Difference between Expensive & Cheaper BP/W rigs

[Eric Sedletzky]

Sure, just a few.
Webbing through the bottom slots the wrong way [twist out, most know, some not], Backplate too far down the back [check the height and shoulder straps], crotch strap too tight or loose or on the buckle.

Oh, and the STA and wing that fell apart when doing a stride off a boat, loose wing nuts. [Always check]
I will stop now.

This why I won’t make a STA type bracket anymore that allows people to not use the plate slots.

 

[KDAD]

No STA on my Freedom Plate.

I do have one on my Hog plate, though but I check those wing nuts before every dive. Became a habit (I fiddle with my gear more than chatting up my neighbors). I don't mind tightening them up while under water but it is actually easier to tighten them before you splash with the kit off of you.

 

[dflaher]

Did you decide which setup you are going to buy?

No, not yet.

 

[Thunder Struck]

Thread’s a little dated but I’ve been pleased with my XDeep Zen aluminum plate. The use of a Y crotch strap is a step up in comfort from another plate I had used. Especially when I was just diving in swim trunks.

The XDeep products are on the pricier end, but it seems finished quite nicely.

If you can find another option that still supports the Y crotch strap it might be worth a look at.

 

[LiteWeight]

Thread’s a little dated but I’ve been pleased with my XDeep Zen aluminum plate. The use of a Y crotch strap is a step up in comfort from another plate I had used. Especially when I was just diving in swim trunks.

The XDeep products are on the pricier end, but it seems finished quite nicely.

If you can find another option that still supports the Y crotch strap it might be worth a look at.

Especially when scootering!!

 

[drakcheslav]

I wouldn't say that XDeep is pricier than most.
Considering that the prices are on par with the competitors.

They do look pricier, since they have special backplates/designs.

For instance, my Stealth Tec wing was 550eur, while most of sidemount wings I saw were 600eur or similar.

You can get the basic BP/W for 400eur, which is also the same price as most of BPW.

Their NX line is more pricey then the rest.

 

[Wibble]

Buy second hand and save yourself a fortune.

No need to buy together either. If you see a wing that fits the bill for a good price second hand, go for it.

To answer the original question "Difference between Expensive & Cheaper BP/W rigs". All other things being equal, it's simply marketing.

 

[Diving Dubai]

To answer the original question "Difference between Expensive & Cheaper BP/W rigs". All other things being equal, it's simply marketing.

I'm going to disagree somewhat.

With regard to plates and hardware certainly. Mix and match. I've acquired a number of plates, harnesses and wings over the years from people leaving and passing stuff to me.

For the wing itself I do find some differences. I've used an Apex which punctured (my fault) and was single skin, then a frog, which wore quickly and had stitching start to fail. I moved to the Dive Rite Voyager of which I now have 2 and my wife 1 which have stood up to very harsh use (sitting on a rolling deck exposed to the heat and UV of the Middle East. My oldest being 7 years and while the outer has some indication of age and use there's no real damage

So in this regard I can't agree that all wing materials are equal - but if someone's only making 50 dives a year then it shouldn't be an issue

 

[Wibble]

Had a Halcyon Eclipse come apart at the seams. Halcyon were great and sold me a new cover for a considerable discount, so like new again. Wonder when it'll ever see warm, clear water again...

 

[eelnoraa]

The SS backplate that my son got from DGX is polished.

Not that it matter, but there are different quality of polish tho. DGX/DiveRite polish level vs Eric’s freedom plate/Halycon polish level, the difference is significant. The later are jewelry like, at least when new.