First bp/w setup questions

[Skinny dip]

I have decided to purchase a basic bp/w setup but want some input before buying. First, I want low cost as I only tank dive when vis is too bad for freediving. My current bc is too big and bulky and heavy out of the water. I only dive wearing a 3mil 2 piece open cell freedive suit. I am not sure of my bc weight but freediving use 6lbs to be neutral at 30'. I only dive single tanks 80 or 100. I want to minimize extra weight and not wear a belt if possible. Dive gear express seems to have the best price with plate/wing for $300. Anybody recommend stainless or al? What wing size? Any other brands to look at? Also, I like my air2 on my current bc, can I swap this onto the wing? I have read a lot on here about bp/w but hoping for specific info for a starting point. Thanks

 

[tbone1004]

stainless will allow you to likely not wear a belt

wing size of 20-30lbs

Deep Sea Supply is imho worth the extra money. The plates are flatter, the wings work better without an STA so the overall rig is lighter and close to your body, and the plates are higher quality. Stainless plate with LCD20 is probably the best recommendation. It is more expensive, but worth it. If you are outside of the 5'8"-6'2" that normal backplates are designed for, DSS has plates outside of that size range. This rig is $460. This will be a more streamlined and easier to use package for this type of diving imho than any other rig on the market.

If you can't/don't want to swing that, then I think this is worth the extra $80 over the DGX package. It does require use of an STA which makes the rig less streamlined, but has a much better wing design than the Travel wing for most people. It copies the Halcyon Eclipse 30 which is a great wing shape
DRIS Dive Gear 28lb BP/W System | Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL - Dive Right in Scuba

Air2 can go onto any inflator hose with the correct adapter. I don't like them or recommend them since they are almost always less streamlined than a proper primary donate hose setup

 

[halocline]

Assuming you're talking about AL tanks, a steel plate would be the best bet for not needing any additional weight. The DSS steel plate/20 lb wing is really nice. If you can find a freedom plate, and pair that with an oxycheq 18 lb mach V wing, also really excellent set up. The freedom plate is made by a SB member.

 

[stuartv]

I agree with halocline on the plate. If you're using aluminum tanks, I think a SS BP would be your best bet.

I have 2 DSS back plates and 1 DSS wing. They are very nice. Very high quality. But, I got mine used, for cheap. If I were buying new, the DGX rig you found for $299 is what I would go for. I would pay the $10 to upgrade to the SS BP.

The DGX wing is 25# of lift, which is plenty for the diving you described. And, according to DGX, their wing is identical to the Dive Rite Travel EXP wing, just labelled for DGX. So, I believe it's also a good quality wing.

I don't know if your Air2 can be mounted on that wing, but I would think so. However, customer service at DGX is awesome. Your best bet would be to call or email them and ask. They are great on the phone and they are very responsive to email as well.