Newbie ?s: Can one BP/W setup work for both travel and rec?

[tank29]

Ok BP/W zealots, you've convinced me to start seriously looking at this setup for my first BC! I have a couple of questions before I convert though, if everyone would be so indulgent. I am not yet certified, but the only thing keeping me from diving a lot will be outside forces (either budget or gf, but I am comfortable putting money into the sport now).

My diving will typically be fresh water lakes here in TX, with a smattering of Gulf and warm water diving at islands. If I could, I would love to find a single BC setup that I will be able to pack up and travel on a plane with, and be able to use here at home in the lakes and rivers here.

So my question is: Can a single BP/W setup get me both of these things?

Thanks for the help!

Dave

 

[Rainer]

Very likely. A 30# wing would almost certainly handle both types of diving (though of course, determine your lift requirements!). A slightly smaller wing (e.g. DSS Torus 26#) would also likely work well. YMMV.

 

[scarefaceDM]

Yes.

Now the how.
If you need ditchable weight or not. Depends if you dive dry or wet all the time. Steel or Aluminium tanks.

Simple set up for BAck plate/wing.

STA 1-2lbs, SS Plate 6lb = 7-8 pounds. Wing 28 to 30 pounds lift. Folds up nice and your set to travel.
Ditchable weight. either a weight belt...or weight pockets. Your choice.

 

[H2Andy]

oh sure...

as long as you only dive single tanks, the same backplate and wings will serve you well

(if you move to doubles, you will need a doubles wing)

 

[*Floater*]

Ok BP/W zealots, you've convinced me to start seriously looking at this setup for my first BC! I have a couple of questions before I convert though, if everyone would be so indulgent. I am not yet certified, but the only thing keeping me from diving a lot will be outside forces (either budget or gf, but I am comfortable putting money into the sport now).

My diving will typically be fresh water lakes here in TX, with a smattering of Gulf and warm water diving at islands. If I could, I would love to find a single BC setup that I will be able to pack up and travel on a plane with, and be able to use here at home in the lakes and rivers here.

So my question is: Can a single BP/W setup get me both of these things?

Thanks for the help!

Dave

Works for me. Though for warm water (3mm wetsuit) a steel plate is too heavy for me sometimes (with can light at least), so I also bought a plastic plate. Aluminum plate would work too. In colder waters a steel plate is better because it's heavier, and some people need that much weight even in warm water. Of course you could just get the plastic or aluminum plate and then add extra weight to it with a heavy STA, sausage weights, or some other way when needed.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Ok BP/W zealots, you've convinced me to start seriously looking at this setup for my first BC! I have a couple of questions before I convert though, if everyone would be so indulgent. I am not yet certified, but the only thing keeping me from diving a lot will be outside forces (either budget or gf, but I am comfortable putting money into the sport now).

My diving will typically be fresh water lakes here in TX, with a smattering of Gulf and warm water diving at islands. If I could, I would love to find a single BC setup that I will be able to pack up and travel on a plane with, and be able to use here at home in the lakes and rivers here.

So my question is: Can a single BP/W setup get me both of these things?

Thanks for the help!

Dave

Sure, it's done all the time. Your wing selection will be based on your heaviest exposure suit, and the plate (SS or lightweight) will be based on your Tropical rig, i.e. exposure suit used, and tanks used in warm water.

One of the key benefits of a BP&W is the modular nature of the system.

In your case I'd be surprised if a single BackPlate and wing would not suffice for both, but if not a BP&W allows you to change out the wing (or Plate) as necessary to fit the conditions.

The absolute optimum setup for warm water will be different than the absolute optimum setup for colder water, but a reasonable compromise can usually be found. If not you can change just part of the rig to adapt. (Usually the wing)

I'd suggest selecting the components based on where you dive most often. If that's in Texas, you should have plenty of wing for warm water. Try it in warm water. If you decide you want a second smaller wing for travel (smaller, lighter, more streamlined etc.) you can always add that latter.

Tobin

 

[tank29]

Thanks for all the (quick) replies folks! The modular and clean setup of the bp/w seems really nice and is what attracted me to it in the first place. So I'm pumped that everyone thinks that this is well within the capability of this bc config.

I forgot to add that I will not be doing any doubles or dry suit diving in the near future, so the range of my diving will likely be warm water with 7mil wetsuit (and maybe also a 7mil hooded vest) being the thickest exposure suit I'd dive, down to a 3/2 full wetsuit. I already have a conventional weight belt, so I thought I'd use that at first and see if I wanted to go with an weight integrated setup (plus, atm, I'm confused about how this works with bp/w).

If anyone has any more suggestions or comments, please pass them along. At the moment, I am leaning towards a DSS setup, because of the great things I've heard about them on SB. If anyone has any brand comments, I'd love to hear those as well.

Thanks again everyone!!
Dave

 

[TSandM]

The DSS setup is one of the best values for money in new BP/W gear, IMHO.

Up until this trip, I've been diving a SS BP and DSS 30 lb wing for Puget Sound drysuit, cold water diving and for tropical diving. (This trip, I got to play with one of Tobin's Kydex plates and his new 17 lb tropical wing -- Fun!) In cold water, I used four pounds on the cambands and 18 pounds on my waist, and in warm water, I used two pounds on the cambands, and in both cases, I trimmed out well and was properly weighted. The wing was enough and not too much.

You'll like travelling with a BP/W, I think. The ability to take EVERYTHING apart makes it very easy to pack.

 

[JessH]

Yes.

~Jess

 

[Mr. Sunday]

Yes. I use my wing and BP for both rec and travel. But I don’t have any problem carrying a Stainless Steel BP on trips with me. I did opt for a lighter weight STA than I may have chosen for just local rec diving. If its too heavy I can leave the STA at home. Also for single tank diving I would go for a medium lift wing depending on your personal needs of course. I think it is easier to pack up than a vest as well. Simple no nonsense gear.