Thinking about going BP/W

[khacken]

Well, I guess it had to happen some time. I am starting to think about getting a BP/W setup.

My reason is mainly to get rid of some bulk for travel. Also, I really hate the horseshoe bladder on my Zeagle.

I plan on getting an OMS comfort harness, dive rite backpad, alum backplate, dive rite mesh waist pocket, Oxycheq Mark V wing, STA, dive rite fanny pocket for SMB and lift bag, DSS compression pads, SS tank straps.

Would this rig work if I ever went tech? Or do they require a HOG harness?
I want the comfort harness for easy don/doff and well, comfort.

Also, does this rig really buy me much over the Zeagle? Seems like it may be easier to pack and the wing will be a nice donut, but is that all?

 

[spectrum]

I don't know what your Zeagle packs like but with all of the pockets and pads it sounds like you have hand built a fully decked out conventional back inflate BC with a plate.

If you're talking about getting light for tropical travel how about a simple non weight integrated BC. You can get those for small money and they pack easy.

I can't really speak for tech diving but I think you padding, tech and travel needs are in conflict.

Pete

 

[Firefyter]

Kevin, before you buy all that, try my BP/W out next time we're at CSSP. I have the Zeagle SS plate, and I'm using the Brigade wing with a Hog harness. It's really easy to get into, and it trims out very well. With a 3mm suit, in fresh water, I wear no extra weight at all. I couldn't believe how much simpler and easier they are to use without all the padding and the pockets. I bought a pad for the plate (Debra had it on sale cheap), but I've never used it and have found that it's not really necessary. It's also STA-less, so it creates a smaller profile. All in all, I don't think I could be happier with it.

 

[khacken]

Kevin, before you buy all that, try my BP/W out next time we're at CSSP. I have the Zeagle SS plate, and I'm using the Brigade wing with a Hog harness. It's really easy to get into, and it trims out very well. With a 3mm suit, in fresh water, I wear no extra weight at all. I couldn't believe how much simpler and easier they are to use without all the padding and the pockets. I bought a pad for the plate (Debra had it on sale cheap), but I've never used it and have found that it's not really necessary. It's also STA-less, so it creates a smaller profile. All in all, I don't think I could be happier with it.

Thanks! I will give that a try!

 

[CompuDude]

Unless you're diving in a t-shirt, the backpad is really pointless. Arguably, even diving in a t-shirt, it's pointless.

The Mach V wing is fantastic for singles, but for tec diving you'll be using doubles. The good news is the rest of the rig is fine, so you'll just need to add another wing to the collection.

Before you dismiss the hog harness for "comfort" reasons, I suggest you try one. Many, many people start out with the fancy, expensive harnesses, and end up buying the hog later. Easy enough to add a quick release buckle to one shoulder if it really bothers you, but the vast majority of people find it entirely unnecessary.

Donut wings are a bit overrated, as in practice, there is not a huge difference. The Mach V is a fantastic wing, however, so don't worry about that.

 

[khacken]

OK, I am going to not get the comfort harness or back pad. I am going to stay with the shoulder pads simply because I have to haul that tank down to the water, and my shoulders can feel it, even in the brigade.

For the Oxycheq, I realize it is for single tanks only. That is what I am going to be doing for now. Once I go to doubles, I will just buy another one. I have no problem owning a couple wings. I want to have the right one for the right job.

 

[wunat]

May be give the setup a try, without the shoulder pads, some time and you will know if it makes a difference for you. Not saying that it won't but in my case, it really didn't.

A properly adjusted hog harness will not make you feel discomfort so you don't have to worry about it.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

OK, I am going to not get the comfort harness or back pad. I am going to stay with the shoulder pads simply because I have to haul that tank down to the water, and my shoulders can feel it, even in the brigade.

My bet is that you can feel it because of the way BC harnesses fit. They have too much play. They will easily cut into your shoulders. A properly fitted hog harness will not. I've been using a bp/w with hog harness since dive #6 and I love it. I've lugged tanks up quarry steps, rocky entries and sand entries in Monterey and around a pitching boat. The straps lay flat against my shoulders and do not dig or bite. They just don't. It is a much tigher, closer, flatter fitting rig and it doesn't have the play that causes a normal BC to dig into your shoulders. If you end up needing them, you can easily add them later. But I'd agree with other opinions here. Try it without them and only spend the money if you really need them. I'd bet money that you find them unnecessary.

 

[DiveTub]

If its just a case of the horseshoe Bladder, why not just swap it out for Zeagles dounut ?

Cheers
Chriso

 

[Rainer]

My bet is that you can feel it because of the way BC harnesses fit. They have too much play. They will easily cut into your shoulders. A properly fitted hog harness will not. I've been using a bp/w with hog harness since dive #6 and I love it. I've lugged tanks up quarry steps, rocky entries and sand entries in Monterey and around a pitching boat. The straps lay flat against my shoulders and do not dig or bite. They just don't. It is a much tigher, closer, flatter fitting rig and it doesn't have the play that causes a normal BC to dig into your shoulders. If you end up needing them, you can easily add them later. But I'd agree with other opinions here. Try it without them and only spend the money if you really need them. I'd bet money that you find them unnecessary.

Agreed. The hog harness is pefectly comfortable even in a 3 mm suit (haven't tried it in less). The fact it fits so much better than most other BC harnesses accounts in part for this comfort. At least try it without the shoulder pads. If you then feel you need them, fine, but otherwise you've saved yourself some money and some lead that would be needed to sink them.