Hi everyone ,this is the first post I have made on this form, but I have read many of your other threads. I have my open water certification, and I am trying to get some experience. after reading my different threads I am thinking about getting a bp&w from DSS for a single tank. I would like to eventually get into wreck and tec, but for now I just want diving experience. Can anyone give me some advise on the way to go with the Bc or BP&wings? Thank you for your time.
New bc or backplate and wing
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rstofer
Contributor
Why not just go with DSS? I have bought 2 over the last few months and plan to buy another for my grandson in the near future. I guess you could say I am biased but that's going to be the case for everyone who replies.
You certainly won't be disappointed! Give Tobin (DSS) a call and get squared away on exactly which wing he recommends. There are several to choose from. You didn't say whether you are doing warm water or cold water diving. This will influence the selection of the backplate material as well. Then you have to make a decision as to which harness. The DIR (Do It Right) folks are going to recommend the hogarthian harness for its simplicity. I prefer the ProFit because I want the quick release buckles in the shoulder straps. The hogarthian setup is cheaper by quite a bit. Take your pick.
Richard
You certainly won't be disappointed! Give Tobin (DSS) a call and get squared away on exactly which wing he recommends. There are several to choose from. You didn't say whether you are doing warm water or cold water diving. This will influence the selection of the backplate material as well. Then you have to make a decision as to which harness. The DIR (Do It Right) folks are going to recommend the hogarthian harness for its simplicity. I prefer the ProFit because I want the quick release buckles in the shoulder straps. The hogarthian setup is cheaper by quite a bit. Take your pick.
Richard
Thank you for your reply. I am going to do mostly coldwater diving. I have been told that Ohio waters are still very cold in the summer when you get down deep. I was thinking about getting a single tank kit from him. Will the plate transfer when I get to tec and wreck diving? It should be mentioned that I am just getting started I have 5 dives , and I realy don't like the vest BC stle.
LeadTurn_SD
Contributor
Yes. That is the beauty of the BP/wing, it is a completely "modular" system. The backplate and harness will remain the same, you'll just need a different wing for doubles, plus the hardware associated with doubles (including doubles tank bands & hardware which mount the tanks to the back plate).
Have fun!
NorthWoodsDiver
Contributor
DSS stuff is great, and his plates dont require the use of a single tank adapter. I went with another brand because of weight (9lb ss) but really most plates are the same accept tobins.
All wings use 11" center to center bolt spacing (or at least every brand I know of does) and so everything should be totally modular. you could for example buy a harness from dive rite, a wing from oms, and a plate from DSS. though thats a PITA unless your buying used to save money which may make it worth while.
If you go with any brand plate besides DSS you will need a single tank adapter (some people dont use them but they are really nice and take more weight off your belt).
call tobin, its just easier that way, he will answer all your questions.
All wings use 11" center to center bolt spacing (or at least every brand I know of does) and so everything should be totally modular. you could for example buy a harness from dive rite, a wing from oms, and a plate from DSS. though thats a PITA unless your buying used to save money which may make it worth while.
If you go with any brand plate besides DSS you will need a single tank adapter (some people dont use them but they are really nice and take more weight off your belt).
call tobin, its just easier that way, he will answer all your questions.
khacken
Contributor
This is a controversial subject and you will find many posts about this. However, since mentioned that you want to eventually go tech, you might as well get the BP/W. You will most likely want one once you go down the tech path. I love my BP/W and use it even for recreational diving.
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And if you like Tobin also seel weight plates up to 8lbs per set that bolt on to the back plate. very nice for taking weight off the belt! I just used them with my drysuit and a steel 95 for my ice class. Total needed on the belt-6 lbs. Very nice!
one thing to consider is that with many bp/w setups, there's not much room for pockets on the rig, so you'll probably want/need pockets on your exposure protection (wetsuit/drysuit)
pockets are my main problem at the moment with my new bp/w
pockets are my main problem at the moment with my new bp/w
halocline
Contributor
A good pocket solution is a mesh pocket attached to the bottom of the plate, it kind of sits on your butt. Dive rite makes (or made) one that's perfect, it has a good velcro closure on one side that you can easily reach and open with one hand.
This topic is one of the most often debated topics on SB. If you do a search you'll find enough reading to keep you from diving for years, then you won't have to decide between a BP/W and jacket BC. First go through all the threads about BP/W vs BC, then go through the ones debating the "comfort" or deluxe harnesses vs the hog, then you can spend several months reading about the various wings available, and eventually you'll want to read at least several hundred posts recommending a specific plate.
This topic is one of the most often debated topics on SB. If you do a search you'll find enough reading to keep you from diving for years, then you won't have to decide between a BP/W and jacket BC. First go through all the threads about BP/W vs BC, then go through the ones debating the "comfort" or deluxe harnesses vs the hog, then you can spend several months reading about the various wings available, and eventually you'll want to read at least several hundred posts recommending a specific plate.
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