Hello all-
I'm interested in configuring and buying a BP/W setup. (I guess since it's a bouyancy compensator, and since BP/Ws aren't just for GUE divers, here is as good as any place to post.) Based on how I describe myself and requirements below, I would like to see if anyone can recommend a BP/W and accessory setup for me. Money's an object, but it's not such an object that I wouldn't mind spending a few hundred dollars to expirement. Note that I'm smart enough not to just buy a rig based on what you say here, but like doing my due dilligence before talking to a "real" person.
About me:
Approximately 60 dives since getting certified in January. 50 or so have been made in southern California wearing full 7mm setup and an AquaLung Balance BC. I'm rescue trained and am in the process of getting my divemaster cert. I'm certainly nowhere near the most experienced or skilled diver in the world, but I feel that my skills are solid. I dive primarily with divers who are less trained than I am, but not to th e point where I worry about them. Nevertheless, in an emergency, I'm going to be the one getting my friend to the surface or needing proper gear at hand.
My near term dive plans include deep (130-160fsw or so) and basic wreck training. "Technical" and long-period deco diving is a ways off, as are doubles. I want to be able to sling a 19 to 40cf bottle comfortably however, and need at least one pocket for my regular diving. Said pocket should be large enough to accomodate an extra mask and small backup light. In full cold water wetsuit gear with a floaty Al80, I might need 22 pounds of lead to stay down comfortably. In an emergency situation, I want enough lift in the wing to be able to get me and an out of air/unconscious buddy off the bottom (when all else fails, of course).
I am about 6'0 and 200 pounds, medium to athletic build. At maximum configuration I want to be able to clip off a reel, primary standard light or canister, slung bottle, and some other basic stuff. Steel and aluminum back cylinders both get used. Almost all diving will be in a wetsuit or crushed neoprene dry with no pockets on the suit.
I would prefer to err on the side of moderate price rather than either cheap or expensive.
So, anyone got good ideas for the harness, BP/W, and accessories?
I'm interested in configuring and buying a BP/W setup. (I guess since it's a bouyancy compensator, and since BP/Ws aren't just for GUE divers, here is as good as any place to post.) Based on how I describe myself and requirements below, I would like to see if anyone can recommend a BP/W and accessory setup for me. Money's an object, but it's not such an object that I wouldn't mind spending a few hundred dollars to expirement. Note that I'm smart enough not to just buy a rig based on what you say here, but like doing my due dilligence before talking to a "real" person.
About me:
Approximately 60 dives since getting certified in January. 50 or so have been made in southern California wearing full 7mm setup and an AquaLung Balance BC. I'm rescue trained and am in the process of getting my divemaster cert. I'm certainly nowhere near the most experienced or skilled diver in the world, but I feel that my skills are solid. I dive primarily with divers who are less trained than I am, but not to th e point where I worry about them. Nevertheless, in an emergency, I'm going to be the one getting my friend to the surface or needing proper gear at hand.
My near term dive plans include deep (130-160fsw or so) and basic wreck training. "Technical" and long-period deco diving is a ways off, as are doubles. I want to be able to sling a 19 to 40cf bottle comfortably however, and need at least one pocket for my regular diving. Said pocket should be large enough to accomodate an extra mask and small backup light. In full cold water wetsuit gear with a floaty Al80, I might need 22 pounds of lead to stay down comfortably. In an emergency situation, I want enough lift in the wing to be able to get me and an out of air/unconscious buddy off the bottom (when all else fails, of course).
I am about 6'0 and 200 pounds, medium to athletic build. At maximum configuration I want to be able to clip off a reel, primary standard light or canister, slung bottle, and some other basic stuff. Steel and aluminum back cylinders both get used. Almost all diving will be in a wetsuit or crushed neoprene dry with no pockets on the suit.
I would prefer to err on the side of moderate price rather than either cheap or expensive.
So, anyone got good ideas for the harness, BP/W, and accessories?
