Help getting bp/w

[Splitlip]

Even "tropical" destinations where the rent aluminum tanks, I would recommend SS plate. It will offset the positive buoyancy of the empty tank.

I use an aluminum plate locally, but I dive my own steel tanks. If I end up having to use an aluminum, I put weight in the pockets affixed to my cam bands or even thread hard weights on them.

 

[TSandM]

Take Tobin up on his offer. He will give you good advice.

If you are diving in cold water and in warm, a stainless plate is probably a better choice. The Kydex or Aluminum plate is only good for warm water diving with minimal exposure protection.

 

[Nemrod]

I would get an Oxy 18 Mach V and the Oxy Ultralight fabric travel plate. It is comfortable and feels great in and out of the water, packs light and small and I am into my second season on the rig and thus far has proven durable and functional. (Hint: tropical DMs drool over the rig)

The downside is that this system is intended for aluminum 80s and if you load a heavy (negative) tank into the plate and then pile weights into cam strap pockets the fabric plate will allow the tank to flop or roll a bit.

But for the intended purpose, a travel wing/BP that packs light and small, dives great and is comfortable in light exposure suits, rash guards, sunburned skin, love it. I would recommend your getting a weight integration pockets like the Dive Rite OR system to eliminate any need for a weight belt in your 3/2 full suit.

Have fun.

N

 

[nwflyboy]

Hi,

We have several models of “Travel” BCD’s at Leisure Pro. The Cressi Travellight SKU: CSBTL or if you are on a budget used SKU: US11831. The Hollis ATS BCD SKU: HLSATS or the ScubaPro Equator SKU: SCPET. B All Three of these BCD can meet your needs. Please check out the website to see. Leisurepro.com If you see something there and still have technical questions about the product please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Leisure Proski

Hey LPski - Unlike the OP, I do not want a BP/W setup. I've been looking at two of the BCDs you mention - the The Cressi Travellight SKU: CSBTL and the ScubaPro Equator SKU: SCPET. But I cannot find out one critical piece of information about either:

These are sold as "travel BCs" and their "compact size" (when packed) is one of their selling points. Yet nobody seems to be able (or willing) to say HOW COMPACT.

Can you provide the dimensions of these BCDs when packed up?

(I have already submitted this question via the "ask the pro" feature on your website, but "the pro" hasn't responded)

Thanks.

PS: You guys don't sell Atomic regs?

 

[SangP]

Since I have never put together my own system, would the following work or do I need to add something?

1. Oxycheq ultra lite BP ($48.)-Scuba toys
2. Hollis Elite Harness ($75) -last years model- Scuba toys
3. A Wing. (Looking for a sale, suggestions?)

Do I need a single tank adapter, or any other gaget, gizmo or widget? I looked and a Zeagle Express Tech deluxe was $292 so I guess that is my target to beat for cost unless I can justify something more as being better or lighter.
Thanks

The ZET is a great travel bcd and if you go side mount it would be a great purchase. If however, you might do back mount doubles then you're better off getting this:
AL back plate w/ Oxycheq Hog Harness & Oxycheq Mach V wing [DROCpkg] - $375.00 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!!

It's a great package, give Edd a call and he might work out something more of you.

SangP

 

[Bonairetrip]

Hey LPski - Unlike the OP, I do not want a BP/W setup. I've been looking at two of the BCDs you mention...
(

 

[SangP]

Oops double post

 

[herman]

I don't understand why people would recommend a SS back plate as a travel BP, doing so misses the whole point of it being a "travel" BC. The SS plate will add another 4 or 5 lbs to the total weight of the BC, a lot considering that almost doubles the weight of the BC. So what if you have to add a couple of more pounds of lead onto your weight belt. I would much rather add a little more weight to my weight belt than to have to deal with carring another 5lbs or so through an airport.

 

[divesergeant]

I went the DSS kydex route and love it, but I do all my diving in the warm water. Were I going to want it for cold water where I wear neoprere, I would get the SS plate. And yes, it would still be a DSS rig!

Call Tobin, he won't steer you wrong!
DS

 

[Nemrod]

I don't see the point of lugging a steel plate through airports either. A couple of three pound weights in a QLR integration pouch and you are in business, the destinations have weights---nobody would consider carrying a loaded weight belt so why carry essentially the same thing in a huge, full size, doubles stainless steel plate to dive aluminum 72s and 80s in Grand Cayman or Bonaire or______________ ?

A few pounds here, a few more there, couple more over there and soon your dive kit is way bulky and way over weight limit and you will be charged overweight limits both directions and double that for two people and that is 200 more dollars just to get your stainless plates to a dive destination that has FREE weight included, I don't get it.

N