Transferring to BP/W

[lfd]

Hello all,

I'm thinking of transferring to a backplate/wing system since I've heard great things about it. I'm a research diver so I think moving to a simpler system would be great, but I've never actually used one. I just moved to California so I'll be diving with a 7mm full wetsuit.

I found these packages and it would be great if someone could let me know if this is all I'll be needing to get started.

https://www.divegearexpress.com/bcs/dr_bpw.shtml

I'm interested in the first package, with this configuration:
-Basic Hogalitarian
-1.5 in crotch strap
-Voyager 35lb wing
-DR TX Lite SS backplate
-2 tank straps

and thought about getting the 16lb quickbuckle weight system

the other package is this one:
DRIS Dive Gear 28lb BP/W System | Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL - Dive Right in Scuba

with
-Hog SS backplate
-2 metal tank straps
-STA
-Trianta Wing
-UTD DIR Harness


Thank you all for your time and sound advice!!

 

[fisheater]

Talk to some local divers who use BP/Ws before you decide.

There are other options, but whichever one you chose, make sure it works with your local conditions.

 

[JohnN]

Hello all,

I'm thinking of transferring to a backplate/wing system since I've heard great things about it. I'm a research diver so I think moving to a simpler system would be great, but I've never actually used one. I just moved to California so I'll be diving with a 7mm full wetsuit.

I found these packages and it would be great if someone could let me know if this is all I'll be needing to get started.

https://www.divegearexpress.com/bcs/dr_bpw.shtml

I'm interested in the first package, with this configuration:
-Basic Hogalitarian
-1.5 in crotch strap
-Voyager 35lb wing
-DR TX Lite SS backplate
-2 tank straps

and thought about getting the 16lb quickbuckle weight system

the other package is this one:
DRIS Dive Gear 28lb BP/W System | Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL - Dive Right in Scuba

with
-Hog SS backplate
-2 metal tank straps
-STA
-Trianta Wing
-UTD DIR Harness


Thank you all for your time and sound advice!!

How much weight to you use today with a 7 mm wetsuit?

A 28 lb wing might be a bit small to float you, your gear and your weightbelt

 

[C Dub]

Yeah, check your weight, for my 7mm wetsuit set up with stainless BP, we ended up going with a 45lb wing. I was surprised that big of a wing was recommended, until they walked me through the math.

 

[eelnoraa]

So first, you definitely don't want the lite plate if you are diving in CA with 7mm wetsuit. Get a full weight SS plate, you may need more. Don't get 1.5" crotch strap. Get 2"

Between HOG and DR plate, the main different is the band. HOG is probably one of the the deepest band plate out there. DR plate, on the other had, is the one of flattest plate. For single tank, it translate how far the tank is aways from your back. Between the two, I prefer the deeper band of HOG.

STA is also a personal perference. I prefer STA to further putting the tank away from my back. If you want to go with no STA setup, I strongly suggest you take a look at DSS setup.

As for wing, personally, I don't like the shape of DR Voyager wing. It is too wide for what it is. So between your two choice, I will go for DRIS wing.

---------- Post added September 11th, 2014 at 05:32 PM ----------

I think 45lb for single tank is way too big. My double tank wing is 40lb and I dive drysuit. My single tank wing is 30lb, which I think is plenty enough to flow my head out of water on surface.

 

[Scubatude]

eelnoraa has a lot correct.

I wear a BP/W exclusively, it is all I rent and all my students were them during training in So Cal. When wearing the exposure protection required for So Cal, the stainless steel plate is a must, and a 32 pound wing is likely preferable to a 28 pound. A 45 is too much for a single tank in my opinion. You will need weight on top of that and I strongly recommend weights pockets MADE FOR A BP/W. The 2” crotch strap is right on and the use of an STA is highly recommended. I too prefer the bend of the HOG Backplate as well as the cut of the HOG wing. This is why I chose to sell the HOG BP/W and use only the HOGs for all my students and rentals.

If you would like to see the HOG take a look here, or feel free to contact me and come see it for yourself and try it on.
Here is a link to weight pockets and a Single Tank Adapter if you are interested.

I am very passionate about our So Cal dive community. Please let me know if I can help you in any way (regardless of what you buy and from who).

Robert

 

[scubadiver888]

+1 eelnora & +1 Scubatude

I dive a 7mm wetsuit. I have a 32 lb wing, steel plate, steel tanks, single tank adaptor (STA) but I wear a weight belt. I like to put my weight on a belt. So if I have to take my gear off the weight belt balances the buoyancy of my 7mm wetsuit. That is just me. When I'm diving 2.5mm wetsuit I use a 25 lb wing, aluminum plate, AL80 tanks, built in STA and I still wear weight belt.

 

[diversteve]

You might talk to Tobin at Deep Sea Supply in Pasadena also. https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=home
Their BP/W's have bolt on weights if needed.

He has a forum in our mfr's section also. Deep Sea Supply He's [user]cool_hardware52[/user]

 

[Colliam7]

I found these packages and it would be great if someone could let me know if this is all I'll be needing to get started.

https://www.divegearexpress.com/bcs/dr_bpw.shtml

I'm interested in the first package, with this configuration:
-Basic Hogalitarian
-1.5 in crotch strap
-Voyager 35lb wing
-DR TX Lite SS backplate
-2 tank straps

A reasonable package. I would opt for the XT standard SS plate - weighs more than the XT lite (6lb vs 2.6lb), which will be a benefit when diving a 7mm. As for a 1.5" or 2" crotch strap, I don't know that it makes much difference. I actually dive a 1" strap with doubles and a scooter, and it works just fine. A 35 lb wing should work well, but I agree with the advice to get a local consult.

 

[fnfalman]

Want a local consultation? Here it is: Halcyon Infinity with 30-lbs wing. Easy.