Newbie blames all of you

[zimpod]

Yes, I blame all of you (some more than others). So, I was going along, perfectly content to get myself a fine vest BCD, and you ruined it. Over the course of reading SB over the last couple of months, I went from just wanting to get a non-rental vest, to trying to explain to my wife that my life would be in immediate danger unless I urgently purchased a backplate. I’ve only had about 20 dives, all on rented gear, and so I was on the fence about the whole BP/W thing until I got a screaming deal on a new Halcyon Pioneer 36. I hold you’all responsible for this, especially since this wing still cost more than what I was going to spend for the BCD (nor is this the only thing I blame you for – I just made some spring straps for my Frogs, and I have also recently discovered a propensity to stockpile bungie cord with only a vague explanation that “I’ll need it for diving” but that neither here nor there...). In sum, I expect you to make it up to me by helping me pick the plate and harness. I have narrowed it down to the following three, in order of my current preference:

OMS Alum. plate and adjustable harness (w/ shoulder quick disconnect) $105
Dive Rite Alum. plate and adjustable harness (w/ shoulder quick disconnect) $120
Hammerhead Alum. plate and Hog harness, plus a 2-piece travel STA $115

What are you thoughts on one over the others? I like the idea of a minimalist Hog harness, but I also like the ability to get out of the rig quick via the quick shoulder disconnect afforded by the OMS and DR. Those of you diving Hogarthian, how easy is it to get in and out of the shoulder straps?
Also, I have read here different things on the use of an STA with the Pioneer wings. In the event I go with OMS or Dive Rite, would I need an STA?
For the record, I am strictly a warm water, single tank, travel diver. Do not intent to dive anything thicker than 3 mm.
Thanks for your help.

Dimiter

 

[dlndavid]

Have you tried doing an advanced search?

 

[The Kraken]

You are eternally lost now! You dementia will only become worse.

Repent now !!!! or forever enjoy your diving . . . .

the K

 

[BabyDuck]

yeah, they got me like that, too, and now look at me...sob...just been to vortex & morrison with new friends and loving life in all its intricacies!!

 

[do it easy]

i haven't been keeping up with what's up with backplates, but since they are all in the same price range, the hammerhead seems to have the most bang for the buck with the, essentially, free STA. are they the same people who make the rebreather electronics?

personally, i have an OMS steel plate and have no problems with it, although i think that i need an aluminum one for weighting issues- i'm so negative, that it keeps me up at night.

this is an entertaining thread about getting out of a backplate...
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=115306

edit- if you're a single tank diver, you'll probably need the STA- single tank adapter. doubles use the tank bands to attach to the backplate.

 

[AquaPixie]

TransPacs and TransPlates on Sale for $99
You can have a 2005 Model TransPac or TransPlate harness for only $99, your choice. Add a Travel Wing or Rec Wing for just $199 more. That's less than $300 for a Dive Rite BC system. The July 2005 SCUBA Diving Magazine rate them as "Testers Choice" in the over $700 price range.

For More Information Visit http://www.diveriteexpress.com/transale.shtml


This might redeem you in your wifes eyes if you want save a couple bucks

I just picked up anouther transplate w/alum plate for my doubles... :10:

 

[pants!]

OMS Al plate and Hog harness. The OMS plates are as nice as anything out there, and you can't beat the Hogarthian harness.

 

[JeffG]

edit- if you're a single tank diver, you'll probably need the STA- single tank adapter. doubles use the tank bands to attach to the backplate.

Its a Pioneer wing. Only some of the old ones need an STA. The new ones have it built in.

 

[doole]

I like the idea of a minimalist Hog harness, but I also like the ability to get out of the rig quick via the quick shoulder disconnect afforded by the OMS and DR. Those of you diving Hogarthian, how easy is it to get in and out of the shoulder straps? Dimiter

Easier than with the dumbass clips, imo. Put you hands through the straps at the side, shove them through keeping your elbows tight to your ribs ands you're out. (Don't fergit to undo the waist buckle. :07: )

 

[doole]

Its a Pioneer wing. Only some of the old ones need an STA. The new ones have it built in.

Not always so much - my Eclipse doesn't have the requisite slots for the strap so I had to add an STA. Did they change this? (I don't see how they could, given the design with the inside zipper.)

In any case, I like the STA arrangement better anyway, in a single-tank setup. The tank doesn't roll around.