Please suggest BC for new diver.

[SaltyCracker]

One piece continuous harnesses have never worked for me. This harness has quick releases and straps that loosen to make it easier to get in/out of it. More like a regular BC harness.

Plus the package has the two tank straps as others have recommended.

I also suggested it because it fit your budget.

Yes, I like it for those reasons also: no continuous harness and has quick release snaps, two tank straps and fits budget. I just figure if I'm gonna get a BP/W it may as well be a rigid plate or I'd rather just get one of the Zeagles.

It’s a knockoff of the Dive Rite Transpac. That should answer all your questions there.

I've been warned about the Transpac. Does this imply the DGX Softpack should be avoided?

 

[Marie13]

No reason to avoid the Transpac unless you hate the padding/harness. Why were you told to avoid it? I dive a Transpac. Why would I tell you to avoid this BC?

 

[SaltyCracker]

How about the Hollis HTS 2?
It's the only non-Zeagle on my list.

 

[Marie13]

How about the Hollis HTS 2?
It's the only non-Zeagle on my list.

Don’t know a thing about it. The only Hollis BCs I know about are their sidemount rigs.

 

[SaltyCracker]

I dive a Transpac. Why would I tell you to avoid this BC?

I don't know. I thought maybe you regret owning one. It was the way you phrased "It’s a knockoff of the Dive Rite Transpac. That should answer all your questions there."

Don’t know a thing about it. The only Hollis BCs I know about are their sidemount rigs.

On second look, it seems it's just the harness anyway, still needing the bladder.
So I'm down to choosing one of the Zeagles on my list.

 

[Marie13]

It was just meant as shorthand to look at the Transpac for details.

 

[drrich2]

How about the Hollis HTS 2?

Which? I did a quick Google Search.

LeisurePro - Hollis HTS 2 Harness Technical System $369.95.

"The Hollis Gear (HTS) Harness Technical System can easily switched from a single tank soft pack to a dual tank back-plate system, the modular capabilities of the HTS may be personalized to your needs. This streamlined modular harness system has a comfort back pad with lumbar support and stainless-steel D-rings on shoulders, waist and crotch strap for accessory attachment. The waist strap, crotch strap and shoulder straps are manufactured from durable 2" (5cm) nylon webbing for strength and long-life performance.

The harnesses torso adjustable shoulder, sternum and crotch strap all are equipped with "squeeze-style" side-release buckles for easy donning and doffing. The sternum strap has 2-mounting positions for a more custom fit. The waist strap also comes with a (removable) cummerbund and has a stainless-steel "latch-style" buckle. Mounting of the cylinder is made easy with the dual non-slip cam bands with plastic non-corrosive cam buckles.

The HTS can accommodate the Hollis Gear S25 & S38 Wings (see SKU: HLSLXW) without the STA and Optional 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) interchangeable quick-release weight pockets with stainless steel D-rings. And now has an added carry handle. The harness system weighs 8 lbs. (3.6 kg)."

Ah, it doesn't come with a wing or integrated weight pockets?

DiveRightInScuba - HTS2 Singles BCD Package - $869.85. Price can include the ST 35 wing. I see a pair of quick release integrated weight pockets in the product photo.

For my Hollis BP/W, I added 2 trim pockets, one for each cam band.

It reminds me of my rig, except I've got an AL backplate and this thing has a "Comfort Back Pad w/Lumbar Support."

Sounds like a BP/W system with a soft plate?

 

[SaltyCracker]

Got it. Thanks for your help Marie.

 

[SaltyCracker]

Ah, it doesn't come with a wing or integrated weight pockets?

Yeah... I got excited and didn't read the fine print.
So I'm down to choosing one of the Zeagles on my list

 

[Chavodel8en]

Yes, two straps. That's been suggested and I see why that would be important. Is that something easy to add aftermarket to most back inflate non BP/W models?

I dont think so. They wouldnt have attachment points for another strap.

That is one reason why folks like BP/W, as they are modular, and you can switch out parts.