So, what's the best brand/model BP W out there?

[Nemrod]

Not saying it is best but it makes a compact and streamlined single tank system that dives as good as it looks, OxyCheq Mach V on the Freedom Plate from www.pacificcoastmarine.net .

N

 

[MSilvia]

For a singles rig, I personally like not having an STA and being able to use weight plates.

As others have said, personal preference is a big decision point. I prefer pretty much the opposite... I like diving singles with a heavy STA and no weight plates, so the DSS rig wouldn't be my first choice, although I'm a fan of DSS gear in general.

 

[Rainer]

Exactly. For much of this, it's just personal preference. Most of the companies listed make very high quality gear. Shop around and see what works best for you in all respects. Or just pick one blindly. You're likely to end up with good gear either way.

 

[theatis]

Eskasi, your questions are not as generic as they first appear. If you had only asked "what's the best wing" people would probably not even bother to respond since it's tantamount to asking people what they own. But the answers are actually meaningful for you i think.

So you ask what people who already own a BP/W would change it for? That's a great question since it would show any badly designed systems that people used and didn't care for. If you search the archives, you'll find that the most common change is by people who bought a wing for both singles and doubles and then realized that it's not optimal for either. So, it has more to do with application than brand satisfaction. The other noticeable thing is that people are generally satisfied with their rigs even in the presence of alternatives; for example, maybe the Oxycheq Mach or the DSS Torus wings that everyone raves about are marginally better than my DSS LCD, but what do i care? My wing does everything i want it to do.

The most important factors for you however are local availability, warranty, service etc. I'm assuming that you are not simply Azeri but physically located in Azerbaijan. Maybe that complicates things if, say, your wing would have to be shipped overseas for service. Check out local stores or contact local divers and see what they use. Backplates are not really at issue here, it's the wing that could possibly require some kind of service or the harness but you can replace that yourself very easily and cheaply.

And another thing, if you are located in Azerbaijan you are likely to travel to diving destinations, right? (Unless you love the Caspian ) Perhaps a lighter combo such as an alum BP and a so-called "travel" wing would be something to look into given all the flight restrictions. Just a thought.

 

[Eskasi]

Eskasi, your questions are not as generic as they first appear. If you had only asked "what's the best wing" people would probably not even bother to respond since it's tantamount to asking people what they own. But the answers are actually meaningful for you i think.

So you ask what people who already own a BP/W would change it for? That's a great question since it would show any badly designed systems that people used and didn't care for. If you search the archives, you'll find that the most common change is by people who bought a wing for both singles and doubles and then realized that it's not optimal for either. So, it has more to do with application than brand satisfaction. The other noticeable thing is that people are generally satisfied with their rigs even in the presence of alternatives; for example, maybe the Oxycheq Mach or the DSS Torus wings that everyone raves about are marginally better than my DSS LCD, but what do i care? My wing does everything i want it to do.

The most important factors for you however are local availability, warranty, service etc. I'm assuming that you are not simply Azeri but physically located in Azerbaijan. Maybe that complicates things if, say, your wing would have to be shipped overseas for service. Check out local stores or contact local divers and see what they use. Backplates are not really at issue here, it's the wing that could possibly require some kind of service or the harness but you can replace that yourself very easily and cheaply.

And another thing, if you are located in Azerbaijan you are likely to travel to diving destinations, right? (Unless you love the Caspian ) Perhaps a lighter combo such as an alum BP and a so-called "travel" wing would be something to look into given all the flight restrictions. Just a thought.

Thanks very much for that post! You seem to know a bit about Azerbaijan....do you work in the oil industry? I am an Australian doing business in Azerbaijan. Been here almost 11 years!

There are no LDS here and not much to see in the Caspian. The waters are almost devoid of any kind of plant/aquatic life and you would have to go fairly far out to catch any kind of fish (in poor numbers). Most of the diving is done by commercial divers on oil rigs and I assume they have their own specialist gear.

You correct about travelling to dive locations/vacations. I do quite a few trips overseas a year for business/pleasure. Almost twice a year to SE Asia (Malaysia) where Borneo would be a good location and various parts of Mid East (Oman, UAE), etc. I am also close to the Med and actually am a partner in a factory in Cyprus. At the end of this month, I am looking forward to a month long trip to dive in Sicily, Malta, Oman & Sharm. I am still a newbie and am looking to brush up my skills.

I suppose the best thing to do would be to go to the manufacturer's website and look for those who have dealers in the main countries I frequent. It would also probably be best to have a look for a lightweight rig for travel.

I hope to be able to service my gear during my dive trips/vacations....like on the last day or two when I will not dive before the flight. I hope this isn't wishful thinking as having to ship gear by post is either too expensive or will take way too long.

 

[mikerault]

Kraken Forge SS Backplate with SS STA with Diverite wing.

Mike

 

[Splitlip]

Ox around

 

[ScubaRandy]

As many people have stated, it's the fit that makes it best for you.

I have a Hammerhead SS BP/STA with the Oxycheq Mach V wing for diving singles.

 

[Brewone0to]

For those thinking of switching and with no experience with BP and wings, what's the best (money no object)?

I guess I am asking about truly exceptional build quality, best reviews, etc. I'm sure everyone likes their own model....is there any particular one that those who already have BP Wings would want to switch to? If there is no such thing as latest and greatest then what would give the best warranty and have the most dealers worldwide?

Hands down, without a doubt. It's this one not pictured here.
The plate is made of inner tube like rubber material,whick has a screw on lid so that when the diver needs to adjust weight for various gear configurations, one just needs to either add some or pour out some of the contents (H2O) .
This also comes in handy for traveling, because in a few mins you can lighten up your weight by simply emptying the H2O out. Also being made of rubber helps with getting thru X-raying machines without the Spanish Inquesition that has become oh so commonly related to airline travels these days.

Just think of the looks you'll get from DM's and other divers alike, when they see that you have such an awesome BPW.
Simply mail me a signed check, I'll fill in the ammount.
And rush this most awesome BPW set-up out to you right away.


PS: If you respond within 24 hours this most awesome BPW combo comes with a frequent DCS card, intitling the bearer to one free Decompression Chamber ride(after purchasing the first four rides). That buy 4 get one free.

Also if you opt for rush delivery we will include a TROLL FREELY CARD whereas the bearer may at his or her will post any such swill that may be determined by others to be TROLLING without hashing, flaming, or any sort of repercussions what so ever.