Recommend me a BP/W

[WhiteSands]

I'm currently using a Diverite Transpac & would like to switch to a DIR compliant bp/w.

Things I'm looking for:
- DIR compliant
- Comfort
- build & material quality
- cheap & possible to replace individual parts
- value for money (cost)

i could get a Transplate with basic harness cheaply locally but I have doubts about their product design. I do like the build quality of their wing though and am considering keeping it.

So would appreciate your recommendations. Thanks!

 

[chrpai]

Single tank, double tank? Where do you live and where do you dive? How much weight do you use?

 

[PfcAJ]

Used halcyon plate from eBay. New halcyon Evolve wing of appropriate size for your doubles.

 

[WhiteSands]

Single tank, double tank? Where do you live and where do you dive? How much weight do you use?

Single for now. Singapore, diving around the region, 3mm suit. Normally use 3kgs.

 

[PfcAJ]

Singapore, eh? Go talk to Gideon at Living Seas dive shop. He'll set you up.

also, for single tank grab a new 30lb eclipse wing.

 

[chrpai]

Single for now. Singapore, diving around the region, 3mm suit. Normally use 3kgs.

What's the inherent buoyancy like on a transpac? I did some searching but couldn't get any numbers. If it's a couple pounds, you might be good just switching to an AL plate. If it's pretty close to neutral then a SS plate should do you nicely.

I can't speak to what you can buy in Singapore. So therefore I don't really know how to help other then bounce points to consider around.

 

[WhiteSands]

I'm open to buying online and shipping it here, so pls go ahead.

How are the HOG backplates?

 

[chrpai]

I have the Hog SS backplate that I go from DRIS with their house wing. I have no problems with my plate at all and have put 100+ dives on it over the past year.

I've read others though complain that the slots for the webbing were sharp and had to be deburred. FWIW my plate doesn't look like the plate they have on their web site.

 

[Teller]

Used halcyon plate from eBay. New halcyon Evolve wing of appropriate size for your doubles.

I agree. Halcyon makes top notch gear. Look for it used though.

 

[Griffo]

I'm open to buying online and shipping it here, so pls go ahead.

How are the HOG backplates?

I've got the HOG SS plate and it's fine. I've also got HOG Ali plates, and they are sharp and need to be deburred.
But I've also got a Halcyon plate and putting it next to the HOG plate is like putting a Macbook next to a Acer, or a designer chair next to an Ikea copy. You have to see it in person and touch it to appreciate the build quality.

Lightly used halcyon gear seems to always come up on E-bay and would be what I would tell people to look for.