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

[MSilvia]

Having used several, I've been impressed with the high quality of OxyCheq and Halcyon wings in general. The only DiveRite wing I've used is the RecWing, and I don't really care for it.

When I've checked out other wings, DSS and OMS both looked well made, but I don't have any personal experience with them.

Since OxyCheq wings are both among the best made and lowest priced, I'm a big fan of theirs.

It's hard to associate backplates with brand quality, except for those made by smaller machining outfits like DSS, Hammerhead, Golem, and FredT, where the quality tends to be consistantly high. I've seen an order of Halcyon plates arrive at a dive shop with plates that varied widely in quality, as though they were machined at different manufacturers. Some had nice smooth finishing, some had sharp edges.

 

[ecudiver]

like everyone has stated everyone has their own preference and style. me personally i use an OMS system and love it works great for me.

 

[Eskasi]

Actually, I think that what makes this one SO hard to answer, is that honestly, in a Hogarthian configuration, there is VERY little that seperates them. A slightly different metal plate. Two inch webbing is common. The wing is really what seperates them, and that is as much personal preference as anything else. I would think most people would end up with several wings to do different jobs.

I have a Halcyon SS plate. I think I want a DSS Kydex plate next. I have 4 wings and that should do for now.

I don't think you can honestly claim any of them is vastly better than another. Slightly different, yes. Better? No.

Great answer! Thanks....I just needed to make sense of it all lest I make newbie mistakes all over again...I am not too concerned anymore now about brand choice, etc....

 

[MSilvia]

I am not too concerned anymore now about brand choice, etc....

That's good thinking. Provided they are compatable, getting a backplate made of the right material (steel, aluminium, kydex, etc) and a wing with the right lift capacity for your needs is (in my opinion) more important than who made any of it.

 

[scarefaceDM]

The best.....

Is the one that fits you the best. Regardless of brand or cost. FIT is the main ingredient. Right plate for the right application, Right size plate, right size wing. Right amout of balst. Right position in the water...any back plate is the best..
Stephen

 

[tedwhiteva]

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?

Just going with a BP/W vs jacket BC is the best choice - after that its all personal preference, not really a bad choice.

 

[Sadamune]

I did extensive research before purchasing my Agir-Brokk backplate and wing. Agir-Brokk is a Swedish company that makes DIR compliant gear that is very popular in the thriving Baltic Sea and North Sea dive communities.

Their backplates are constructed out of the more corrosion resistant 316SS rather than the cheaper 304SS. They are deburred and bead-blasted, and the geometry is flatter than most backplates (similar to a Koplin plate I believe), which fits closely and feels very comfortable.

The wing I dive with is a Blackbird 36, which is of toroidal design and intended for single tank diving. It is a very rugged wing that would be suitable for any kind of diving you'd care to do on a single tank. The build quality of the whole rig is really excellent. I recommend any Agir-Brokk product to any diver who desires serious, DIR style gear.

Check out their gear here ---> Agir-Brokk

Cheers,

Sadamune

 

[prthd9]

There are certain characteristics that may set plates apart though. In particular, the DSS plate has rubber fittings in the slots that help to hold the webbing in place and minimulize wear and tire, but webbbing is cheap and tough, so this may not matter to you. Small things = personal preference.

 

[Rainer]

I've been happy with the Oxy, DSS, Halcyon, and Zeagle plates and wings that I've tried. I own DSS. For a singles rig, I personally like not having an STA and being able to use weight plates. The backplate is also very flat (another plus). Wobble stoppers and plastic guides along the lower slots are also nice touches. The Mach V wing I borrowed for a few weeks was probably my favorite wing, though my gf's 26# DSS Torus is also quite lovely (and needs no STA, again, for me, a plus).

 

[Lead_carrier]

Just going with a BP/W vs jacket BC is the best choice - .

IMO. That too is just a personal choice.