Hollis HD200 vs Scubapro Equator

[Grender]

Thanks for all the input guys, after much consideration I decided to stick with Hollis, but go with the HTS 2 instead of the HD 200. Though it is not a true BPW, it does have most of the perks of one (harness system, interchangeable wings, fully adjustable, etc). (keep in mind that I am diving in the Caribbean with a 3 mil during the winter and a skin during the summer, a plate is not as important for me as it is for someone who needs more ballast).

My friend Rich Synowick of Divers Incorporated in Michigan cut me a great deal on the harness/wing, he even threw in a few weight pockets. You should check out his podcast, it is called Diversync - you can find it on itunes or any of the other podcast apps.

@Tbone - I know I paid more than I probably should have but Rich cut me a deal and I want to support his shop. The price isn't a huge deal for me anyways. Thank you for taking the time to offer your advice.

@Waterboy - I agree with your points completely about how BCDs are fine, easy, comfortable, etc. But after talking to some trusted friends, I have found that the harness system can be just as simple and easy to use with a little practice. The HTS 2 also gives me room to grow into tech if somewhere down the line I feel like diving doubles. The versitility of the HTS 2 is what ultimately swayed my decision.

 

[doctormike]

Ha Ha.. I see what you did there

Seriously, leaving aside all of the drama, you should understand that there is a reason why we bring up BP/W when once a week a relatively new diver asks the question "which BC should I get", or rather "which of these two jacket BCs is better".

One of the main points of this board is for more experienced divers to give advice to newer divers. This is not a deposition in a court of law, so I don't at all think that it's unacceptable to say "have you considered a BP/W" to the OP, even though he didn't specifically ask about one.

The reason why it can be helpful is that the vast majority of new divers have never even heard of a BP/W, or if they have, they have that old assumption that it's somehow only for technical divers.

I don't want to go over the arguments for the BP/W again and again with you. It's fine if you like your BC and it works for you. I will just say that most people who go from Jackets to BP/Ws (NOT all, but most) find them a major upgrade in many ways. They don't require much work once they are fit properly, just like a tailored suit doesn't require more work to put on than an off the rack suit does.

I dive the same backplate at home with a set of double 119s and a dry suit, and in the Caribbean with an aluminum 80 and a 3 mm shorty. Never change the harness a bit.

I absolutely believe that there is no diving scenario or diver that is better served by a jacket BC than a BP/W. And a lot of people feel that way. So for no other reason than that, someone asking the question "which BC should I get" might at least be given the opportunity to consider an option that they probably didn't know existed.

 

[ycc]

To OP, maybe I come a bit late,

I asked nearly the same question as yours about a month ago, and I think our positions are exactly the same

- New diver, no ambition to get into technical
- Like pockets and ditch-able weight
- Used to think bp/w is for tech only

I was hooked on Hollis (and mares) bc at the beginning coz they look so so so cool (sorry but the scubapro bcs look really dull to me)

I did think about the HTS2 too but I have read comments over the internet and got the idea that Hollis' wing is just not as tough as the other like DSS/oxycheq/diverite.

So I was thinking, HTS2 is something alike bp/w so why not I get a real bp/w directly with tougher wing?

Finally I go to bp/w and I am very happy with that.

PS. Honestly, as a newb, it is quite a painful to set the harness up, but once it is done, it is DONE and dive happily ever after

 

[Water Boy76]

To the OP: Glad you figured out what you wanted.

doctormike: agree with most of your points, but disagree that a BP/W is always the best option.

Tbone: if I ever need or want a BP/W you will be the first person I PM for suggestions.

 

[doctormike]

doctormike: agree with most of your points, but disagree that a BP/W is always the best option.

That's OK, that's why the board is here! For us to discuss things and learn from each other... Doesn't mean that we are always going to agree...

 

[tbone1004]

Waterboy, the guys that sell them are better resources, in particular Tobin at DSS and Mike at DRiS, they have much more experience than I do and I only dive backmount in a limited fashion these days. I do work with certain mfg's on development of new gear, but it is always best to work with those that do this on a daily basis and are truly experts in the field. My comments are simply analyzing a cost/value/functionality assessment of certain gear and trying to remain unbiased.