I'll chime in my 2 cents, since between my son and I we have a handful of configurations that fit your description.
BLUF: the DGX BP/W combo is an excellent value and quality seems on par with "premium" branded gear.
In the photos from right to left are DGX aluminum plate w/30lb wing, Halcyon aluminum plate w/25lb Dive Rite Travel EXP and Halcyon stainless plate w/40lb Eclipse.
The 40lb Eclipse dives the same (in my experience) as the 30 and save for the side panels the dimensions are nearly the same. The 30lb DGX had a taller and narrower profile. Underwater I rarely have more than a puff in my BC bladder, so this one doesn't seem to dive any differently than the Halcyon single tank wings.
Notice in the deflated and side views, the Halcyon (and less so the Dive Rite) curl up the sides of the cylinder more. I rotate my hip and use the butt dump to move air out, so don't notice the Halcyon trapping much air.
As far as the plates are concerned the Halcyon aluminum plate's holes and slots are nicely chamfered, while the DGX plate needs tubular webbing at the slots to protect the harness from excess abrasion. Both Halcyon and DGX stainless plates are chamfered.
Harness webbing. The Halcyon is noticeably softer to the hand, although the DGX is a bit stiffer (though not bad).
Trim pockets, Halcyon will hold a 4lb soft weight, while Dive Rite's will hold 5lb. I did not evaluate other trim pockets that only relied on velcro (w/o buckle).
Wing materials all seem to be a similar denier and thickness nylon. Bladder materials also seem similar. The DGX wing (like Halcyon and Dive Rite) is made in the USA.
For regulators, I'm partial to Dive Rite XT1 and either the XT2 or 4. Unless your student decides later to travel abroad alot, they'll have no trouble getting service. Sealed, balanced diaphragm and they won't break the bank, especially when they need a second 1st stage latter if they decide to go into doubles. Of course, they could save a few dollars with DGX D6, which is similar, but unless they are going to service their own regs or mail them in for service, they may have a more complicated time if trying to service locally.
Again, just my 2 cents. Take it for what it's worth.
Ken
