First BP/W for GF and I

[runsongas]

depends on how much lift you need for suit compression and how large your tanks are. if you aren't planning on a 2 piece 7mm and 120s, you may be able to have it work.

another option is the vdh 35 wing. you would have to get your plate elsewhere though.

 

[LimitedSlip7]

depends on how much lift you need for suit compression and how large your tanks are. if you aren't planning on a 2 piece 7mm and 120s, you may be able to have it work.

another option is the vdh 35 wing. you would have to get your plate elsewhere though.

1 piece 7mm, single aluminum 80 most likely...

 

[dmaziuk]

1 piece 7mm, single aluminum 80 most likely...

Also depth: wetsuits compress and lose buoyancy at depth whereas lead doesn't get any lighter. I'm fine with my #25 wing in 7mm and 18 pounds of lead on local muck dives because max depth is like 20 feet. I would probably want 30-ish for e.g. deeper wrecks out on Great Lakes.

With drysuit, OTOH, you consider flooding and loss of drysuit buoyancy, instead of neoprene compression at depth.

 

[Marie13]

Others here say Golem has crappy customer service.

 

[Zef]

My daughter has a HOG aluminum plate and 32lb wing with a hogarthian harness. The quality is just as good as my Dive Rite plate and wing. DGX is similar/rebranded Dive Rite. I would not hesitate to buy HOG, Dive Rite, or DGX.

There is little difference between plates of similar metals and designs between the manufacturers from what I can tell. For wings, features will vary but it is typically just a shell with an air bladder inside. I prefer shells with a zipper so I can easily replace the bladder if it ever needs it....I can attest to the 3 brands I mentioned above having that feature. I don't know if HOG sells replacement bladders but I do know that Dive Rite does.

-Z

 

[Jim Lapenta]

HOG does sell replacement bladders.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

My GF recently passed her OW and I have my AOW. We both want to take Nitrox as well as Drysuit training. She usually rents her BC, where I have an old Seaquest back inflate that have had for about 10 years.

I would like to get her and also myself new BCs and have been looking into a BP/W setup. Not really interested in top of the line (Apex, Halcyon) as we are mostly vacation divers, but not the cheapest either. I am leaning towards the Hogarthian style, we don't need all the d-rings/shoulder pads on the deluxe editions of the brands I have seen. Most likely with 23-32lb wings since are single tank divers at the moment.

Anyway, looking for recommendations. My gut is leaning me towards the Hog Hogarthian BP/W for us both.

Thanks!

PM sent. I'm a HOG dealer in PA that includes assembly and adjustment in the indoor heated pool I have available when you buy a rig from me.
I have demo gear to try as well.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Do you guys think the DGX with the SS plate would be good for cold water diving too? Just wondering if a 25lb wing would be enough. Not as worried about diving with the drysuit but more so with a 7mm/gloves/hood/etc.

If there's a chance you use a steel cylinder and a decent amount of lead, I'd go with the 32-35lbs of lift. Honestly, there's not that much difference size wise but if you ever have to assist another diver at the surface you might want that few extra pounds of lift. I've had a 23 and 32. I now have two 32's. I usually dive steel tanks and there were times when the 23 just didn't feel quite like it was enough in a situation where I'd have to assist another diver.

 

[stuartv]

If you're going to use it with a drysuit:

VDH 35# wing - $255
Store | Vintage Double Hose

Blue Reef SS Back plate - $70
Blue Reef Stainless Steel Back Plate

If it's for warm water, then a VDH 18 or 23# wing would be a good alternative. Or the DGX single tank rig with a SS plate, for $309.

DGX Custom - DGX Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package

I have a HOG 23# wing and just got the VDH 35. Comparing them, I expect I would like the VDH 23 better than the HOG. I think the VDH is equal or better quality and it is a bit more streamlined. My HOG wing is about 3 years old and it has some fraying in the seams of the shell and I have seen the same thing on at least one other HOG wing. That said, I know they have changed production since I got mine, so I don't know if they still have that issue. Another thing is that the HOG wing has the corrugated hose coming out of the center of the top. The VDH has it offset to the left, so it doesn't hit/interfere with the 1st stage regulator (another reason I like the VDH better). But, again, I'm not positive if the current HOG wings are still the same in that regard.

Going forward, I will use my VDH 35 even for dives where the HOG 23 would be plenty of lift. If that says anything... I think I'm going to do a Blackbeard's cruise this summer (i.e. a week of warm water, single tank diving). If that trip happens, I think I will buy a new VDH 18 before the trip, rather than use the HOG 23. (yes, it would definitely be a luxury purchase, not a necessity)

 

[Jim Lapenta]

If you're going to use it with a drysuit:

VDH 35# wing - $255
Store | Vintage Double Hose

Blue Reef SS Back plate - $70
Blue Reef Stainless Steel Back Plate

If it's for warm water, then a VDH 18 or 23# wing would be a good alternative. Or the DGX single tank rig with a SS plate, for $309.

DGX Custom - DGX Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package

I have a HOG 23# wing and just got the VDH 35. Comparing them, I expect I would like the VDH 23 better than the HOG. I think the VDH is equal or better quality and it is a bit more streamlined. My HOG wing is about 3 years old and it has some fraying in the seams of the shell and I have seen the same thing on at least one other HOG wing. That said, I know they have changed production since I got mine, so I don't know if they still have that issue. Another thing is that the HOG wing has the corrugated hose coming out of the center of the top. The VDH has it offset to the left, so it doesn't hit/interfere with the 1st stage regulator (another reason I like the VDH better). But, again, I'm not positive if the current HOG wings are still the same in that regard.

Going forward, I will use my VDH 35 even for dives where the HOG 23 would be plenty of lift. If that says anything... I think I'm going to do a Blackbeard's cruise this summer (i.e. a week of warm water, single tank diving). If that trip happens, I think I will buy a new VDH 18 before the trip, rather than use the HOG 23. (yes, it would definitely be a luxury purchase, not a necessity)

I have the OP coming to the shop on Thursday to look at and maybe demo a couple of HOG setups. Based on what they want to do the 32lb wing is what I recommended. 23 is not enough lift.

The DGX set up actually should be used with a STA. And it doesn't come with assembly, adjustment, and a free pool session to do the fine tuning.

The inflator on the newer HOG wings does not come out of the center and hasn't for a while. It is offset to the left and can be used with or without the bungee that was not available on the older ones.

We have also discussed a tailored workshop for buoyancy and trim due to a lack of emphasis on those in previous instruction, nitrox, and drysuit training.