Hogarthian help

[FishWatcher747]

Lots of great advice given in this thread. An example how scubaboard can be really helpful to newer divers.

When I switched from Jacket BCD to BPW in my first year (February 2021) the topic seemed as clear as mud.

It seemed it is a secret society of BPW users and one needs to go through an initiation ceremony and be shown the secret handshake before one can join.

Meh. That's why when I saw the HOG total buoyancy videos I finally found someone to fully explain a BPW system I could buy all together and put together myself. Detailed instructions even someone like me could understand. I said yeah that is a lot of marketing and I ended up taking out the padded shoulder pads but at least they explained it very logically. Very happy with the product.

 

[mbs]

I was curious if the op told Pirahna that this was his first bpw. They could have done a better job and oh btw sold him more stuff and made a happier customer. I bought my first (current) bpw from Tobin from DSS. You spend some time on the phone, he makes you feel totally inadequate and you walk away with what you need. I watched several of the videos and set it all up at home. First dives I believe were on Bonaire. Been there many times so it was a comfortable known environment. I guessed right with the setup and still dive it with the original harness settings. So it can certainly be done over the internet with some preparation.

 

[tursiops]

Please jadairiii I have never read something so basically smart on here regarding the balancing act between weight and trim. I read about putting one pound here and one pound there, and heavy fins and weights on legs, this is just completely unnecessary. I am six feet 200 pounds and from bathing suit to dry suit I do not change my weight it stays centre mass. Would you write a brief paper on your smart and simple system and include it in your own thread for explanation for those wanting to learn what does work, not what might work and don't tell tursiops about it. I am your new semi official No 1 fan if that's ok

LOL. Apparently you've also never actually worked with many people on their trim.....YOUR body type and weight distribution is irrelevant.

 

[bvbellomo]

I was curious if the op told Pirahna that this was his first bpw. They could have done a better job and oh btw sold him more stuff and made a happier customer. I bought my first (current) bpw from Tobin from DSS. You spend some time on the phone, he makes you feel totally inadequate and you walk away with what you need. I watched several of the videos and set it all up at home. First dives I believe were on Bonaire. Been there many times so it was a comfortable known environment. I guessed right with the setup and still dive it with the original harness settings. So it can certainly be done over the internet with some preparation.

Yes, I told them this was my first bpw.

 

[Marie13]

For future reference, I like DGX better than Piranha.

 

[mbs]

Yes, I told them this was my first bpw.

Yea, I saw your post that you did... Sorry they didn't spend more time making sure you got all that you needed! Don't make the shoulder straps as tight as you think they should be. Keep them loose. Your waist and crotch strap will hold you in there. Too tight and it will be difficult to get in and out. Have fun!!!

 

[Nemrod]

No favorite between Piranha and DGX, both have some good products at often good prices and fast shipping and they are not complete duplicates of each other offering a slightly different mix of products. But Piranha does have hoses in colors. I am hoping they will get me one in tie-die or rainbow fade .

As to picking up things, other than dives , in Cozumel, I would not count too much on that.

James

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Randy at Piranha has been a friend, source for stuff, and customer of mine for many years. He has great prices on gear and has some stuff no one else has.
You do need to have some idea of what you want based on your own research though as they don't teach diving and are not always as familiar with every style of diving as someone like me who teaches.
How much research did you do before buying? It doesn't take much to find out what wings require an STA and which ones don't. Nor to ask if cam bands are included. However that should be a no brainer for anyone who has put a tank on a BC.
If want more info on setting a BPW send me your email address. I have an 11 page article on BPW's with photos that also covers adjusting them. I send it free of charge to anyone who asks.

 

[bvbellomo]

My STA arrived tonight. It is not symmetrical, it has a slot on one side and a square hole on the other. Does it matter which is up? It comes with 2 bolts, 2 wing nuts, 2 standard washers and 2 locking washers. What is the correct order? Should the wingnut be on the diver side or the tank side?

Am I correct assuming the dump valve should be on the diver side on the bottom?

As much as a Hogarthian is set up to avoid things that can go wrong, I am little leary of these bolts. If they come loose under water, my tank and wing head to the surface while I drop to the bottom.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

My STA arrived tonight. It is not symmetrical, it has a slot on one side and a square hole on the other. Does it matter which is up? It comes with 2 bolts, 2 wing nuts, 2 standard washers and 2 locking washers. What is the correct order? Should the wingnut be on the diver side or the tank side?

Am I correct assuming the dump valve should be on the diver side on the bottom?

As much as a Hogarthian is set up to avoid things that can go wrong, I am little leary of these bolts. If they come loose under water, my tank and wing head to the surface while I drop to the bottom.

Slot on the bottom, square hole on the top. Standard washer, lock washer, and wing nut go in the channel on the plate. So on the divers side. If you fully compress the lock washer it's unlikely to come loose. However you should be checking it every time you put it on or use the rig. Not doing so is asking for trouble. You can also get delrin thumb wheels to replace the wing nuts but they aren't necessary.
Yes, dump valve on the inside so you access it with the left hand.