help with picking a bp w/ wing

[cool_hardware52]

well as per the reccomendations of the fine memebers on this board i have decided to go with a back plate and wing style bcd im just looking right now but i am curious what brands are people using and what styles of harness's are you guys using

Sciontc,

You have the luxury of many good choices, there are quite a few very serviceable BP&W's available today.

It can be a bit overwhelming.

Stainless Steel or Aluminum or Kydex?

What size plate?

Single Tank Adapter or Direct Mount?

What Capacity Wing?

What Shape Wing?

Accessories?

I'd be happy to make a specific recommendation based on your application.

To do so I need more info. Let me know If I can help

Tobin

 

[The Mighty Thor]

My recommendation is to try before you buy, if you can. Many companies have demo days, where you can try the gear out before you buy. Also, there are many instructors who may have an extra plate you can use. You won't know what you like in a BP/W until you've used one (or two). You can also find some very good deals on a full BP/W setups in the classified section of SB.

 

[The Mighty Thor]

My recommendation is to try before you buy, if you can. Many companies have demo days, where you can try the gear out before you buy. Also, there are many instructors who may have an extra plate you can use. You won't know what you like in a BP/W until you've used one (or two). You can also find some very good deals on a full BP/W setups in the classified section of SB.

I ended up buying Halcyon. I got a deal I couldn't refuse. However, I had many conversations with Tobin of DSS and he really helped me narrow down what size wing, plate, features, I "needed." Was going to buy DSS, before I was offered a deal on a used Halcyon for less. Most people I dive with either have DSS or Halcyon BP/W.

 

[TSandM]

Halcyon is considered the pinnacle,

This is a matter of opinion. They do make good gear, but I'm not sure it's the "pinnacle".

 

[Sas]

Halcyon is considered the pinnacle

How many BP/Ws have you tried out to determine this?

 

[a22shady]

I have the Halcyon Eclipse as well as my G/F and few others I dive with, We all love it great BC. Other BC's That I know of that are also good I would Look at the Hog,Diverite,Hollis,OMS. Best thing you can do as with all scuba gear is try it on. If moneyis not an Issue I like Halcyon over others. If your on a budget and still want something great go with HOG/Diverite

http://www.halcyon.net/?q=bc/single/eclipse

http://www.diverite.com/products/catalog/backplates
http://www.diverite.com/products/catalog/backplates/harnesses/t3000

http://www.edge-gear.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

http://www.hollisgear.com/products.asp?catID=3

 

[zenheadhunter]

Dive rite makes a very good product and the customer service is top notch.my setup is simple and streamlined (dr stainless plate ,dr deluxe harness with the chest strap/no quick release,dr rec exp wing and a 2inch crotch strap) i like it very much.There are many quality products on the market that are well made golem gear, privateer,dss i would suggest you take the time to try some of these before you buy.You don,t want the plate to ride to low on the lower back so options of a short or long plate are important my thought on halcyon is they make a good product ,but think way to highly of it hence the price. I would not buy any gear because a particular name was on it.The most important things are fit,quality ,longevity and what its intended use will be,should help you narrow down your choices.

just my 2 cents

vince

 

[SangP]

For the retail price of a Halcyon you have many equally good alternatives.

Tobin's DSS system is very good too but almost every bp are very similar so unless you are going DIR or GUE you really don't need a Halcyon.

Wings however, are a different story. Personally I prefer Oxycheq's wings as they are really tough n even after 5 years they are as good as new. Although, their service can be better, getting them from reliable shops like caveadventurers.com or scubatoys really helps.

For $820 of a Halcyon infinity you could easily get a DSS rig for under $500 or you could get a really super tough hybrid setup like this:

BackPlate and Wing Package reviews and discounts, Dive Rite
You might want to call scubatoys or caveadventurers.com to upgrade the wing to
Oxycheq Mach V - Extreme Series 30lb
or
Oxycheq Mach V - Extreme Series 40lb

It will still be cheaper than the Halcyon Infinity or Eclipse system.

SangP