I own both rigs ... and for all-around diving I prefer the TransPlate. I usually use my TP II for the pool, and it's typically equipped with the 30 lb. Venture wing.
What you have to ask yourself is how much weight do you want to carry in your weight belt (or weight pockets). The backplate allows you to remove 6 lbs of weight ... and the padding on the TransPac II is fairly buoyant, and you have to add about 2 lbs to compensate. So the difference in the weight you will carry from one to the other is about 8 lbs total. If this matters to you, then factor that into your decision.
For the guy who said the 50 lb. wing was for doubles, no ... it is not. The wing he's referring to is the Rec Wing ... not the Classic (which is a 65 lb wing). I use a Rec Wing on my TransPlate, and it's ideal for diving singles. I'm a fairly hefty fellow though ... and a smaller diver might only need the Trek Wing (40 lb lift).
Regarding those who are advocating the Oxycheq wing ... it will most benefit the diver who is typically a bit "fins down" and needs to get their butt up a bit. The Oxycheq wing is a "donut" shape ... whereas the Dive Rite wing is a horseshoe shape. Therefore the Oxycheq wing will put some air underneath the lower portion of your cylinder, whereas the Dive Rite wing will not. If you need that kind of trim assistance, the Oxycheq is a good choice. If you're a typically fins-up diver anyway, then perhaps a horseshoe-shaped wing is a better choice for you. I've actually seen divers wearing the Oxycheq wing and having to offset the design with tank weights on the lower tank strap. That's kind've defeating the purpose of the design, to my concern. Choose the wing that best fits your diving style.
Keep in mind that the TransPlate is not a standard harness ... and it has it's pros and cons. The harness staps are comfortable and convenient, but they are also fairly expensive to replace ... and as with a standard harness there are wear points where the webbing rubs against the backplate. I've got a couple hundred dives on mine, and there is significant wear in the webbing. With a standard harness that's a cheap fix ... with the TransPlate it's not. With the TransPac II it's not even a consideration.
Finally, as someone else already mentioned ... the price you're quoting seems a bit steep to me. I'd do some looking around before buying.
Oh ... and one other thing ... the TransPac II harness is not exactly the same as the TransPlate harness. They are not interchangeable parts. In fact, even the sizes run significantly different. I own a size XL TransPlate harness. When I got my TPII I got an XL and had to replace the straps with size M/L. Be careful that you try on whichever one you decide to purchase before you buy.
Hope that helps more than it confuses ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
