

About the wing: I dive in cold Baltic Sea (32-68 F) and usually wear 7+5mm wetsuit. Probably buying dry suit near in the future. I need wing for large steel single tank. I´ve been looking DSS Torus 35 and Oxycheq mach V 30 or 40. I would go with Agir-Brokk to support our Swedish neighbours but as fas as I know they only have regular plates. So probably it is better idea to get complete rig from DSS or Oxycheq?

Thanks in advance!

 

[dori fish]

What kind of surroundings do you have reef, wreck, or caves to name a few. Otherwise most people I've heard say they love their dss, I happen to like the oms with an aluminum bp, but I am only 6ft. Oxycheq and DSS are great it depends on which bladder you are using

 

[vixtor]

I am diving in somehow similar conditions in the Black sea (well, I prefer to start the diving season at 42F, under 42 is too cold for me (not in water, but on the shore, dressing; specially the second dive, when the suit is already wet, is hard) - this means usually early April). My suit is normally a 7mm wet, and the 15L steel tanks have an empty weight of 16-19kg usually. A single tank DSS rig dropped my weight from 8kg to only 3kg

For me, a DSS setup (purchased ~1 month ago) was a huge improvement. The quality is great (you really cannot tell this from the website), and the purchase over the internet was extremely nice (with lots of feedback during the selection, purchase and delivery stages).

I cannot comment on the tall issue (me being only 5'10", the medium size was the right fit), but you can trust the DSS rig to be of superb quality.

 

[sw]

DSS seems to have many fans here. I guess I can easily thrust their quality because some many likes their gear. Especially comments from taller guys who have used both regular and larger plates might be very helpful.

GLENFWB: Are you sure that you have Extra long plate and not "normal" long. If I remember correctly they said that it fits best divers over 6´8". But if you have it and you like it maybe I should consider it too. First I thought that normal Long Pattern plate would fit best.

Dori: We don´t have colorful reefs or huge caves. Murky water and lots of wrecks(most of them quite small).

Usually I will use 15L steel cylinders(occasionally 12 & 18 L also). I also travel quite a lot and I hope that the wing I buy will handle those normal AL cylinders at least somewhat ok.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

The only 2 people I know of who make different size plates currently are FredT and Tobin (DSS) who are both members here.

I would suggest you call both of them for more info. I own a FredT plate (used to own 2) and its fantastic. Tobins work is top notch also and has some interesting features.

Go to the source for the best info. T

 

[sw]

I just contacted Tobin and he suggested DSS Long Pattern plate + Torus 35. That´s what I´m going to buy. Case closed and thanks for your help.