Hollis wing backplate system

[GiantMoray]

Hi,

Some of you may have read my previous post about getting a BCD but have had a change of heart, I think I'm going to go for a wing/backplate system.

I spoke to the my dive instructor today and he recommended Hollis. I was wondering what combination people would recommend, my original budget was £350 GBP and I'd like to keep as close to that as possible.

Advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Sent you the article. What is 350 GBP in USD? Never mind. found it. about 540.00 USD. Can easily do that.

 

[GiantMoray]

Thanks, What difference does brand make, are they interchangeable and how much adjustment would be needed for diving with a twinset, a different wing?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Not a lot honestly. Plates may have different hole locations for accessories, different bend angle, and some overall size differences. But not by much. Single tank set ups may or may not require an STA. Single tank adapter. HOG and DSS to name two do not. The wings have a roll control.system built in. Some wings may not line up with the cam slots in which case an sta would solve that issue. Harness is just a one piece strip of webbing. And if you did decide to move into twinsets all you'd need to do is change the wing. But by that time you may decide to get another set up just for doubles as if you switch often it becomes a pain if using a wing without an STA. Personally I have five BPW set ups. Two for students that are singles, one with an aluminum.plate that is also my travel rig, my own singles rig, a doubles rig, and my custom freedom plate singles rig.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[CT Sean]

I have both Hollis plates, the 25 lb wing and the Solo harness. Well most of the solo harness - it was used and didn't come with the unnecessary shoulder pads. I'm quite happy with all of it. As Jim stated though, there's not a whole lot of variation in plates. For the most part, a one piece harness is a one piece harness. The Dive Rite basic is pretty nice and dirt cheap ($32.00 on sale at Dive Gear Express | Equipment for Experienced Divers )- the Hollis Solo is, in my opinion, a waste of money ($100.00) as you are paying a lot for shoulder pads and and extra set of chest D-rings.

The real variation, and most of the cost, is in the wing. They vary based on lift, size (dimension), shape, with or without cam band slots, outer shell material, inner bladder material to name a few.

 

[Andy Miller]

I bought a hollis Bp/w a month or so ago after a lot of shopping and opinions and I can tell you I don't regret my decision even the slightest. I got a ss Bp and the s38lx wing for it with the elite 2 harness. I also added the sta just because the built in little whatever it was didn't look sturdy enough for my peace of mind. I hate having my gear shifting around or flopping all over. That's why I went with the Bp/w. it is u real how sturdy,stable, and comfortable it was. It was night and day from a vest bc. And it's all interchangeable parts so if something wears out its only a matter of replacing that and not the whole unit. I'm sure you have realized all of this and that's why you chose that style of bc. I'm just teen forcing to you it's the best decision I ever made for diving other than a miflex hose. The hollis is great. It's something when you look at it and touch it you know it's high quality. You know it's something that isn't cheaply made and is going to break the fith time. The internal retractor system is pretty cool. It raised skeptics when I saw it. Thinking something else to go wrong but it helps keep everything compact and reduces taco effect. I have about 20 dives on it and I love it. I let my friend borrow it and he is saving for one now. It's pure bliss. I took it down to 165 the other day up in the brockville narrows on the st Lawrence river and it worked like a charm. Buying this was the best decision ever. Do it you won't be disappointed.

 

[GiantMoray]

Thanks, I am now looking at getting the XDeep Zeos with simple harness, more within my budget but as I understand it towards the better made end of budget. I am, however, waiting to try a BPW before I nail my colours to the mast and buy one.