First BP/W Rig

[Matryoshka]

I'm a new diver looking to invest in my first BC. I travel a lot and also working my way toward more tech diving, so I was looking at a bp/w setup. I seen a lot of advice on here, but was curious what you guys thought about a rig for someone just starting out. Everyone I've talked to lately is pointing my towards Dive-Rite, Hollis, or Zeagle ET (Though I've heard very mixed reviews on the Zeagle). I see HOG gear everywhere, but I haven't really seen anyone bragging on it as a better alternative to DR or Hollis.

Does anyone dive a Zeagle who could help me out with their experience. I've heard great things, but also some very poor things about their bladders w/ valve issues. Hollis and Dive-Rite both seem great, but with the Zeagle gear on the lower end of the $ scale it's hard to ignore.

Any advice would be really appreciated!

 

[rhwestfall]

to stir the pot a little, you forgot DSS....

 

[00wabbit]

A Backplate and wing is such a simple piece of gear that there isn't much to look at.

If it looks real fancy and cool it's probably got too much going on.

The basics of a system are:

A Metal Backplate: Steel or Aluminum.
A Harness: Simpler is better. Just one long piece of webbing with a buckle.
Some D Rings: Less is more. 1 at each shoulder and 1 at the left hip.
A wing: Appropriately sized for the amount of lift you require.
A Single tank adapeter if necessary for the wing.
A Crotch Strap

Thats it.
You don't need a pad on the backplate. You dont need padding on the harness. You don't need more buckles on the harness. You Don't need bungies on the wing.

They are real simple and effective devices and they should be kept that way. I have a DSS plate and wing. I chose DSS because they make different width and length plates and since I am a tall wide guy I can get a bit of a longer wider plate for me.

You can either use a weight belt or a weight harness with them for your weights.

HOG should be just fine. I have seen them at the quarry.

 

[JohnN]

I see HOG gear everywhere, but I haven't really seen anyone bragging on it as a better alternative to DR or Hollis.

Any advice would be really appreciated!

Since you asked

I have a HOG SS plate and 32# wing I use for warm water and single tank cold water (drysuit) diving. Could not be happier with the build quality, fit and finish.

Jim L. can hook you up for a very good price

 

[Matryoshka]

Thanks guys. Just wanted to add a couple things from your responses:

1) I'm looking for something very simple. I don't need much, 2 D-Rings and maybe a pocket (all of which I can add to a very basic harness myself). Simplest is best w/ me. And no, I won't be buying any padding!

2) I wasn't sure what to make of DSS. Maybe I don't understand the difference, but not sure why the DSS backplates seemed to cost so much more. If there's a good reason, I'd love to know.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Thanks guys. Just wanted to add a couple things from your responses:

1) I'm looking for something very simple. I don't need much, 2 D-Rings and maybe a pocket (all of which I can add to a very basic harness myself). Simplest is best w/ me. And no, I won't be buying any padding!
. . .

I'm guessing that, unless you just haven't updated the number of dives shown in your profile ("0-24"), you're a new diver and don't really know what you "need." The recommendation that was given to me was to borrow or rent a variety of gear and see what you like. If you've never tried the Zeagle Express Tech that you mentioned in your original post, try that too. You'll probably not choose it, but try it just for comparison. The plastic backplate of the Express Tech is unlike the aluminum or steel backplates, and the way the rig is assembled is a bit different, too. I like my Express Tech, which I've had for a number of years, but I am in the process of moving to a steel BP and more DIR-compatible wing rig. I will keep the Express Tech for long-term travel where I need an ultra-light, back-packable rig.

 

[phoenix31tt]

Since you asked

I have a HOG SS plate and 32# wing I use for warm water and single tank cold water (drysuit) diving. Could not be happier with the build quality, fit and finish.
d
Jim L. can hook you up for a very good price

+1 to the Hog setup... i use a hog 23# with aluminum plate... i'm happy with it...

Some of DSS plates use Kydex material, which i believes make it lighter and better for travel as well... somebody with experience on the DSS stuff will give you a better explanation

 

[triggerman365]

I used the Zeagle Express Tech for about 50 dives and liked very much. However, I have since switched to a Hollis wing and backplate and like it much better. If I was buying today I'd look hard a the HOG 23 with an AL plate (for my type of diving). DiveGearExpress is a great source for HOG and Hollis equipment. Good luck on your decision. By the way, get a simple harness hog style system, IMHO.

 

[BVickery]

Thanks guys. Just wanted to add a couple things from your responses:

2) I wasn't sure what to make of DSS. Maybe I don't understand the difference, but not sure why the DSS backplates seemed to cost so much more. If there's a good reason, I'd love to know.

One thing about DSS plates is they have a wider range of plates than other manufacturers. I'm in the 6'4/5 to 6'7 depending on what leg I stand on and how other joints are going, so I have a DSS Long Pattern plate. If your over 6'7 Tobin has a Extra Long Pattern that would be a better fit. Also, something that Tobin does that none of the other makers of plates do is have elastomeric covering to help reduce wear and tear on the harness. As for cost, not sure why, it is the price he feels is fair and people feel it is a fair price as well given a lot of people love his BP/W setups. I was saving up for a new DSS setup but was fortunate to have a used DSS BP/W fall into my hands.

Also, Tobin will help you get what you need the first time. He may seem gruff but way I viewed it he rather have you buy right the first time. And usually can get a new DSS rig between 460-480+ shipping which includes BP/W, Harness, Knife, Cambands and wedges. You don't need a STA for a DSS wing.

 

[victorzamora]

DiveGearExpress has a deal right now on DiveRite bp/w setups for $300 for a single wing, ally plate, and basic harness. It's a really great deal and doesn't need a STA.

As far as brands: Halcyon is probably nicer than all the rest, but are overpriced (IMHO). Hollis and DiveRite are two of the nicest. Hog is a very close second. For the price, it can't be beat. Contact Jim Lapenta for this. DSS has a great reputation and is known for its great customer service. Tobin is the person you should contact for DSS. As far as brands, I'd look for the one with the best deal ATM.
Backplate- Plates are plates. Don't spend too much. If you dive exclusively locally and will perpetually need lead, you might want to get the stainless steel plate. I was hoping to travel (fly) with mine....so I went with an Ally plate.
Harnesses- Simple, one-piece webbing. 6 d-rings including the scooter d-ring. One per shoulder, one per hip, and one on your butt. No padding needed, except for maybe the backpad. The backpad's only purpose is it's a great place to store a lift bag or SMB. It's not needed for comfort.
Wing- Single tank wings for single tanks. Double tank wings for doubles. No wing can do both well, regardless of marketing. Don't buy one wing and hope to dive the other. You do NOT need 40+ pounds of lift. In fact, you don't need much lift at all. I like the ~30# wings. I had a 38# wing, which was excessive. Knowing what I know now, I would've gotten the Hollis S25 instead. Big wings just taco.
STA- depending on your preferences and your plate/wing selection....you might need a STA. Some people like them for extra weight anyway.