After piecing a few things together I was able to put together my first BP/W set-up on Wednesday it went really well, I dove it once yesterday and twice today and I have to say it was really amazing.
The rig: OMS SS backplate, HOG harness, 36# halcyon pioneer wing, I mainly dive single AL80's, wet
Initial Impressions
The Good
1- I have it set up right now with a simple HOG harness, once I hit the water I could almost not feel it at all, it was ridiculously easy to don and doff, just put it right on (totally amazing) and once its on you can't feel it at all.
2- I was able to take 10 pounds off my belt (granted I was probably overweighted before) the lack of bells and whistles that are on some BC's really make a huge difference in buoyancy!
3- Less drag, for some reason, I didn't think this was going to be noticeable but boy was it amazing, it literally felt like I had nothing on me I just flew through the water
4- because of the above, I didnt use up my air nearly as fast
The Bad
Somewhat awkward trying to figure out where to place my weight belt, I think I am going to try and pick up some ACB pockets to do the integrated weights thing to solve this issue.
which leads me to one question, I have a weight belt with XS scuba pockets, is it not a good idea to just thread those directly onto the harness? it would not be "quick release" like pull a lever and your there, but they do have a velcro flap..
The rig: OMS SS backplate, HOG harness, 36# halcyon pioneer wing, I mainly dive single AL80's, wet
Initial Impressions
The Good
1- I have it set up right now with a simple HOG harness, once I hit the water I could almost not feel it at all, it was ridiculously easy to don and doff, just put it right on (totally amazing) and once its on you can't feel it at all.
2- I was able to take 10 pounds off my belt (granted I was probably overweighted before) the lack of bells and whistles that are on some BC's really make a huge difference in buoyancy!
3- Less drag, for some reason, I didn't think this was going to be noticeable but boy was it amazing, it literally felt like I had nothing on me I just flew through the water
4- because of the above, I didnt use up my air nearly as fast
The Bad
Somewhat awkward trying to figure out where to place my weight belt, I think I am going to try and pick up some ACB pockets to do the integrated weights thing to solve this issue.
which leads me to one question, I have a weight belt with XS scuba pockets, is it not a good idea to just thread those directly onto the harness? it would not be "quick release" like pull a lever and your there, but they do have a velcro flap..