Question about setting up/choosing first BP/W

[booth22]

Well, much like several people on SB said, I have given up my jacket BC and am leaning down the BP/W route. A couple of quick questions about getting started....

I'm looking at a DiveRite SS BP and deluxe harness. I'm thinking about a Venture Wing or Trek Wing to go with. (Opinions on this set-up welcome)

Before I forget... I'm in Phoenix and dive mostly local lakes and some trips to the San Diego area (La Jolla, etc.) Usually one warm(er) water dive vacation a year, and I dive single AL80's. Diving California now, I'm wearing a 7mm (24lb. weight), locally I wear anywhere from a 3-7mm. And on warm water trips, it's usually just a swimsuit and t-shirt (10lbs weight). I hope to dive doubles eventually, but I figure I'll get a larger wing if the future if that becomes an issue.

Back to my main questions....

What else to I need as far as main components? I've figured on cam straps, and I've found an STA is a matter of preference, but how about belt slides to keep everything in place? Are they neccessary? What else am I forgetting when I price out my soon-to-be rig? I suppose I'm looking for the hidden costs of setting up a BP/W system. Thanks for all your input- if I can provide any more info that will help my cause, please let me know!

 

[countryboy]

If you will be changing wetsuit sizes (3mm - 7mm) frequently, you will benefit with the deluxe harness. Otherwise, the standard basic harness works well. I have forgotten to change the size when going to warmer water and the shouder / crotch were loose, which doesn't really take long to change (basic harness) but takes a dive or 2 to "dial in" completely.

I only used the rec wing, so I do not have comments on the wings you are choosing. I have since (selling now) sold the rec wing, and went with a Halcyon Eclipse. I really like the H wing..

If you piece out the whole deal and look for the "best" buys, you will be in the $450.00ballpark. The DSS rig (w/ hog harness) is $445 I believe and is hard to beat. Tobin now has a donut wing, and I am not sure of the price difference. I have not seen one first hand, but they get high grades from fellow SB'ers.

Basics: Plate, Harness, Wing, STA (If required / desired), D-rings (2 bent 3 straight min.) triglides (weight keepers, stainless) 7, 5 serrated, 2 non serrated.

With the basic harness, you will want to put serrated keepers on the back of the plate. If you need to put bands on the webbing to keep things in place, a bicycle inner tube works great. Remember to put an extra one in each spot, so you will not need to re-thread the webbing if one breaks.

Have fun, good luck!

 

[countryboy]

Oh yeah.. I like the Dive Rite cam straps the best (better than the H ones)...

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I got a Dive Right rig with the venture wings from Notheast Scuba for like $350. Included shipping, deluxe harness, plate, wings, d-rings, inflator etc. Only added the single tank retaining belt and also a home made STA. I got the aluminum plate.

 

[booth22]

Thanks for the responses... My LDS has great prices on the DR stuff, and will beat any online site by 5%, so I'll end up buying from them, but I appreciate the suggestions. I've looking at the DSS rig, and it looks pretty nice, but I imagine I'll end up sticking w/ the DR (unless there are fit issues). And if I went DSS, it would be the non-hog harness. So, the price really would be same as the DR (I've priced most of the pieces from DR)


This will probably come off as a noob questions, but am I going to need to get the hardware to rig the wing to the plate, or the sta to the plate seprately- like the wingnuts, etc.? Or is that all going to come w/ the equipment? Just something I was wondering... Thanks again!

 

[ScottZeagle]

A backplate and wing will float you on your face and kill you...












































( sorry, I just always wanted to say that... )

 

[booth22]

For what it's worth Scott, I've been looking at Zeagles, but no one around here sells them! Ok, maybe one shop in the area....

 

[ScottZeagle]

Scuba Sciences should either have them in stock - or be able to order one in for you to check out!!

Go see Paul Wagonseller and tell him that Scott sent you...

 

[xiSkiGuy]

This will probably come off as a noob questions, but am I going to need to get the hardware to rig the wing to the plate, or the sta to the plate seprately- like the wingnuts, etc.? Or is that all going to come w/ the equipment? Just something I was wondering... Thanks again!

If you buy a STA, it should come with the wingnuts to attach it to the plate (and sandwich the wing). If you go without the STA, the cam bands will be threaded through the plate and then the slots in the wing. The tank will sandwich the wing. I've also seen people without an STA buy their own wingnuts and short bolts to hold it all together, but it strikes me as unnecessary.

 

[booth22]

Thanks for all the info everyone, I really appreciate it.