Hollis Ride Wing vs DGX BP/W for Same Price

[TinFins]

Hi all,
I'm trying to decide between a Hollis Ride Wing vs. DGX BP/Wing. The price is the same, $300. I understand that they are different in that the DGX is a traditional BP/W and would come with a steel plate while the Ride has a cloth back. I'm replacing my Aqua Lung Malibu BCD because its tearing in more than a few spots.

I dive mostly northern California with a 7mm wetsuit and the occasional trip to a tropical dive spot, rec diving. I'm pretty big, 6'4" 230.

I guess my question is, because I wear quite a bit of weight in the water anyway, 24+ lbs, and I don't intend to dive doubles anytime soon, is there great advantage to the BP/W?

Also, I used the buoyancy calculator, but I'm not 100% sure I'm interpreting the results correctly: 6'4", 7mm full suit, all weight on BC, bat wing fins, only Alu 80s. Can I get away with a 25lb wing? Or should I just get a 37lb wing. I rarely go below 115 feet.

Thank you for your help, I'm trying to buy this by tomorrow to get it in time for a trip to Bonaire.

Respectfully,
TinFins

 

[tbone1004]

do you ever head down to LA area? Even if not, if supporting local business is important to you, it may be worth it to call Tobin at Deep Sea Supply, if you're that big you may need a non-standard size backplate and Tobin makes long length backplates which will fit you better. A bit more money, but higher quality than either, supporting a local California shop, and Tobin is a good guy.

If you're going to 100ft you have essentially lost all of your suit buoyancy, so you need a 30lb or more wing, 25lbs isn't safe for that dive.

 

[TinFins]

Thanks tbone. I've checked out DSS, its out of my price range.

That's what I thought, I just saw a great deal on a 25lb wing.

 

[tbone1004]

check around for some used options. If you have a long back the longer backplate and potential for weight plates so you can ditch the weight belt may be worth the bit extra. At least call Tobin and talk to him before you pull the trigger.

DRIS Dive Gear 28lb BP/W System | Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL - Dive Right in Scuba
That is worth looking into as well

 

[TinFins]

What are your thoughts on these vs the Ride?

 

[Dive Right In Scuba 2]

While our 28lb BP/W package is a top shelf unit, I agree with Tbone on the amount of lift. For what type of exposure protection you're looking at a 32lb wing as a minimum amount of safe lift. A SS BP would take 5-6lbs off of that weight requirement, a SS STA another lb or so(if you go that route). Do you have any access to steel cylinders? I think those would serve you better if you have that option taking another 6-8lbs off of your weight requirement. 24lbs on a weight belt is quite a bit, and being able to shift some of that around would be advantageous.

 

[tbone1004]

I wouldn't bother looking at any non stainless backplates or anything for local diving in your area. A BP/W with STA and SS Cam bands can take 10lbs off of your weight belt just in the rig and it doesn't weigh all that much more than a standard BC. I still say call Tobin because he may have something that was returned or whatever that may not be full price or some other option, but his gear is worth the premium....

 

[victorzamora]

The Hollis Ride is a great piece of great for what it is. Cheap, almost a bpw, great for travel. I think it's best use is as a rental bcd for an independent instructor as they can fit everybody into one. However, diving as you do I REALLY recommend staying away and just getting a stainless plate. The ride is slightly floaty. A true bpw with a stainless plate and stainless cam bands will put you at 8-10 pounds less lead than the ride and even bigger reducing compared to your Jacket. 30+pounds is what is recommend. You don't need 60 like many think, but 25 just really isn't enough.

 

[TinFins]

DRIS,
Can you suggest a package from your website that you think would fulfill what I need? Inexpensive and simple is what I'm looking for.

 

[tbone1004]

BP/W Package Configurator - Dive Right in Scuba

That with the SS plate and Voyager

All of the others are in Deep Sea Supply money range and DSS trumps all of the others in quality.

The Trianta package will likely work for you because I'm willing to bet you are AT LEAST 5lbs overweighted right now unless that suit is a super floaty 7mm farmer john but I doubt it. I have yet to see the 28lb wing or equivalent not work for guys not diving double AL80's or those that have an immense amount of bioprene around the middle. I think if you do an honest weight check, just you and the wetsuit at the surface, you'll find you're needing a bit too much lead.