First BP/W build

[CanonDiver]

Greetings,
I am new to the world of BP/W kits. I am looking for some feedback, tips, and recommendations on the gear I am looking to use for my first build.

Hollis SS 2.0 BP
Like that it is heavier than a lot of other SS’s at 6.5lbs. Like that it is 15.5” tall (I’m 6’2”). Like that it has the slots for a Y crotch strap. Feels like the one BP to rule them all, but I’m a BP noob so tell me what I’m missing. Haha

HOG basic harness - red
Looking for a stiff nylon to stay erect for easy downing (not 100% if this will be stiff enough). Like that it is red . Might eventually put a single buckle on a shoulder strap if I find it too difficult to get in and out of. I’m not super flexible but I have read that with the right fit I should be ok. We shall see…

VDH Argonaut #23
Wanted a sleek rig. Nervous that 23# of lift will not be enough for fresh water (environmental gear dependent I’m hoping). My first doughnut wing. I already pulled the trigger on this item. Placed the order last week.

Highland SS Tank Cam Straps pair
I like the Velcro to keep the buckle down and the quick nature of using buckles.

Separate Weight belt
I with jacket bcd’s I tend to put the majority of my weights on a weight belt because I have long legs and it helps me balance better. I place the weight belt lower than my waist. I basically have it right around my butt. Negatively buoyant fins help but I prefer them to not be too heavy so that I conserve energy. Not sure if I will still need or want a belt with a BP/W setup. Hope not.

Single Tank stabilizers
Not sure I will need this. Hope not. Not planning on buying unless I have issues later on.

 

[lexvil]

What type of diving as in warm vs cold, shore or boat, travel or drive?

 

[CanonDiver]

What type of diving as in warm vs cold, shore or boat, travel or drive?

All my diving experience has been warm and both shore and boat. I’m still new to the diving scene in the north east parts of the US (Maryland area) so I have not dove cold. I will eventually pick up a dry suit I think, but I haven’t cross that bridge yet.

I guess to answer your question better, I don’t know what the difference would be in a BCD setup for cold vs warm other than extra loose for layers.

Suspect I will travel with it eventually but other than shaving a few lbs for BP I’m not sure I could get more travel ready. I’m not worried about traveling ultra light. I can handle a few extra lbs during transit.

 

[divad]

Don't get a stiff crotch strap.

 

[lexvil]

All my diving experience has been warm and both shore and boat. I’m still new to the diving scene in the north east parts of the US (Maryland area) so I have not dove cold. I will eventually pick up a dry suit I think, but I haven’t cross that bridge yet.

I guess to answer your question better, I don’t know what the difference would be in a BCD setup for cold vs warm other than extra loose for layers.

Suspect I will travel with it eventually but other than shaving a few lbs for BP I’m not sure I could get more travel ready. I’m not worried about traveling ultra light. I can handle a few extra lbs during transit.

Ok, the 23 lb wing will be more than enough for that traveling warm to cool water, youll find that you will drop a lot more weight than you think as you no longer have a floaty jacket to compensate for. If you think colder water is in the future you may want to look for a 30#.

I wouldn’t worry to much about stiffness of the webbing medium is easy to work with but once you are dialed in it’s all about the same just avoid to soft of webbing for the main harness. A standard 1.5” crotch strap would be my choice over the Y.

the weight belt will likely end up higher as you get better weight distribution from the plate and lack of “float”.

cam bands is cam bands.

the VDH wing has roll control, I like an STA with standard plates but it’s not necessary.

 

[CanonDiver]

Ok, the 23 lb wing will be more than enough for that traveling warm to cool water, youll find that you will drop a lot more weight than you think as you no longer have a floaty jacket to compensate for. If you think colder water is in the future you may want to look for a 30#.

I wouldn’t worry to much about stiffness of the webbing medium is easy to work with but once you are dialed in it’s all about the same just avoid to soft of webbing for the main harness. A standard 1.5” crotch strap would be my choice over the Y.

the weight belt will likely end up higher as you get better weight distribution from the plate and lack of “float”.

cam bands is cam bands.

the VDH wing has roll control, I like an STA with standard plates but it’s not necessary.

Thank you for the feedback. Why do you like standard crotch straps and STA’s? I figured the Y would be more comfortable and that an STA would put the tank farther away leading to less control.

 

[lexvil]

Thank you for the feedback. Why do you like standard crotch straps and STA’s? I figured the Y would be more comfortable and that an STA would put the tank farther away leading to less control.

The regular crotch strap shouldn’t be noticed, it needn’t be tight. I like the STA as a guide when changing tanks, a positive cradle but it’s not necessary by any means.

 

[lowwall]

The Y strap is a marketing gimmick. A standard (2" soft) strap does not hurt.

STA is not needed with your wing. You can bolt the wing to the plate to keep everything aligned if you want, but I don't even do that. It takes a couple of seconds at most to get everything in line when it goes on a tank.

A 23# wing provides enough lift for a 3mm suit and a single tank up to a 120 with a few extra pounds left to help lift your buddy. With a 5mm, you'd want to stick with an Al or HP80. Anything more and you'd want 30-35# of lift.

Check piranha for the harness. They sell both the HOG kit and their own kits, the latter with different color options. You can call them and they will walk you through the options that make sense. If you go with the Piranha one, don't forget to add bands or inner tube sections to hold your lights. They are included in the HOG kit.

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[divad]

I used to use a 2" stiff-ish crotch strap (thinking that it would not buckle and turn into a thin G-string).

Now I have a utterly soft/flexible 2" one that does NOT ABRADE my drysuit and is amazingly comfortable.

I was so dumb.

 

[The Ruttmeister]

Crotch straps only bother you when you need to wait on the surface and foolishly fully inflate your wing.

Then they get really uncomfortable