Input for BP/W Setup

[eweingarden]

As I research a BP/W setup, I have a few questions.
1. How do I determine the proper wing size (lift)
2. What are the pros/cons of a single piece harness vs multi piece
3. How does a Hogarthian Harness differ from other harnesses

I'll probably have more questions as I learn more. Thanks.

 

[divad]

2. What are the pros/cons of a single piece harness vs multi piece
3. How does a Hogarthian Harness differ from other harnesses

Hogarthian harness is "a single piece harness".

 

[Dive Right In Scuba 2]

1. How do I determine the proper wing size (lift)
Wing lift is determined by a number of factors like type of exposure protection, single or double tanks, tank type and size, amount of ballast you need to carry etc. In addition there are differing types of wings in most cases for single/double tanks. There are also donut and horseshoe styles of wings.
2. What are the pros/cons of a single piece harness vs multi piece
For most the single piece or Hogarthian harness is the go to. It's simple, robust and easily replaceable. However, some will find that they are better suited using a deluxe style harness(like myself....I have a barrel chest so a deluxe style harness with a chest strap and pivot points serves me better).
3. How does a Hogarthian Harness differ from other harnesses
See #2 above.

 

[tbone1004]

search through this forum on the subject, many threads asking for these, many are still active that go into depth as far as brands and what to look for. Finding a local tech diver in your area may also be good as they can show you gear and let you try it, most of us are quite open about sharing gear with people, so you can try different styles if you can find them, but it's best to start out with a basic one piece harness, Aaron from DRiS popped in above and they have a package deal with their Trianta wing which with a one piece harness is the best point to start out. Will give you the lift you need, though a bit much for tropical diving, and not quite enough for say 100ft dives in a 7mm farmer john in an AL80, but I'd argue nothing is going to make that type of diving safe. Start with the one piece harness and if it doesn't work for you, you can swap harnesses out pretty easily. I dive the Dive Rite Deluxe harness as it works better for me, but I'm in the abnormal body type as well, 52" chest 38" waist, so nothing fits quite right.

 

[eweingarden]

When I'm diving in tropical waters, I've got an AL80 and either a skin suit or a 3mm wet suit. If I'm diving wrecks in the St Lawrence, I have a single steel 100 and a 7mm suit. I don't foresee using a double setup.

Aside from differences in travel weight, and the weight needed for the dive, any other considerations for aluminum vs SS for the BP?

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Here you go.
https://www.globalunderwaterexplorers.org/equipment/config

 

[tbone1004]

I'd go with DSS Kydex over aluminum personally, but you shouldn't have issues with travelling with SS plates, I haven't had an issue, lives in the bottom of my carryon bag. Call Tobin, it will help

 

[eweingarden]

MaxBottomtime - thanks for the link.

 

[Dave616]

I've been traveling to tropical water with an 18lb. wing, fabric plate, and Hog harness. This year I'm switching to a 2lb. travel plate because I'm not trim using an aluminum 80 and 6-8lbs on my belt. It obviously gets worse as the tank falls below 50% capacity.

I dive cold/fresh water with a SS Plate and 7mm full suit with 5/7 hooded vest. I can use a 30lb. wing with an HP119 tank.

If I lived near DSS, I probably would have bought there. Instead I bought the most durable product I could afford, bought from a dealer who is very experienced and has great deals.

What is your budget?
Plates ~ $85-150 (DSS Kydex is higher)
Hog Harness ~ $40
Single Tank Wings ~ $230-440
SS Cam Tank Bands ~ $60 (2)
STA - $25-60 (if needed)

 

[halocline]

Aside from differences in travel weight, and the weight needed for the dive, any other considerations for aluminum vs SS for the BP?

No, that's basically it. If you need the ballast, steel is better IMO. Travel weight is almost insignificant; a steel plate with hogarthian harness and a small wing will still weigh as much or less than most jacket BCs. If you go with an AL plate you can approximate the ballast and trim of a steel plate by putting a couple of weights on the cambands, XS scuba makes pockets for that. It's still not as good as having the weight equally spread out over your back sandwiched in between the two sources of buoyancy. (the wing and your lungs)