@UTscuba Thanks!!!!! That was exactly the info that I was looking for.
I think it will be reasonable for what I want to do...
I have a 32lb wing and it will barely float my cold-water singles rig when loaded up with my full HP100s/120s and weights for DS or 7mm.
It is going to be bulkier than the 35-40lb wings that I was looking at, but I'm draggy with all the stuff I'm carrying anyway and the fat-bottom will help me when in my 7mm with heavy feet.
It will also give me something to try out some SM with ...
I'll probably play with anchoring and adjustably slimming the upper and lower sections. As I said, a tinkering project ...
Thank you for the help.
glad I could help.
It's a beast for sure, and it's definitely a cold water rig. I just picked up a pair of steel lp 125s and have no fear that it won't float them both with lift to spare.
it does lack agility though, I have the SMS50 as well and that's a much easier rig to dive in.
it can also trap air if you're not careful, I now physically squeeze it by hand to fully empty the bladder before I put it on, esp if I'm going in negative.
this was a REALLY helpful site on how to modify it and how to 'integrate' weights and skip the need for a weight belt:
Hollis SMS100 Sidemount Modifications %
For back weights I used the excess crotch strap which was hanging loose at my coccyx anyway. I ran it along the spine and attached it to the backplate with bolts, and instead of weights I put some XS scuba weight pockets, and pockets again on the shoulders. That way I can slip rental weights in on a boat and out again with minimal fuss. Plus then the shoulder weights are kinda ditchable.
Doing it this way you can put three weight pockets on the spine and two on the shoulders, so you can probably carry up to 25lbs total, but your trim would be pretty screwy and top heavy. I've not tried this configuration with my drysuit yet though, and I'm guessing I'll need more weight than I can carry this way.
Hollis does make a weight plate that attaches to the backplate, but I've not used it.
If you want it for a single, you might find it easier to just sidemount the single instead of backmounting it. Once you've tried SM you won't ever want to go back. It's easier to carry, easier to get in the boat - just unclip and hand the whole tank over, and then climb in, easier to reach your valves in the water if there's a problem, better trim, etc etc.
