SanDiegoSidemount
Contributor
I started with the Dive Rite "deluxe" harness and ended up ditching all the extras for a simple one-piece webbing harness. If I were to do it again, I'd start as simple as possible, and only add on if something more is really needed.
This page has a number of very nicely priced options, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Ultimate Hogarthian Backplate, Harness and Wing Systems - Dive Gear Express
As mentioned before, If you dive cold water, I'd recommend stainless backplate instead of aluminum. If you dive singles, the Single Tank Adapter option with S/S cam strap is a bomb-proof, completely solid way to mount your tank. (It also adds 1-2 lbs.)
Try not to overdo it with wing buoyancy: extra size just creates more drag. All you need is enough to float your tank + harness-mounted weights at the surface. I use a 35lb wing for my cold water rig: single steel tank, SS backplate, STA, 14lbs of weight. If you calculate, that's roughly -25lbs, so a +35 wing is more than enough.
I'm a big fan of my Dive Rite Voyager XT wing. After nearly 100 dives, it still looks brand new. Extremely durable and well built.
---------- Post added November 3rd, 2013 at 06:55 PM ----------
This is a screaming good deal. My only reservation is, what's the feedback on HOG wings? I'm a big fan of their regs.
This page has a number of very nicely priced options, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Ultimate Hogarthian Backplate, Harness and Wing Systems - Dive Gear Express
As mentioned before, If you dive cold water, I'd recommend stainless backplate instead of aluminum. If you dive singles, the Single Tank Adapter option with S/S cam strap is a bomb-proof, completely solid way to mount your tank. (It also adds 1-2 lbs.)
Try not to overdo it with wing buoyancy: extra size just creates more drag. All you need is enough to float your tank + harness-mounted weights at the surface. I use a 35lb wing for my cold water rig: single steel tank, SS backplate, STA, 14lbs of weight. If you calculate, that's roughly -25lbs, so a +35 wing is more than enough.
I'm a big fan of my Dive Rite Voyager XT wing. After nearly 100 dives, it still looks brand new. Extremely durable and well built.
---------- Post added November 3rd, 2013 at 06:55 PM ----------
Good deal on a HOG setup.
This is a screaming good deal. My only reservation is, what's the feedback on HOG wings? I'm a big fan of their regs.