Newbie Jacket to BPW, DR Transplate/OMS Comfort vs OMS Smartstream/Halcyon Cinch

[CoGT3]

New member with a truly Newbie type question.

Just wrapping up AOW this week. Up till now have been using LDS rental BCDs, Atomic BC1s. Early on my instructor suggested looking into back inflate style BCSs to purchase. I am a big guy, 6'4", 260, and agree I could do away with extra clutter around the sides. I have tried a rental Zeagle Express on a fun dive and am also convinced back inflate is the way forward. I have spent a lot of time reading on here about different options and really suspect I would do well in a BPW style back inflate. However, I am not convinced I am ready to go full DIR/Holgarthian single piece harness yet. Both my shoulder are a little limited on range of motion so I have been looking at the "Hybrid" design like the Dive Rite Transplate harness and OMS Comfort harnesses that still have adjustable shoulder straps or the OMS Smartstream and Halcyon Cinch systems that avoid the quick disconnect on the shoulder but do allow you to loosen the shoulder straps to assist with donning and doffing. Also thinking down the road, all of those could be converted to a true DIR harness while reusing the BP, wing, and any other accessories.

With the Atomic BCD and an Al80 i was using 20lbs of extra weight, switched to Steel 100's and got down to 14lbs, and last dive did fine with only 12lbs. Even with a SS BP I suspect I still will be using dumpable weight pockets and at my level of experience still like the idea of weight that is easy to dump if needed.

So all wise members, any strong preferences of the two different hybrid approaches:
DR Transplate/OMS Comfort style harness or
OMS Smartstream/Halcyon Cinch

Also worth probably considering, my LDS where we dive and have done our training are Dive Rite dealers. Down the road is a Halcyon dealer, and about another hour away is Dive Gear Express which carry DR, OMS, and their own gear. I suspect with any of the options buying local to insure a good fit and support will be beneficial.

Thanks ahead of the time.

 

[rongoodman]

I’d go for a SS BP/W and one-piece harness. If it doesn’t work out after it’s been properly adjusted, you can always get creative, but why pay for an elaborate solution you probably don’t need?

 

[Snoweman]

I have an Aqualung Zuma back inflate BCD that I really like. It's very packable in my carry-on, but I still need weights in the integrated pockets.

 

[davecampbell]

if you're physically only a couple hours from DGX, it would be extremely foolish to not take advantage of that. Great gear at reasonable prices, excellent customer service, and local to you? It's a no-brainer.

 

[randini]

When I made the switch I was also reluctant to go single piece of webbing. But I did and have been glad I did. Once you get it set up right, you won't miss the adjustability at all. Besides you can always add all that faff to the harness after market if you feel that you need it. One thing I did recently add and have been really happy with is a Dive Rite back pad. Before, when I was in the pacific in a 7mm or drysuit and never needed any padding. Here in S. Texas the water's warm enough that I'm rarely in more than a rash guard and the back pad has made it as comfortable as it was before.

I'd talk to the shop you got certified through, they can probably hook you up with a deal on what they carry. Help out that LDS.

Definitely go SS back plate. Add some trim weight pouches to the cam bands and put the rest on good old weight belt. You'll probably only have about 6 lbs on it.

 

[CoGT3]

if you're physically only a couple hours from DGX, it would be extremely foolish to not take advantage of that. Great gear at reasonable prices, excellent customer service, and local to you? It's a no-brainer.

About 1.5 hours south of us, but only 45 minutes from were we dive. If the response is not overwhelmingly just get a standard Dive Rite set up, I am making the trip. At the very least to see multiple different options from multiple manufacturers.

 

[CoGT3]

When I made the switch I was also reluctant to go single piece of webbing. But I did and have been glad I did. Once you get it set up right, you won't miss the adjustability at all. Besides you can always add all that faff to the harness after market if you feel that you need it. One thing I did recently add and have been really happy with is a Dive Rite back pad. Before, when I was in the pacific in a 7mm or drysuit and never needed any padding. Here in S. Texas the water's warm enough that I'm rarely in more than a rash guard and the back pad has made it as comfortable as it was before.

I'd talk to the shop you got certified through, they can probably hook you up with a deal on what they carry. Help out that LDS.

Definitely go SS back plate. Add some trim weight pouches to the cam bands and put the rest on good old weight belt. You'll probably only have about 6 lbs on it.

Thanks for the input. Agree about the LDS. They are great and while they don’t discount much they have a rewards system and for big purchases, computer, BCDs, at full price you get a 2 tank boat trip so there’s that. They have done well so far from us, 2 computers, 2 reg sets, son’s BCD and wetsuit.

It’s also the reason I was looking at those brands, can be had in real brick and mortar shops within a 1:30 drive.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

New member with a truly Newbie type question.
I have spent a lot of time reading on here about different options and really suspect I would do well in a BPW style back inflate. However, I am not convinced I am ready to go full DIR/Holgarthian single piece harness yet. Both my shoulder are a little limited on range of motion so I have been looking at the "Hybrid" design like the Dive Rite Transplate harness and OMS Comfort harnesses that still have adjustable shoulder straps or the OMS Smartstream and Halcyon Cinch systems that avoid the quick disconnect on the shoulder but do allow you to loosen the shoulder straps to assist with donning and doffing.

I would definately look a the Sub Gravity Paragon BP/W system. I have their aluminum backplate, 26 lb wing, drop down small weight pockets and adjustable harness for my travel set up. They make good solid quality gear and have great customer service.
I love their adjustable harness, it's clean, simple and doesn't have any plastic parts. It's less congested than the other ones you mentioned.
Paragon Single Tank Package - SubGravity

Adjustable Harness System - SubGravity

Simple but adjustable Harness designed to be used in conjunction with a backplate. The steel QR plates replace traditional plastic buckles, allowing for the same ease of adjustment and removal, without the risk of breaking seen in plastic. A single D ring on each shoulder strap and one D ring on...

sub-gravity.com

Thanks ahead of the time.

 

[CoGT3]

I would definately look a the Sub Gravity Paragon BP/W system. I have their aluminum backplate, 26 lb wing, drop down small weight pockets and adjustable harness for my travel set up. They make good solid quality gear and have great customer service.
I love their adjustable harness, it's clean, simple and doesn't have any plastic parts. It's less congested than the other ones you mentioned.
Paragon Single Tank Package - SubGravity

Adjustable Harness System - SubGravity

Simple but adjustable Harness designed to be used in conjunction with a backplate. The steel QR plates replace traditional plastic buckles, allowing for the same ease of adjustment and removal, without the risk of breaking seen in plastic. A single D ring on each shoulder strap and one D ring on...

sub-gravity.com

Great suggestion, will check it out. Had not come across that option yet.

 

[Still Kicking]

New member with a truly Newbie type question.

Just wrapping up AOW this week. Up till now have been using LDS rental BCDs, Atomic BC1s. Early on my instructor suggested looking into back inflate style BCSs to purchase. I am a big guy, 6'4", 260, and agree I could do away with extra clutter around the sides. I have tried a rental Zeagle Express on a fun dive and am also convinced back inflate is the way forward. I have spent a lot of time reading on here about different options and really suspect I would do well in a BPW style back inflate. However, I am not convinced I am ready to go full DIR/Holgarthian single piece harness yet. Both my shoulder are a little limited on range of motion so I have been looking at the "Hybrid" design like the Dive Rite Transplate harness and OMS Comfort harnesses that still have adjustable shoulder straps or the OMS Smartstream and Halcyon Cinch systems that avoid the quick disconnect on the shoulder but do allow you to loosen the shoulder straps to assist with donning and doffing. Also thinking down the road, all of those could be converted to a true DIR harness while reusing the BP, wing, and any other accessories.

With the Atomic BCD and an Al80 i was using 20lbs of extra weight, switched to Steel 100's and got down to 14lbs, and last dive did fine with only 12lbs. Even with a SS BP I suspect I still will be using dumpable weight pockets and at my level of experience still like the idea of weight that is easy to dump if needed.

So all wise members, any strong preferences of the two different hybrid approaches:
DR Transplate/OMS Comfort style harness or
OMS Smartstream/Halcyon Cinch

Also worth probably considering, my LDS where we dive and have done our training are Dive Rite dealers. Down the road is a Halcyon dealer, and about another hour away is Dive Gear Express which carry DR, OMS, and their own gear. I suspect with any of the options buying local to insure a good fit and support will be beneficial.

Thanks ahead of the time.

I would support a shop where you get your airfills. Either that or plan on driving further for airfills.