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BDSC
Contributor
Don't know if you can dive doubles with the Hydros Pro as I haven't seen one in person. Most folks thought you couldn't dive doubles with the Classic Jacket or their very popular Knighthawk back inflate but you could. People been doing it for years. Just don't know about the HP though.
scbaNE2179
Contributor
I'm sure you can probably rig a set of doubles on these things but I'm not convinced a HP or any non BPW can handle the large load and provide sufficient lift for doubles. I live by the philosophy of use what the intent of the equipment is for, trying to rig it for another purpose-although could work but could also pose as a safety hazard.
I'm a big fan of a BPW setup and the HP seems like just a expensive new gadget/idea if you ask me.
elbig
Contributor
To each their own. I love the HP. It is very comfortable and travels well. I never plan to dive doubles so that is not a concern to me.
CWK
Contributor
FWIW, I have a HP and was recently looking at purchising a BPW. To my surprise, I found that that the two BPWs I looked at (from Apeks and SP) costs more. I'll look for the Hollis and OMS offerings but suspect that they too may be more expensive.
scbaNE2179
Contributor
The cost of a BPW could be more than a HP and it all depends on how you want to customize the BPW-features, brands, etc. I got my entire BPW setup for under $700. All equipment is from Dive Gear Express. Didn't want and need to pay for high end brands like Hollis, etc.
- SS BP
- 27lb Travel Wing
- STA w/2 Tank cam bands
- QR Harness
- x2 Trim weight pockets
- Crotch strap
- Total cost for above was under $700
CWK
Contributor
@scbaNE2179,
I think we need to compare apples with apples. In this case, I respectfully suggest that it would entail comparing a SP HP to a SP BPW, or a BPW from a brand that is comparable to SP. The fact that there are cheaper BPWs from brands that target a lower price point or income bracket is, at least to me, neither here not there because the person who buys a SP HP may probably not look to purchase those brands.
Branding segments the market. Thimk of the car market. Would a person who generally buys BMWs look to buy a Nissan just because it is cheaper?
If the BPW crowd can point to BPW from brands like SP, Aqualung, Apeks, Hollis, OMS, etc that are cheaper than th SP HP, then they will indeed be showing that there is a comparable like for like BPW substitute for the HP that is cheaper. Failing this, those who tout BPWs as being cheaper are merely pointing to products from brands that target a lower market price point and it's not a like for like comparlson.
I think we need to compare apples with apples. In this case, I respectfully suggest that it would entail comparing a SP HP to a SP BPW, or a BPW from a brand that is comparable to SP. The fact that there are cheaper BPWs from brands that target a lower price point or income bracket is, at least to me, neither here not there because the person who buys a SP HP may probably not look to purchase those brands.
Branding segments the market. Thimk of the car market. Would a person who generally buys BMWs look to buy a Nissan just because it is cheaper?
If the BPW crowd can point to BPW from brands like SP, Aqualung, Apeks, Hollis, OMS, etc that are cheaper than th SP HP, then they will indeed be showing that there is a comparable like for like BPW substitute for the HP that is cheaper. Failing this, those who tout BPWs as being cheaper are merely pointing to products from brands that target a lower market price point and it's not a like for like comparlson.
scbaNE2179
Contributor
I think the intent of this thread was to gather intel on the HP and the topic of a BPW came up. I just wanted to provide some info on what it would cost to go into a BPW if people decide against the HP. I was just pointing out the fact that the HP in that price point, does not allow you to customize the rig in the event you want to advance your diving to tech, etc. Again, it's all personal preference-the HP is great for some people and it definitely as a following but it's not the right gear for me at least.
admikar
Contributor
Nope. If you want apples vs. apples, you look at quality, not price. Tying up price with quality in BPW world is not representative. Now, I'll confess that I have never seen DGE or DSS stuff in person, but somehow, I don't think all the people here touting about good quality of those brands are wrong or lying. Reason I don't use them myself is that at my location, Apeks is better choice for me (read cheaper).
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