Upgrading my crappy Dacor Rig

[radinator]

I just got a whole BP/W/harness setup from Deep Sea Supply for $419, and it comes with a knife. "Six bills" is an exaggeration.

 

[dbg40]

I got the 6 bills + from a LDS who's pushing the hell out of them, his new line as of last week went for 675.00. I cant remember the brand but will get the info. If needed.To me, thats a rediculous price but seems to be talking new and trusting divers into them pretty easily as being the best and only one you will ever need. Again my point was to think first, research second ,and try some out before being talked into a costly possibly unnecessary purchace. which should be done with any gear.

 

[ghrousseau]

I've been diving for a few years and still pretty new at it (around 40 dives). I bought my own gear which included a Dacor Rig tech-looking BC. I wanted a heavy duty back inflation model and it looked perfect.

Well, not so perfect- the weight pockets like to drop out. The last one dropped out, I did an uncontrolled accent from 100 feet. That pissed me off so I cut off the weight pockets and now use a weight belt.

Without weight on the vest though, it rides up high and doesn't fit snugly.

I've seen a lot of discussion about the backplate/wings thing and it sounds pretty good. I want a secure, light, upgradeable, and simple setup.

Right now I only do single tank tropical dives in Hawaii, but I need to be able to gear up for southern california diving next year. I'll still do single tank dives, but will be using a dry suit and plan to explore the kelp beds and also some non-penetration wreck diving.

What setups should I be looking at?

When I first was certified I used a Seatec Horse Collar BC and a plastic backpack with a single 72 steel or Aluminum. I then moved up to BC's with weight integrated pockets and a rear mounted bladder. Recently I switched to a DiveRite SS backplate with DIR harness and a single tank adapter. I'm using a 45lb oms wing and love the setup. I was able to drop quite a bit of weight with a LP steel 95 and the backplate. You can wear weight in the integrated pockets, but I prefer 10lbs on a belt. I think you will find that the backplate will be the most comfortable in the water. Also you can dive a DIR configuration and expand the setup if you get more technical with the wreck diving.

 

[Randy43068]

I have a RIG-II and experience the same problem with the weight pouches falling out. While diving I find that I'm always checking them because I can't trust them not to fall out. I lost one once just before decending luckely was recovered by another diver who just happened to be close by. I like the RIG BC other than the way the pouches are held in. It's heavy duty and has all the stuff that I need for the time being. There was an article in Scuba Diving a few years ago suggesting that one replace the Velcro on that type of BC as it ages. I'm thinking of sewing some kind of buckle system to it.. it has to be fairly easy to release, however. One of these days I'm going to get the BP and wing, just can't afford it at the moment.

 

[Randy43068]

One more thing...
I now use a weight belt and don't have much weight in the pouches. I've done lots of drills getting the belt off. I release it and pull it free (if needed) with my left hand to let it drop.

Can't wait to get a BPW setup with steel tank. Maybe I won't need any weight then.. or very little.

 

[ppo2_diver]

I also had a Dacor Rig Pro. I had not problems with the weight pouches, and when I used the crotch strap, it didn't ride up much either. I made the switch to a real BP/W early last year and I love it. I kept the SS backplate that came with the rig pro, took off the crappy harness it came with and replaced it with a one piece harness (DIR style). I replaced the bladder with a Dive Rite Rec wing for single tanks and an OMS double bladder wing for my double steel 120's.